At the CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange) I learned about the futures markets. It was clear to me that actively managed alternative strategies were the best way to manage money for consistent long term. In 2002, Thomas Schneeweis contacted me about a group of alternative investment industry leaders who were creating a designation dedicated to the Alternative Investment world. At that time, the alternative space was missing educational outlets and opportunities to analyze the quality of an individual’s experience. I believed in the mission. I believe that alternative investments will soon be categorized as “mainstream”. These styles are the future of investing.  The CAIA provides the cutting edge education in this space.