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Billionaire Profile
J
Global Rank
#417

Image: United States. Congress. Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891 Thomas, George Henry, 1816-1870 Pope, John, 1822-1892 Foster, John G. (John Gray), 1823-1874 Pleasanton, A. J. (Alfred J.), 1824-1897 Hitchcock, Ethan Allen, 1798-1870 Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888 Ricketts, James B. (James Brewerton), 1817-1887 Wiard, Norman, 1826-1896 United States. Congress (39th, 1st session : 1865-1866). Senate | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

J. Joe Ricketts & family

CEO, TD Ameritrade
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$8.393B
Estimated based on TD Ameritrade stock value as of March 6, 2026
-0.25% (24h)
Age
84
Source
TD Ameritrade
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

John Joseph "Joe" Ricketts, born in Nebraska City, Nebraska, in 1941, is an American businessman and philanthropist. He is best known as the founder of TD Ameritrade, a pioneer in online trading. Ricketts took the company public in 1997 and served as its CEO and Chairman for many years. His career also includes experience at Dun & Bradstreet and Dean Witter. Beyond his business ventures, Ricketts and his family own the Chicago Cubs, which won the World Series in 2016. He is involved in philanthropy through various foundations, supporting education, conservation, and religious initiatives. Ricketts' net worth is estimated at $4.1 billion as of 2024, according to Forbes.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

John Joseph "Joe" Ricketts was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska, in 1941. He graduated from Creighton University in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in economics. He is married to Marlene Margaret Volkmer, and they have four children: Pete, Thomas, Laura, and Todd. The family resides in Hoback Basin, Wyoming.

Rise to Success

In 1975, Ricketts co-founded First Omaha Securities, a retail securities brokerage firm in Omaha, Nebraska. The firm later became Ameritrade, and he recognized the potential of negotiated commissions in the newly deregulated discount securities market. Under Ricketts' leadership, First Omaha Securities grew rapidly through innovative technology and marketing, evolving into TD Ameritrade. In 2020, Charles Schwab Corporation acquired TD Ameritrade for approximately $26 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Ricketts was a pioneer in using technology to revolutionize the financial services sector, empowering self-directed investors with innovative investment tools and training. His focus on online trading and negotiated commissions were key strategies that drove the growth of TD Ameritrade, making it a leader in the industry.

Philanthropy

Ricketts is involved in philanthropy through various foundations, including The Ricketts Art Foundation, Opportunity Education Foundation, The Cloisters on the Platte Foundation, and The Ricketts Conservation Foundation. His philanthropic efforts focus on education reform, Catholic-inspired retreats, and wildlife conservation.

Career Milestones

1975

Co-founded First Omaha Securities

Co-founded First Omaha Securities, which later became TD Ameritrade, a retail securities brokerage firm.

1982-2001

CEO of Ameritrade Holding Corp.

Served as CEO of Ameritrade Holding Corp.

1982-2008

Chairman of Ameritrade Holding Corp.

Served as Chairman of Ameritrade Holding Corp.

2009

Acquired Chicago Cubs

The Ricketts family acquired the Chicago Cubs through a family trust.

2016

Chicago Cubs World Series Win

The Chicago Cubs won the World Series.

2020

TD Ameritrade Acquired

Charles Schwab Corporation acquired TD Ameritrade.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Arts

The Ricketts Art Foundation

$X

Supports art-related causes.

Education

Opportunity Education Foundation

$X

Focuses on education reform.

Religion

The Cloisters on the Platte Foundation

$X

Supports a religious retreat center.

Conservation

The Ricketts Conservation Foundation

$X

Supports wildlife conservation.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Being honest, candid, and straightforward is the best way for a leader to achieve success."

Leadership Principles

Balance

Need balance in your life among work, family, and spirituality.

Hard Work

Happiness comes from hard work and overcoming challenges.

Education

Education is the essential catalyst to break the cycle of poverty and permit young people to participate in the free enterprise system that drives opportunity.

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