Jeff Ricketts

John Joseph "Joe" Ricketts is an American businessman whose entrepreneurial journey began in the mid‑1970s when he and a small group of partners invested $12,500 each to launch First Omaha Securities, a venture that would eventually evolve into the financial powerhouse TD Ameritrade. Born and raised in Nebraska City, Nebraska, he earned a BA from Creighton University in 1968 before immersing himself in the world of securities, demonstrating a keen ability to navigate market fluctuations and leverage emerging technologies. Over the decades he expanded his portfolio far beyond finance, founding High Plains Bison in 2004 to supply premium bison meat, establishing The American Film Company in 2008 to produce historically‑based cinema such as The Conspirator, and launching multiple digital news platforms including DNAinfo.com and Straight Arrow News. In 2009 the Ricketts family entered the sports arena by acquiring a controlling interest in the Chicago Cubs, a move that culminated in a historic 2016 World Series title, ending a 108‑year drought for the franchise. Ricketts’ philanthropic endeavors are equally extensive, ranging from The Ricketts Art Foundation to the Opportunity Education Foundation, reflecting his commitment to education, conservation, and cultural enrichment. A lifelong Republican, he has been active in political advocacy through initiatives like Campaign for Primary Accountability and the Ending Spending Super PAC, often employing his considerable wealth to influence public policy. Despite controversies—including leaked emails in 2019 that sparked criticism—Ricketts has publicly apologized and continued his charitable work. Today he resides in Hoback Basin, Wyoming, and remains a prominent figure in business, philanthropy, and American sports ownership, with an estimated net worth exceeding $4 billion.