John Calamos Sr. had an early interest in money management and founded his own investment firm back in 1977.
He was convinced that his focus on risk management, driven by his research into the unique characteristics of convertible bonds, could provide long-term investment performance.
His expertise was quickly proven, but convertible bonds were an obscure and complicated investment that most people knew little about. Calamos worked hard to educate people on their value, appearing on panels, writing articles and penning his first book on the subject in 1988.
Calamos knew that demonstrating superior performance over time would set his small firm apart from others in the industry. Using the core convertible expertise, he expanded the business across asset classes including equity, high yield and alternative strategies.
His success goes beyond formulas and statistics. Integrating family members into the business has been key, as has providing growth opportunities for employees. His nephew joined the company right out of college and is now the co-chief investment officer, and John Calamos Jr. has been involved in the company for 20 years.
The investment team is entirely homegrown. The growth of the firm has made it possible for a series of bright young people to join the firm as analysts, add value and be promoted up through the organization.
“Creativity and innovation have been key elements of our success,” Calamos Sr. says. “Our management team is dedicated to contributing to the environment and supporting the culture for human capital to flourish.”
Calamos Asset Management was ranked as the second fastest growing business in Chicago in 2005.
How to reach: Calamos Asset Management, www.calamos.com