Market Wizards:
Randy McKay
In 1970, I returned from a tour in Vietnam. Since I didn't finish school before I left for Vietnam, I needed a job that would allow me to go to school at the same time. My brother, Terry, was a floor broker on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He got me a job as a runner on the floor, which allowed me to work in the morning, attend school in the afternoon, and study in the evening. I worked as a runner for a couple of years with absolutely no intention of getting into this business. I was studying to be a clinical psychologist. Just as I was finishing college, in 1972, the CME launched a subdivision, the International Monetary Market to trade currencies. When the exchange started the IMM division, they sold seats for only $10,000 in an effort to try to get bodies into these new trading pits and gave away free seats to all existing members. As a member, my brother had no particular need for this seat at the asked me if I'd like to use it in the interim. He gave me the use of the seat and lent me $5,000. I put $3,000 in the bank to pay my living expenses, and used the $2,000 for my trading account.
The New Market Wizards by Jack Schwager
McKay was originally profiled in the New Market Wizards.
