About the Chief Fiscal Investor: Jon Knotts
My enthusiasm for the economy and financial markets surpasses my enjoyment of a good book, movie, or almost anything else! I am truly captivated by the intricate workings of the economy, financial markets, and money management. This passion runs so deep that I have been known to forgo meals as I delve into understanding these dynamics. It has become a way of life for me.
My journey began during my childhood, working long hours on a farm and later at a local grocery store. It was in these formative years that my interest in investing sparked, leading me to purchase stocks. My fervor was undeniable when I even skipped school during the 1987 stock market sell-off to witness the market’s meltdown and seize potential investment opportunities. This was a time when electronic trading hadn’t yet taken hold, and despite my order being filled at a price 60% higher two days later, it didn’t dampen my passion for the process and the immense potential of the financial markets.
After college, I embarked on a decade-long adventure as a stockbroker, working with various penny stock firms before finding my footing at a reputable company. As a child from the farmland of Indiana, I wear the label of being “the most open-minded redneck investor” with pride. During my college years, I pursued a Master’s Degree in Financial Markets and Trading, humorously calling it a degree in Financial Engineering. Fueled by ambition, my wife and I took a bold step, quitting our jobs and emptying our 401(k)s to chase the dream of internet riches in Silicon Valley.
Unfortunately, our timing aligned with the dot-com bust in 1999. However, fortune smiled upon me as I found a position at Prophet.net, an internet firm specializing in Technical Analysis, led an esteemed top expert in the field of Technical Analysis. It proved to be a remarkable success, built on robust and intelligent views of Technical Analysis. After the birth of our first child, we returned to Chicago, where I joined Zacks Investment Research. There, I had the privilege of learning from a brilliant mathematician, delving into Quantitative and Fundamental Analysis. For over two decades, I played a crucial role in managing the Zacks.com website, responsible for product management and operations. I have a genuine passion for developing products that investors can comprehend and utilize. Zacks earned a reputation as a leading independent research firm, and both Prophet.net and Zacks.com significantly shaped my growth as a Fiscal Investor. Additionally, I possess expertise as a Scrum Master, employing Agile Technology principles not only in building excellent products but also in applying them to financial management. Focusing on developing products or services with immediate value and adaptability to changing circumstances is a sound strategy for any Fiscal Investor.
In the aftermath of the Great Recession triggered by COVID, the rampant inflation resulting from excessive monetary stimulus, and other consequential factors, I made the decision to embark on a mission of teaching Financial Literacy to Everyone. It is my heartfelt desire for everyone to share my passion for the markets and understand the immense potential they hold when coupled with the right education and discipline. I often employ the metaphor of the Tree of Life to illustrate the principles of investing, emphasizing the benefits of knowledge and discipline when aligned with excellent traits and investments. By following this path, individuals can truly flourish as Fiscal Investors.
Let’s embark on this journey of becoming Fiscal Investors together. Start by reading the guide and signing up for the Giant Sequoia experience!
The Great Sequoia!
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