Pete Najarian, widely recognized by his moniker “Pit Boss,” stands as a prominent figure in the financial world, celebrated for his exceptional trading acumen and entrepreneurial ventures. His career trajectory, marked by success in both professional football and high-stakes trading, is a testament to his versatility and drive. Initially gaining recognition as one of Trader Monthly magazine’s Top 100 Traders, Najarian’s influence extends far beyond individual trading success. He co-founded optionMONSTER and tradeMONSTER, groundbreaking firms in options news, education, and online brokerage, alongside his brother Jon “DRJ” Najarian. These ventures, established in 2005, revolutionized the landscape of options trading information and accessibility. Their subsequent acquisition by General Atlantic Partners in 2014, and later sale to E*Trade for a staggering $750 million in September 2016, underscored the immense value and impact of Pete Najarian’s contributions to the financial industry.
Prior to establishing himself as a financial powerhouse, Pete Najarian carved a path in professional football, dedicating several seasons to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings in the NFL. This experience instilled in him discipline and strategic thinking, qualities that seamlessly translated to his second career in finance. In 1992, Najarian transitioned to the world of options trading, joining his brother Jon at Mercury Trading, a respected market-making firm operating on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE). Within two years, his expertise and leadership capabilities were evident as he assumed responsibility for Mercury’s risk and arbitrage operations. His strategic vision further propelled Mercury’s growth as he spearheaded its expansion onto the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), broadening the firm’s reach and influence.
Najarian’s strategic leadership extended to forging key partnerships, notably leading Mercury’s joint venture with M.J. Meehan, then the third-largest specialist firm on the NYSE. From 2000 to 2004, he served as President of Mercury Trading, a period of significant growth and strategic positioning culminating in its acquisition by Citadel, a leading global hedge fund. This period solidified Pete Najarian’s reputation as not only a skilled trader but also a capable executive with a keen understanding of market dynamics and strategic business development.
Continuing his entrepreneurial spirit, Pete Najarian played a pivotal role as a founding member of One Chicago, an innovative electronic exchange with the ambitious goal of becoming the premier global platform for futures trading in individual stocks, narrow-based indexes, and ETFs. His commitment to innovation in trading technology is further demonstrated by his co-founding of Hedgehog, a sophisticated trading platform for stocks, options, and futures. In collaboration with his brother Jon, Pete co-developed the Heat SeekerⓇ, a proprietary and highly regarded tool, along with complementary programs designed to identify unusual buying activity across stocks, options, and futures markets. These tools are invaluable for traders seeking to detect potential market movements and gain a competitive edge.
In 2016, Pete and Jon Najarian launched Najarian Advisors, a testament to their continued collaboration and expertise. This advisory firm provides specialized guidance to institutional investors on navigating the complexities of options strategies, leveraging their decades of combined experience. Beyond advising institutional clients, the Najarian brothers are active investors and collaborators with emerging businesses through Rebellion Partners, a venture consulting firm they established in 2015. This venture reflects their commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the broader business and financial ecosystem.
Pete Najarian’s insights and market commentary have reached a broad audience through his media presence. He gained widespread recognition as one of the original “Fast Money Five” on CNBC’s “Fast Money,” a flagship financial news program. He also served as a regular cast member on CNBC’s “Halftime Report,” further establishing his presence as a trusted voice in financial media. More recently, Najarian has been a frequent guest on Fox Business, sharing his market perspectives on programs such as “Kudlow” and “Mornings with Maria.” His contributions extend to CBOE-TV, the Chicago Board Options Exchange’s popular webcast, where he provides expert analysis and commentary to a dedicated audience of traders and investors. Pete Najarian’s academic foundation in physiology, earned from the University of Minnesota, provides a unique perspective to his analytical approach in the financial markets, combining a deep understanding of systems with the fast-paced world of trading.
