Hey Traders,

A quarter century ago, to the day, early on a beautiful fall morning, I hustled out of the American Stock Exchange.

I trotted three blocks west on Albany St. over to West St. in downtown Manhattan. There were rumors on the trading floor that a plane hit one of the Twin Towers, which seemed impossible.

I stood there, just south of the Liberty Street foot bridge, one block from the towers, in disbelief. Among a canyon of buildings, looking at the smoke and fire pouring out of the north tower.

Then the most terrifying noise I’ve ever heard roared above. It reverberated back and forth off the buildings amplifying it to a deafening degree. Before I could make sense of the sound, a giant fireball burst out of the south tower.

You’ve all seen the footage.

My life flashed before my eyes that day as nearly 3,000 others had theirs taken just around the corner.

A quarter century.

It was a lifetime ago.

I was just a 22 year old kid learning how to trade options. That next spring I got my membership to the American Stock Exchange. 5 years and 6 days later, I married the love of my life (celebrating 20yrs next week).

We moved west to Chicago and I got my second membership, this time on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Then I learned how to trade off-floor.

We had three boys. I helped start a fund and raised a chunk of investor money. 13 years in that great city of Chicago.

Then I took time off to be with my boys. To really savor the time with them while they were young. Then we moved west again, to my dream state of Colorado. The land of endless outdoor adventures. Then I came back to trading. This time with a twist. I get to share what I’m doing.

A quarter century.

Feels like a lifetime. So many things have changed over the years. In life, in technology, in markets.

I’m often reminded by the old saying “No matter where you go. There you are.“

So much has changed. I may be trading my own capital now. I may be out in Colorado. But I'm still the same trader I was back in my 20s on the Amex. Observant, patient, willing to wait for a good setup, looking for the things others aren't seeing. I still love geeking out with spreadsheets and talking markets with anyone and everyone.

You've likely moved too. Different jobs, different states, and maybe you've moved around in your trading as well, trying one strategy and then another, looking for the one that finally clicks.

Before I ever traded a single contract, a mentor told me to seek out strategies that complement my personality.

Think back on what you've been best at, in markets or anywhere else, and I'd bet it ties straight back to who you already are.

That's the good news living in the old saying. Wherever you end up, you get to bring the best parts of yourself with you.

Twenty five years on from that morning in downtown NYC, the kid from the Amex floor is still right here, happily looking at options screens. I'm grateful for every one of those years.

Enjoy the Journey,

Tim