1. Calvin was very talented when it came to business and finance, and it was only natural that he would strike it rich when he invested in the stock market on Wall Street.
2. Carol was just trying to get a photograph of the actor, but she struck it rich when he asked her if she wanted an exclusive interview, too.

Synonym: hit pay dirt , hit the jackpot. The expression originated with the idea of miners discovering precious minerals, but it is also used as a metaphor to describe finding anything of value.