The 10-Minute Millionaire is another of my team success stories. There are people who I’ve worked with for decades in the trading and investing world and I stand on their shoulders. That background has combined with the talented people who helped to make this book project a reality to produce an end result that is – once again – greater than the sum of its parts. And because of that, it’s certainly much more useful and enjoyable than anything I could have done on my own.
Mike Ward is brilliant. He is the founder and publisher of Money Map Press, and is an amazing idea man and gifted marketer. When it comes to understanding the complex synthesis of people, publishing, and financial markets – Mike is without peer. This book project is his brainchild, right down to the title. Mike, thanks for your support, your guidance, and your leadership. And most of all, thanks for being such a great friend for more than decade.
Bill Patalon is a selfless genius. His vision is what makes this book what it is today.
When it comes to communicating any topic, Bill can find both the key concept and the hidden nuggets of gold scattered about and turn them into a glorious unified whole that trips lightly off the tongue. I had a bunch of ideas. Bill culled them and massaged them and created a continuity of message that will both resonate and be useful for many a reader. I have never had the honor to work so closely with a man who has such tenacity and talent. I’ve made friends in numerous ways before, but jumping directly into the trenches with Bill has been one of the most satisfying befriending experiences I’ve ever had. Bill, from the bottom of my heart, thanks for the many long nights, the even more numerous brilliant insights, and for pouring a large chunk of yourself into this book. I’ll continue to treasure our weekly market-review phone calls for as long as you’re willing to have them.
I met Andrew Greta two full years ago. We hit it off immediately. Andrew has an amazing combination of abilities – he can conceptualize ideas at a high level and dig into the nitty-gritty details. A rare medley of skills. Andrew had the unenviable task of pulling more information out of me than I knew was in there. His creative, editorial, and analytical inputs were indispensable during this project. Andrew, thanks for all your contributions, both large and small (and there were lots of both). I deeply appreciated your calm and accepting demeanor no matter what chaos was going on around you. And I look forward to collaborating on many projects with you in the future.
Every project has unsung heroes. Terry Weiss has shown his leadership in so many ways through this process. A key player in the structuring (and re-structuring) of the book, his guidance has been felt in many ways. Terry, I really appreciate your nonstop encouragement, your positive leadership, and your foresight for all of the possibilities from here.
Stephanie Bills probably didn’t expect to see her name here. But without her steady and skilled hand at the helm of my trading newsletter, I could not have given as much attention to this book. Steph – it’s been a joy watching you develop your skills and talents. Thanks for having my back. And I’m looking forward to bringing all the new projects we have on our plate to fruition.
Truly insightful concepts are hard to find. So when I needed a really big unifying story for this book, I went to the most exceptional mind that I know. Meg Barton is my daughter, but I thank the Good Lord that she got her smarts and her looks from her mom. She has more ability in her pinky than most people have in their whole bodies. Early in the writing process, I was stuck trying to find an example that would tie the book together, a concept that would readily describe the importance of preparation in being able to do things efficiently. I gave the problem to Meg. She is the researcher who found the story of Huck’s Defeat and so elegantly tied it into the importance that 10 minutes can play in our lives. Meg – you make me proud. Thanks for pulling together the key story for the book. You’re amazing and I love you. I can’t wait to see what you do next.
My son, Josh, was helping with this book before he even knew it. In high school and college he taught himself how to code. So when I needed some programming work, I asked if he’d like to learn a new programming language. He quickly agreed. So Josh is the guy who turned all of the trading rules into lines of code for much of the really deep research that I did long before I started using the 10-Minute Millionaire strategy in real time. Josh is not doing much programming now: he’s in the first year of his MD/PhD track at medical school. Josh – I love you and you make me proud. Thanks for your meticulous programming and research work that helped refine and simplify the 10-Minute Millionaire strategy.
I know you’re ready to change the world and I can’t wait to watch you do it.
There are lots of people who can do detailed technical work at a very high level. And there are those who can think strategically and really understand the big picture. But there are precious few who can do both. Fortunately, I married one of the precious few. Cathie Barton has been my best friend, my spiritual lighthouse, and the most fun person to be around since the day we met (the day before college classes started our freshman year). She is the mom to two amazing children (see the preceding). She’s also a PhD civil/environmental engineer and a global leader in issues management. But all of that is easy compared to putting up with me, especially during a project. Yet Cathie has always been the voice of reason and the consultant I most trust to ask about any of the tough questions during the book writing process. Cathie, thanks for sharing insights, problem solving, and helping me stay focused on the right thing. In you, God has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams.
My dad is featured in several stories throughout this book. That’s because he has always been and continues to be the man I most admire. I need look no further for a model of integrity, of how to be a good dad to your children and of how to have fun, enjoy life, and still keep yourself centered. My dad has provided me with encouragement and inspiration throughout this process. Dad, thanks for showing me the way instead of just telling me the way. If everyone had a dad like you, this world would be a much better place.
My brother, Douglas Barton, has always been there for me throughout the project to help research and conceptualize ideas. Douglas has a great knowledge of the financial markets, which he shares with his banking clients, my dad, and me. Many of the things that he worked on have been saved for later publication, but I am grateful for his contributions and willingness to help.
There is a whole host of people who have taught me invaluable lessons about the financial markets.
I met Dr. Van K. Tharp at one of his seminars two decades ago. He taught me so much about the psychology of trading, risk management, and many other topics directly and indirectly related to the markets. We started a seminar company together, wrote a book together, and taught together. Van and I have kept and grown our friendship through trying times and triumphant times and his work continues to inspire me.
Christopher Castroviejo is one of the most interesting and intelligent people I know. A veteran market insider, Christopher has taught me much about the inner workings of Wall Street and the markets. We’ve given hundreds of financial training sessions together, taught thousands, and worked in the hedge fund world together. Christopher is a true friend and we continue to talk about the markets every day.
I have admired Marc Chaikin’s work for decades. Marc is an incredible thinker and student of the markets. He’s been a good friend for decades. And I still learn from him every single time we talk.
Brad Martin was a floor trader in Chicago for 20 years. He teamed up with me to design and teach trading seminars for half a dozen years. He shared much of what he knows with me about how floor trading works, about short-term trading, and was a naturally gifted teacher for our students.
Dr. Chris Szymanski helped me write through a section of the book that we ending up saving for later publication. Chris is a caring friend who is a fine trader and top-notch thinker.
All of us involved in the project would like to thank Tula Weis at John Wiley & Sons and her team for their wonderful help. Tula has been the steady, guiding hand throughout this project.
Unlike the lawns I mowed as a teen, the process of writing a book doesn’t always play out in straight lines. But there’s still that same great feeling of achievement when the job is done. Especially when you know