The Ricketts Family: A Legacy of Business, Sports, and Philanthropy

John Joseph “Joe” Ricketts, born on July 16, 1941, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, is a distinguished American businessman and philanthropist. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1968. In 1975, Ricketts co-founded First Omaha Securities, a retail securities brokerage firm that evolved into Ameritrade, later known as TD Ameritrade. Under his leadership, the company became a pioneer in online stock trading, revolutionizing the financial services sector. In 2006, TD Ameritrade acquired TD Waterhouse, and in 2019, Charles Schwab announced plans to acquire TD Ameritrade in a $26 billion deal. Ricketts retired from the board of directors of TD Ameritrade in 2011 but remained its largest individual shareholder.

Beyond his financial ventures, Ricketts has made significant contributions to various industries. In 2004, he founded High Plains Bison, a company specializing in natural bison meat products. The following year, he established The American Film Company, dedicated to producing feature films based on true stories from American history. In 2009, he launched DNAinfo.com, a digital news service covering neighborhood news in New York City and Chicago, which operated until 2017.

In October 2009, Ricketts and his family acquired a 95% controlling interest in the Chicago Cubs, a Major League Baseball team, and Wrigley Field. Under their ownership, the Cubs ended a 108-year championship drought by winning the World Series in 2016. Ricketts’ son, Tom Ricketts, serves as the chairman of the Cubs, while his other children—Pete, Laura, and Todd—are involved in various capacities within the organization.

Philanthropy is a cornerstone of the Ricketts family’s endeavors. Joe Ricketts has been involved in several philanthropic initiatives, including the Opportunity Education Foundation, which empowers teachers with research-backed resources to help students develop essential skills. He also funded the construction of The Cloisters on the Platte, a religious silent retreat center in Nebraska. Additionally, the Ricketts Art Foundation and the Ricketts Conservation Foundation reflect the family’s commitment to cultural and environmental causes.

In recent years, the Ricketts family has continued to expand their business and philanthropic ventures. In January 2023, Pete Ricketts was sworn in as a U.S. Senator from Nebraska, succeeding Ben Sasse. Prior to his Senate role, Pete served as the governor of Nebraska, further solidifying the family’s influence in both business and politics.

As of January 2025, Joe Ricketts’ net worth is estimated at $4.2 billion, placing him among the world’s wealthiest individuals. The Ricketts family’s diverse investments and philanthropic efforts underscore their significant impact across various sectors, from finance and sports to media and conservation.