“Money doesn’t make you happy. I now have $50 million, but I was just as happy when I had $48 million.” Arnold Schwarzenegger
Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t know who Arnold Schwarzenegger is? Some of us will say that he’s a famous actor from favorite movies like Terminator, Commando, and Predators. Others will refer to his very successful career as a bodybuilder, holding seven times the title “Мr. Оlуmріа”. And we’ll all be right. Also, Аrnоld Ѕсhwаrzеnеggеr іѕ а buѕіnеѕѕmаn and thе 38th Gоvеrnоr оf Саlіfоrnіа. Today, hе іѕ оnе оf thе wealthiest and most successful celebrities in the world with a net worth of $400 million.
Early life
Arnold was born in the Austrian village of Thal in 1947. When he was only 15 years old, he started working in the local gym. Three years later, assigned for the “Junior Mr. Europe” competition and took the first place. The love for sports grew over time, and at the age of 20, he won the “Mr. Universe” contest. The young Arnold became very passionate and dedicated to bodybuilding competitions. By the end of his sports career, he had won 5 “Mr. Universe” and 7 “Mr. Olympia” medals. Having started his professional career as an adolescent, he was working very hard for his fortune during his whole life, which is worth admiring.
Welcome to Hollywood
Many times Schwarzenegger was told he does not fit perfectly in the movie acting because of his Austrian accent. That wasn’t a reason for him not to try, so he took his first role in 1970 in Hercules. And as we know very well, that Hercules is cool because of his muscles, not because of his accent, right? So in 1984, he signs a contract for the Terminator movie, which brings to his bank account another $75,000. And that was just the beginning, because of the starring role in Terminator 3, he earned an enormous amount of $30 million. Those are some of the most significant movie projects of Arnold, but let’s not forget that there are many more roles like Predator, Commando, Twins, and End of Days, which contributed to his current net worth of $400 million. Currently, Arnold is an owner of a movie production company called Oak Productions, Inc.
Business flair from the early years
Only 22-years old, Schwarzenegger decided to move in The US with a total fortune of $27,000. Arnold spent $10 000 on real estate investment, and his first million was earned only one year after that. What talent! Arnold had a flair for business since he was very young. Acting in films was only one part of his income, and he never stopped himself from turning ideas into a working business. In 1968 Schwarzenegger saw a possibility in the bricklaying business, and he ran it together with his friend Franco Columbu. Later on, they invest a part of their profit into a mail-order business to sell bodybuilding and fitness equipment. We can only learn some outstanding practices from this epic man, and to admire every person who had the happiness to do some business with him. And let me surprise you one more time: in 1992 together with his wife, he opened a restaurant in Santa Monica, called Schatzi On Main, which he later sold in 1998.
In 2011, Arnold divorced his wife Maria Shriver, and his net worth has been estimated at approximately $400 million. During his whole life, the actor never stopped investing in any opportunity he considered promising. Arnold has spent his filming and bodybuilding money on businesses like real estate companies around the world, stocks, bonds, and privately controlled investments. He even has a joint publishing venture with Simon & Schuster. Arnold also treated himself properly by spending $38 million on a private Gulfstream jet. Thumbs up for his great and classy choice!
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s business proactivity doesn’t finish here. Yes, we’re fascinated, too! But those $400 didn’t fall from the sky for him, right? He has his festival, called Arnold’s Sports Festiva, held every year in Columbus, Ohio, since 1989. Fitness and bodybuilding coaches and sports fans from all over the world come together to share experience and motivation. The high interest for the festival and the potential business opportunity, transformed the event into a 3-day expo. It seems like when the actor is around, and the business is meant to be.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is an absolute inspiration whose life story gently makes us feel proud of him. We could learn many how-to life lessons from him and to admire his excellent sense for business, which today is responsible for the net worth of $400 million.
