The day I first set foot on the floor of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, I knew my life’s calling — I had to make the adrenaline rush of the markets a daily event. Although my visit was brief, the wheels started turning the instant I left. How could I make a career as a trader happen?

This inspiration took place in 1989 as I was completing an MBA. I was determined to get my foot in the door, so I commuted several hours a day to make $5 an hour as a runner on the Chicago Board of Trade. Although my wife didn’t understand why an MBA would want to stoop to such levels, she supported me.