Book SummaryThe Gambler, by William C. Rempel

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Gambler

Kerkorian's rise to prominence in the corporate sector had its foundations in his early life experiences.

Rempel's narrative portrays Kerkorian's ascent from humble beginnings to becoming an embodiment of the classic success story, transitioning from a state of poverty to one of significant wealth in America. Kerkorian's early struggles with poverty, his natural inclination towards entrepreneurial activities, and his willingness to take calculated risks laid the foundation for his extraordinary success in various industries.

Kerkorian's upbringing and his family's heritage

Kerkorian's formative years, marked by financial struggles, limited resources, and frequent moves, shaped his determination and resilience. He was instilled with a profound dedication to hard work, family loyalty, and a natural inclination towards taking risks, a legacy passed down from ancestors who had emigrated from Armenia.

Upon his arrival in California as a youthful newcomer, he acquired English by engaging with the community members.

Born to Armenian immigrant parents in the modest surroundings of Fresno, California, Kerkorian's beginnings were a stark contrast to the opulent lifestyle he would later adopt. Kasper, his grandfather, departed from the Ottoman Empire in 1890 and set out for the United States, driven by the prospect of a brighter future. Kerkorian's father, Ahron, came to the United States in the years that followed. He chased the American dream in California, starting with a modest fruit distribution business and eventually amassing considerable wealth from vineyards during the period when World War I was taking place.

Ahron's period of financial prosperity was fleeting. Kerkorian's early life was marked by financial struggles, prompting his family to relocate to Los Angeles during the economic downturn of the 1920s. Kerkorian deeply understood the unpredictability of luck and the essential need for adaptability through his experiences with such situations. Upon arriving in Southern California, Kerkorian, who only spoke Armenian, had to learn English by engaging with the varied population of Los Angeles, adding to the challenges of his initial experiences.

Kerkorian endured a childhood marked by economic uncertainty and numerous relocations.

The narrative underscores the family's perpetual risk of homelessness due to the father's erratic financial successes. Kerkorian often had to adapt to new surroundings, which repeatedly placed him in the position of being a newcomer within different groups. The difficult beginnings of the boy's life cultivated an extraordinary fortitude and a deep-seated appreciation for independence. Rempel illustrates the emergence of Kerkorian's steadfast character during this period. Despite his unassuming looks and small stature, he consistently demonstrated a strong resolve and the capacity to confront and surmount significant obstacles.

After completing the eighth grade, he abandoned his formal schooling and soon demonstrated an innate aptitude for business activities.

Kerkorian finished his formal education after the eighth grade. His educational journey was frequently disrupted due to the many moves his family made, prompting him to abandon traditional schooling in pursuit of practical learning opportunities. Kerkorian embarked on an entrepreneurial path at a young age, despite lacking formal credentials, and demonstrated an innate aptitude in commercial ventures. Rempel emphasizes Kerkorian's shrewdness in commercial ventures, illustrating how he would buy second-hand vehicles, enhance their condition, and subsequently sell them at an increased price for profit.

Kerkorian embarked on his early ventures and adventures during his youth.

Kerkorian's formative years were marked by a continuous quest for temporary employment and trials that honed his ingenuity and dedication to labor. Rempel underscores that Kerkorian honed his commercial instincts through a diversity of pursuits, from selling newspapers to participating in boxing as a sport.

He undertook various odd jobs to ensure the financial support of his relatives.

In his early years and as a teenager,...

The Gambler Summary Kerkorian's significant commercial endeavors encompassed a range of monetary contributions.

Rempel chronicles the transformation of a humble businessperson into a major player in the American corporate scene. Rempel highlights the diverse economic endeavors of Kerkorian, spanning the aviation, hospitality, and movie sectors, illustrating his inclination for substantial risks and his knack for recognizing undervalued assets.

Capital was directed towards the industry involved in producing airplanes and providing aviation services.

Kerkorian's success in the charter airline business further intensified his deep-seated enthusiasm for the sector of air travel. His enthusiasm for flying influenced his approach to investing, prompting him to secure ownership in major airlines and to chase innovative ideas with the potential to revolutionize the industry.

He oversaw the administration and possessed the controlling interest in Trans International Airlines.

As Kerkorian's business grew, he recognized the need to augment his collection of aircraft and to adopt a more global outlook. His ambition to compete with premier airlines culminated in the rebranding and expansion of Los Angeles Air Service, which he renamed Trans International Airlines (TIA), indicating a...

The Gambler Summary Kerkorian's private matters, social relationships, and charitable activities.

Rempel sheds light on the lesser-known facets of Kerkorian's life, emphasizing his tendency to avoid the limelight, his strong relationships with family and friends, and his substantial philanthropic donations.

Personal relationships

Kerkorian conducted his business dealings actively but always kept his personal life under wraps. Rempel illuminates Kerkorian's three marriages, highlighting his steadfast commitment to Una Davis and his profound affection for his children, thereby emphasizing the importance of family connections and loyalty in his life.

His spouses included Hilda Schmidt, Jean Maree Hardy, and Lisa Bonder.

Kerkorian married Hilda Schmidt, whom he had met during his pilot training, in 1942. Their union dissolved in 1951, having endured for a duration of nine years. In 1954, he wed Jean Maree Hardy, a dancer whom he met while in Las Vegas. They were blessed with a nearly three-decade-long marriage, throughout which they experienced the happiness of raising two daughters named Tracy and Linda.

Kerkorian's brief 1999 union with Lisa Bonder, an ex-tennis pro, spanned a mere thirty days and aimed to affirm his fatherhood of Kira Rose, whom he at first...