Joe Lesko is the Option Principal and a recognized industry expert having purchased his first option when most of today's advisors were in grade school, and five years before there was a Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE). One Sunday morning in 1968 he noticed an offer in the Pittsburgh Post advertising options. It was a block ad similar to the way we see used cars advertised today, only this one was for options on companies like GE and IBM. He called the firm in New York and after a little negotiating (They called it hondeling) purchased his first option, a six-month call On IBM for $300.

Four months later he sold his first option for $1200 and as they say the rest is history. There was little information available to the independent investor at that time, so Joe created his own research heralding a thirty-five year career as a student, trader, and teacher of financial markets. Along the way he has been a broker, Option Principal, security analyst and financial advisor specializing in risk management and option strategies,

His insights have been read in major publications like Barron's along with over a dozen appearances as Financial Commentator on TVs Net Financial News, prior to launching the Option Principal he held the position of stocks editor and Chief Market Strategist for CTS Financial publishing, where along with his other duties he single handedly piloted an elite trading service called the Inner Circle. The Option Principal is his baby. Unlike other services, Only 1000 members will have access to his ideas and market strategies, along with what to buy and when to sell recommendations delivered real time by email. His rationale for keeping the group small is based on his long understanding of the options markets, " A large group leaves elephant tracks, you have no problem getting into a position, but getting out at a fair price is another story." That's why he's the Principal.