Everyone knows the name of the "boy wonder" named Charles Schwab. Often referred to as Chuck, we have had the pleasure of really getting to know him better, since the mid-eighties. This revolutionist, so to speak has forever changed how we view investing.

Before Schwab, Wall Street seemed to be like a Golden Palace, unreachable and located in a secret locale in New York. Everyone who had money needed a broker, because by the time the PBS news came on at 6 pm, the news on the street was old. The traders had already absorbed the news of the overseas merger or a strike here in American. Schwab's practical approach was to allowing the customer to be their own investor, while offering investment consultation. When people laughed at him for the idea of online investing and giving the client control, he proved them all wrong. Now just about every brokerage offers this service.

Unlike many other brokerage houses, Schwab the CEO is on the frontline. When there was a market correction in October 1987, he bought the company back from Bank of America, and when layoffs occurred, Schwab merged to the forefront and did not stammer in face of harsh critics. People feel like they know Charles Schwab, and when rumors flew that he was going to be Treasury Secretary, a newfound interest emerged concerning this pioneer.

Charles Schwab legacy will always be filled with wonder. He has dominated Online Brokerage and now he is on his way to creating a financial conglomerate similar to Citigroup. We salute you Chuck for being a rebel and brilliant.

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