NIBA - Celebrating 35 Years
Back to Journal
Member Announcements

KCOE-ISOM (Paragon Investments) Congratulates NIBA's 30th Anniversary

N
Written by
NIBA
Published
Reading time
3 min
“Paragon Investments, Inc. looks quite differently compared to my humble beginnings back in 1998 in which I was operating out of the basement of my home. At that time I was a very young, eager, newly licensed broker in search of an identity and a business plan. My business model was very similar to many in the industry in that I was a “jack of all trades” and willing to trade whatever markets my clients were interested in…whether that was in grains or gold. I operated my business centered around great customer service, but still largely a “transactional” relationship only. However, my background was in agriculture having grown up on a family farm in NE Kansas and I gradually saw my business gravitating more and more into the hedging side of the business. I would attribute some of this natural movement towards hedging the ag space in that I was based outside Wichita, KS and therefore this was a natural market for me. As the years have progressed and agriculture has evolved, the needs of our customers also evolved. Operations were looking for more than just a “transactional” relationship and we saw a gradual shift towards a more consultative role. Our business now is one in which we work closely with grain and livestock producers and utilize our commodity tools when, and if, they are needed. Our focus is to use the “right tool, at the right time, for the right reason” when it comes to our brokerage business, and always with an eye to operating in a manner consistent with being a fiduciary for our consulting clients. I became involved with NIBA at a very early stage of my career as I quickly saw a need to expand my knowledge of the industry and, quite frankly, what in the world it meant to be a broker. NIBA provided me resources and access to information and experiences that I simply didn’t have at the time. The people I met and the insight they provided me regarding the business really helped propel me forward. I can’t say enough about the members of NIBA that willingly shared insights and advice, without some of these conversations I feel our growth trajectory would have been much flatter. The knowledge I gained and some of the relationships I formed are still valuable to me today 23 years + later. Notwithstanding my personal benefit, I’ve always respected the role that NIBA has played in the industry providing support and advocacy for all of us in the commodity space.”   Chris Haverkamp chris.haverkamp@kcoe.com

Stay Informed

Subscribe to the NIBA Journal for the latest insights and industry updates

Related Articles

View All
Member Announcements

Special Alert: Introducing Brokers will be featured at FIA EXPO 2025

FIA Futures and Options Expo returns to the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk November 17 & 18th. SPECIAL ALERT: For the first time in several years, Introducing Brokers will be featured at EXPO. On Tuesday, November 18, 3:15pm IBs will present a panel you don't want to miss! Introduced by Melinda Schramm, President of MHS Capital Resource and Founder & Chairman of the NIBA, the panel includes: Morad Askar, EdgeClear Elaine Levin, Powerhouse TL Steve Petillo, Pinion Global Abbey Wilkins, Sweet Futures Matt Kluchenek, Katten Muchin This panel will discuss how Introducing Brokers are viewing and meeting industry and technology changes that are impacting our relationships with our customers, our FCMs and our trading platforms. Click here to view the full...

Member Announcements

From the Classroom to the Trading Floor

There is no single, clearly defined education path for entering the derivatives industry as professionals come from a range of academic backgrounds. Still, higher education plays a crucial role in preparing students for success in this complex and fast-evolving field. A strong foundation in finance, economics, and mathematics is essential. At the undergraduate level, students should prioritize courses in financial markets and institutions, investment analysis, corporate finance, and introductory derivatives. Just as important are courses in statistics and calculus, which help build the analytical and quantitative skills required for understanding pricing models, volatility, and risk management strategies. With the increasing reliance on algorithmic trading and quantitative research, a concentration or minor in applied mathematics, data science, or computer programming can...

Member Announcements

From Insight to Impact: Building a Risk-Smart Community

With a more complex global environment and continuous financial innovation, new and more sophisticated areas of risk have emerged. At the same time, rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning offer powerful opportunities for private sector firms and financial institutions to enhance their risk management capabilities. Honoring a Legacy: The Founding and Mission of the Arditti Center Founded in 2006, the Arditti Center for Risk Management honors the life and legacy of the late Fred Arditti - a distinguished economist, pioneer in the futures industry, and former executive at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange - who also served as a member of DePaul University's finance faculty. The Center promotes the development of the risk management field by bridging the...