A Most Improbable Millionaire

Within ten minutes of talking to Jim Schmit, you’ll learn that he has a Teacup Yorkie named Gidget, he drives a rare Doval Shadow, he rides a road bike for exercise, he lost his $50 million real estate empire following the 2009 economic recession, and he might be the most authentically happy person you may ever meet.
At one time, he traveled by private jet socializing with international celebrities while wearing tailor-made suits and shiny gold jewelry. Now, Jim makes business calls from a public picnic table by the San Clemente pier and chats with strangers walking by while wearing a tattered, spandex cycling outfit. He may also be found based in his motor coach in central Oregon or near Lake Tahoe wearing walking shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. With him always are a yellow pad, pen, mobile phone, and Gidget.

I’m the happiest guy I know, and I can’t rub two nickels together, Jim says, amused with himself. And he sincerely means it.
One may interpret Jim’s amusement with his ragtag situation as a revelation. He openly admits that he’s happier now living a simpler life, free from managing dozens of businesses, maintaining seven homes, and controlling countless collections. It is also quite possible that Jim is amused with his current state of affairs because of the projects he has underway that may leave him even wealthier than before.
The truth is, no matter what he does or doesn’t have, where he is or isn’t, or who has or hasn’t been good to him, Jim Schmit has a gift. He sees the positive in life and lives each day indisputably content. The life of Jim Schmit is a lesson in happiness and this book is his case study.