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Trading Instructor

Roger Best

Equities and Power Trading Workshop Instructor

An Online Trading Academy Master Instructor and faculty member since 1999, Roger Best is an equities specialist who formerly traded for his own account on the largest trading floor in the western United States. He currently trades his personal account at his private trading office, and teaches periodically for Online Trading Academy.

Roger has been involved in the stock market since the age of 18, and holds Bachelor degrees in International Marketing and Business Law from the University of Washington Business School. He has taken a number of post-graduate courses in finance and investment and was founder, president and CEO of a highly successful asset management and consulting firm for 20 years, handling a total portfolio valued at over $100,000,000.

An expert in algorithmic order execution, Roger has consulted for “black box” system engineers and brings this unique scientific experiential perspective to every class. Over the years he has traded and taught on most of the leading direct access trading platforms, and is a frequent contributor of features and functionality to some of them. A veteran of the three most popular direct access trading styles — swing trading, momentum trading, and short term trading — Roger clearly describes and demonstrates these methods to his students. As he reduces complex trading strategies to their individual components, his students gain a solid foundation in basic concepts from which to develop their own multiple indicator trading techniques. “As educators and professional traders, one of the most important things we do for students is apply our collective experience to filter out the less valuable inefficient practices and focus on the more reliable ones.”

An authority on risk management, Roger has done extensive research in quantifying and managing trading risk factors. A stickler for trading discipline, he is quick to explain why discipline and risk management are so essential to success, and exactly how to achieve them — his students learn the art and science of trading defensively. Roger is an adamant proponent of the “immersion educational experience,” and possesses a passionate energy for teaching the trading business. He is quite well known for his willingness to stay after class, leaving no stone unturned, answering questions as long as students have the stamina and curiosity to remain.

What students are saying about Roger Best:

"Roger is a master teacher as well as an outstanding trader. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire week in class." Art H., August 2011

"Roger Best and the Professional Trader class has made me more confident, knowledgeable and experienced in executing my trading plan." Afshin P., August 2011

"Roger was very personable and kind to everyone - great sense of humor, great stories and fabulous information." Susan C., June 2011

"Roger is very gracious and patient. He would take whatever time was needed to adequately answer the questions presented to him without being frustrated." Bill G., June 2011

"OMG! He is the best at what he does! I would recommend anyone to take him...I truly learned so much from him, especially from his past experiences with trading!" Delia G., May 2011

"Roger has excellent delivery. He sprinkles humor and anecdotes, which make the class more interesting." Simon T., May 2011

"Roger was straight up in his approach, as well as forthcoming and sincere, very informative and extremely helpful. Roger is obviously a seasoned trading veteran. The ability to dialogue with him throughout the week was invaluable. If day trading is where you are headed this is the class for you." Ralph K., March 2011

"Roger's experience was very useful in answering questions we did not even ask. His knowledge on how the electronic systems works was very interesting in helping me understand the ‘inner-workings’ of the trading system." David L., February 2011

"Roger is a great instructor who genuinely wants his students to become successful traders and gave us the tools required to achieve that in the ‘Best’ way." Shawn M., December 2010

"Roger was a great instructor for the Pro Trader class; I found every part to be helpful and very informative. I started this week with a closed mindset on what trading was all about and have come to realize the benefit of Online Trading Academy, the training, instructors, and faculty." Tyson R., December 2010

"Once again, Mr. Best is an expert in this subject. He kept the subject matter interesting with stories of other traders' successes and failures. The class was personalized to my style of trading. I was able to ask a lot of questions. I received appropriate advice from him. I have been trading for 11 years. This type of trading is new to me. I believe that this course gives me an advantage with moving in and out of positions with a profit." Kenneth J., October 2010

"Roger Best is the BEST! I like the "simplicity" of his trading style; this encouraged me, and I can trade without getting overwhelmed with all the tools available to trade." Luz Z., October 2010

"I felt Roger knew everything!! I loved the way Roger answered all the questions I asked thoroughly. I enjoyed the class. It kept me interested and listening even though there was a lot of information." Connie H., September 2010

"You could use a few more like Roger. Anyone wanting to trade FOR PROFIT should absolutely take the Professional Trader class. If I had done this years ago, I would be zeros ahead. This course would eliminate a lot of rookie and experienced costly mistakes. Knowledge is power, and power creates money." Rick V., September 2010

"Roger is EXTREMELY knowledgeable and willing to share his knowledge." Gary H., September 2010

"Roger is excellent and added an additional dimension since this was my second time around. Good relevant stories, good attention. Overall a great class." John B., August 2010

"Not surprised Roger was instructor of the year!" Keith J., August 2010

"Mr. Best demonstrated a set of very highly developed trading skills, coupled with the ability to explain and transfer some of those skills to his students. Mr. Best is both a very knowledgeable individual as well as a extremely competent instructor." Jack L., August 2010

"Roger was an extremely well versed trader and instructor. Got the material across and added many valuable extras." Jeff F., June 2010

"Roger Best is an excellent person to teach and learn from. I did not know what to expect from Roger or the program. My respect for him as a person and a teacher grew each and every day. Roger is an outstanding person and an excellent instructor." Mike T., June 2010

"I really enjoyed the Instructor's teaching capacity and talent and also his attitude." Bala M., June 2010

"I liked the clarity of the instructor's delivery..... Roger is able to teach "concepts" and bring clarity to why things are the way they are...... his ability to explain what's behind the data was simply incredible. He is quite simply one of the best instructors I have ever run across and, trust me, I know. I have 3 degrees, including post grad, and lots of continuing education spanning 30 years. I, myself taught for several years at the university level. I am a conceptual thinker and he gave me a way to get there. I left with a better understanding of what the market really is and what drives it. I do not know if I will be successful quickly, but I leave knowing that I will....and even more important, because of Roger, when a loss occurs.... I will be able to figure out why." Merle B., April 2010

"Mr. Best has the unique Given talent of conveying complex infomation in the most simple way, by equating personal experiences with the subject being explained at the same time." Alfredo C., April 2010

"The tone that Roger set was respectful, professional, and calm. He nurtured an atmosphere of learning and enabled us to be immersed in the class from the moment we began each day until we left. I would love to have the opportunity to experience his expertise again." Melissa B., April 2010

"Great teacher! His depth of knowledge was amazing. I learned a lot from him and really enjoyed the class. He was very nice to all his students and took his time to explain everything." Jyoti C., March 2010

"Roger Best is one of the most charismatic and knowledgeable instructors I have ever had. I traveled all the way from Miami to take Pro Trader II with him and was not dissapointed. He was exactly as other Online Trading Academy instructors have described him and more. Bravo, Roger. The Minneapolis staff was super and went above and beyond to make me feel confortable. They even gave me a ride back to the airport on Friday. I am so glad I made the trip to take this course." Jeff M., February 2010

"Roger is fantastic. First of all, his personality really fits the role of a teacher and when he speaks, I am compelled to listen. Always fascinatin, I really enjoyed how he went into the psychology of trading and discipline that goes along with it. When it came to Trading itself, Roger was exceptional. I cannot wait until tomorrow." Loren T., January 2010

"Roger is a very fine instructor and a man of great dignity and humility. Good instructor with a documented history of successful trading. Ready to answer all questions with a thoughtful perspective. Roger saw the "big picture," and taught the class in that spirit." Steve L., January 2010

"Sequence and scope were excellent. Mr. Best knew exactly how to control the class and keep it upbeat. Mr. Best was very polite, sincere, humble and I felt great trust in all he said because of his past jobs and background." Susan P., December 2009

"Outstanding performance by instructor Roger Best. He showed total dedication to making each of us the best we could be for the time alloted. A terrific experience and a great intro to the art of trading. Thanks so much." John T., December 2009

"Roger is amazing, a fabulous instructor." Amy P., July 2009

"I am very impressed with Roger...what a knowledgeable, kind, friendly and generous instructor." Marlene N., June 2009

"Found Roger to be extremely entertaining, INSANELY KNOWLEDGEABLE- KEPT THE ATTENTION OF THE CLASS!" Craig L., June 2009

"Roger is an extremely knowledgeable instructor who is able to deliver the content in a professional way that provides a great learning experience for everyone in the class. He was able to provide answers to all questions and I feel extremely confident with new toolset before entering the market. Put simply, he is an excellent instructor." Maurice M., April 2009

"Roger demonstrated professional presentations, handled people professionally, and extended courtesy in keeping the class material moving." Daryl O., March 2009

"Roger has a complete understanding of the course material and is well equipped to teach it to others." James P., March 2009

"Roger is absolutely, without question one of the most knowledgeable instructors. His ability to cut to the core and demonstrate the process is exceptional. Roger is the best. The actual online trading and instructions were very good. Roger has great energy and is very good in keeping the class attention. His knowledge of the trading business makes the class most valuable." Floyd B., February 2009

"I thought Roger Best was just excellent! I am thoroughly and completely satisfied with this course. I couldn't have imagined better training." Michael M., January 2009

"Roger was so good I'm not even going to ramble about it. Already being a trader, I had a few holes in my game and I came to get what I needed. Roger had it...High quality entry points and the dicipline to pull the trigger and then get out at the end of the move." Bob A., January 2009

"I found Roger Best to be an excellent instructor overall. He was very thorough and analytical. I found his instructing style to be very conducive to teaching technical analysis. On a personal note, I also found him to be honest and straightforward. An all-around stand up guy." Marcus H., December 2008

"I felt the instructor was well knowledged in the course curriculum and had a great teaching style." James W., December 2008

"Roger is a great instructor. He answers all questions and treats all his students with kindness and respect. He keeps the class pace moving quickly enough to keep us on our toes but never leaves anyone without full understanding of the subject being discussed." Gail B., November 2008

"Roger is an incredible instructor and his depth of knowledge is amazing." Dave S., October 2008

"I felt privileged to be in Roger's class. Real world knowledge + his research + his experience with platform development = Fantastic." Andy S., October 2008

"The Depth of Roger's knowledge was fantastic. I've Never had a better more qualified Instructor... Ever, Not in School, Cisco Training, Real Estate, Hanggliding... Not ever. I'm simply blown away. This was the best Money I have Ever Spent. No Contest. Very Specifically, Roger has the ability to present the course without Bias. You'll know what his way is... you know other instructors tend to present the information, etc. The Real Value here is that Roger presents the Facts in all their forms and clearly defines when a recommendation is his. This allows us (the students) to analyze the information objectively and make up our own minds as to how to apply the information to our personal style. Also, Roger's 3 pillar approach to success is a great way for me to regulate my enthusiasm, limit my risk, and show measurable results. Awesome. Roger Rocks!" Shine R., September 2008

"Excellent teacher, dedicated and committed to every student." Lawrence C., May 2008

"Roger has been an excellent instructor. He has gone to great lengths to work with each student." David R., May 2008

"Again. Outstanding. Roger has great teaching and communication skills, and teaches Trading with knowledge, experience and passion." Chris K., April 2008

"I don't know, how can I best stress to you what an invaluable asset Roger is to this establishment. He is an absolute delight to learn from. He embodies all of the qualities that an outstanding teacher should have plus, and I have to say that in these days they are very hard to find. Depth of knowledge, combined with infinite patience, unwavering passion, commitment and dedication. One just can't help but feel the solidity of his integrity and the respect that he effortlessly can draw from the student as he inspires us and translates to us the seriousness of this business with its built-in fun. As his name already indicates, Roger is nothing but the Best, and I am going to miss his inspiring presence. " Jane G., April 2008

"Mr. Best clearly conveyed class material, and with passion! He was knowledgeable, obviously super-qualified, and always helpful." Michael R., April 2008

"I thought Roger really knew what he was talking about. He knew the answer to almost all the questions we asked and explained the answer with great detail. How he presented the material was very easy to understand in my opinion, and I have learned WAY more than I expected in these three days." Mike F., March 2008

"I felt Mr. Best was EXTREMELY well qualified and he communicated very difficult concepts in an articulate and supportive manner. He was very patient with the class, and took time to clarify necessary issues. I was VERY pleased with my experiences with him as an instructor and will be recommending the class friends who are considering trading based on my classroom experiences here. Please thank him for all his help." Craig U., February 2008

"I would rate Roger among the top 5 instructors I've ever had including undergraduate, graduate and extension courses." Maury S., February 2008

"Roger is a great teacher for trading, with the know-how experience to back up his words. He never seems cocky or unbelievable in any of his examples about his own trading and is an excellent person for the job." Lane B., September 2007

"Roger did another superb job communicating the material. His passion comes through to the students." Randy S., Dec. 2005

"Roger's a great instructor. I would describe him as a father figure...someone I feel I can learn from and feel comfortable asking questions of." T. Kelly, June 2005