Joe Ricketts A Pioneer in Finance and Philanthropy
Joe Ricketts is an American businessman and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to the world of finance and education. He is the founder of TD Ameritrade, one of the largest online brokerage firms in the United States. He has also been a major benefactor of Opportunity Education, a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities to students in low-income communities.
Early Life and Career
Joe Ricketts was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska, in 1947. He graduated from Creighton University in 1968 with a degree in economics. After college, he worked as a securities trader for several years before co-founding First Omaha Securities in 1975. First Omaha Securities was a small brokerage firm that specialized in trading stocks and options.
In 1993, Ricketts founded Ameritrade, an online brokerage firm that allowed investors to trade stocks, options, and mutual funds electronically. Ameritrade was one of the first online brokerage firms, and it quickly became one of the most popular. The company went public in 1997 and was acquired by TD Bank in 2006 for $2.9 billion.
Philanthropy
Ricketts is a major philanthropist who has donated millions of dollars to a variety of causes. He is the founder of the Opportunity Education Foundation, which provides educational opportunities to students in low-income communities. The foundation has helped to create over 300 charter schools and has provided scholarships to over 20,000 students.
Ricketts is also a supporter of the arts and education. He is the founder of the Ricketts Art Foundation, which supports visual and performing arts organizations in Nebraska. He is also a trustee of the Creighton University Board of Trustees.
Personal Life
Ricketts is married to Marlene Ricketts, and they have four children. He currently resides in Hoback Basin, Wyoming.
Joe Ricketts is a self-made man who has achieved great success in business and philanthropy. He is a pioneer in the world of finance, and he has made a significant impact on the lives of thousands of students through his philanthropic work. He is an inspiration to entrepreneurs and philanthropists around the world.
Additional Information
- Official Website: https://www.joericketts.com/
- Official Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/585148393/
- Net Worth: $2.7 billion (as of 2019)
- Social Media Presence:
- Instagram: @joericketts
- Twitter: @JoeRicketts
- Facebook: @JoeRicketts
Joe Ricketts: A Life of Innovation and Giving
Joe Ricketts’ entrepreneurial spirit has been evident throughout his life. In 1975, he co-founded First Omaha Securities, a brokerage firm that specialized in trading stocks and options. This venture laid the foundation for his most notable accomplishment – the founding of Ameritrade in 1993. Ameritrade was one of the first online brokerage firms, and it quickly revolutionized the financial industry by making investing accessible to a wider range of individuals.
Ricketts’ foresight and innovation extended beyond the realm of finance. He recognized the potential of digital media and in 2005, he launched DNAinfo.com, a hyperlocal news website. DNAinfo quickly became a popular source of news and information for millions of people across the United States.
Despite his impressive business achievements, Ricketts’ most profound impact lies in his philanthropic endeavors. He established the Opportunity Education Foundation in 2005 to provide educational opportunities to students from underserved communities. The foundation has played a pivotal role in expanding access to quality education and empowering young people to reach their full potential.
Ricketts’ commitment to education extended beyond the United States. In 2008, he founded the Cloisters on the Platte, a retreat center in Nebraska that provides a space for spiritual reflection and personal growth. The Cloisters has welcomed people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of community and promoting peace and harmony.
Ricketts’ philanthropic legacy extends to the arts and conservation. He established the Ricketts Art Foundation to support visual and performing arts organizations in Nebraska. Additionally, he founded the Ricketts Conservation Foundation to protect the natural environment, particularly in the western United States.
Throughout his life, Joe Ricketts has embodied the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and philanthropy. His contributions to the financial industry, the media landscape, and the lives of countless individuals have left an indelible mark on the world. Ricketts’ legacy serves as an inspiration to those who strive to make a positive impact on society.
