Early Life and Education
John Joseph "Joe" Ricketts was born and raised in Nebraska City, Nebraska. He graduated from St. Bernard's Academy in Nebraska City in 1959. Ricketts earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1968.
Rise to Success: TD Ameritrade
In 1975, Ricketts, along with a few partners, invested $12,500 each to start First Omaha Securities, a retail securities brokerage firm. This firm, through strategic mergers and acquisitions, evolved into Ameritrade and later became TD Ameritrade. Ricketts served as CEO from 1982 to 2001 and as Chairman from 1982 to 2008. He recognized the potential of negotiated commissions and embraced technology, transforming the brokerage into a leading online platform. TD Ameritrade was acquired by Charles Schwab Corporation in 2020 for $26 billion.
Key Business Strategies and Ventures
Ricketts's business acumen extended beyond TD Ameritrade. He founded High Plains Bison in 2004, a natural bison meat retailer, and The American Film Company in 2008, which produces films based on true American stories. In 2009, his family acquired a 95% controlling interest in the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field.
Philanthropy
Joe Ricketts and his family are also known for their philanthropy through various foundations, including the Opportunity Education Foundation, The Cloisters on the Platte Foundation, The Ricketts Conservation Foundation, and The Ricketts Art Foundation.