Instructors
Roger Best
Equities, Power Trading Workshop, and Personal Trading Plan Instructor
An Online Trading Academy Master Instructor and faculty member since 1999, Roger Best is an equities specialist who formerly
traded for his own account on the largest trading floor in the western United States. He currently trades his personal account
at his private trading office, and teaches periodically for Online Trading Academy.
Roger has been involved in the stock market since the age of 18, and holds Bachelor degrees in International Marketing and
Business Law from the University of Washington Business School. He has taken a number of post-graduate courses in finance and
investment and was founder, president and CEO of a highly successful asset management and consulting firm for 20 years, handling
a total portfolio valued at over $100,000,000.
An expert in algorithmic order execution, Roger has consulted for “black box” system engineers and brings this unique
scientific experiential perspective to every class. Over the years he has traded and taught on most of the leading direct
access trading platforms, and is a frequent contributor of features and functionality to some of them. A veteran of the three
most popular direct access trading styles — swing trading, momentum trading, and short term trading — Roger clearly describes
and demonstrates these methods to his students. As he reduces complex trading strategies to their individual components, his
students gain a solid foundation in basic concepts from which to develop their own multiple indicator trading techniques. “As
educators and professional traders, one of the most important things we do for students is apply our collective experience to
filter out the less valuable inefficient practices and focus on the more reliable ones.”
An authority on risk management, Roger has done extensive research in quantifying and managing trading risk factors. A
stickler for trading discipline, he is quick to explain why discipline and risk management are so essential to success, and
exactly how to achieve them — his students learn the art and science of trading defensively. Roger is an adamant proponent of
the “immersion educational experience,” and possesses a passionate energy for teaching the trading business. He is quite well
known for his willingness to stay after class, leaving no stone unturned, answering questions as long as students have the
stamina and curiosity to remain.
What students are saying about Roger Best:
"Roger demonstrated professional presentations, handled people professionally, and extended courtesy in
keeping the class material moving."
Daryl O., March 2009
"Roger has a complete understanding of the course material and is well equipped to teach it to others."
James P., March 2009
"I thought Roger Best was just excellent! I am thoroughly and completely satisfied with this course. I
couldn't have imagined better training."
Michael M., January 2009
"I found Roger Best to be an excellent instructor overall. He was very thorough and analytical. I found
his instructing style to be very conducive to teaching technical analysis. On a personal note, I also found him to be honest and
straightforward. An all-around stand up guy."
Marcus H., December 2008
"I felt the instructor was well knowledged in the course curriculum and had a great teaching style."
James W., December 2008
"Roger is a great instructor. He answers all questions and treats all his students with kindness and
respect. He keeps the class pace moving quickly enough to keep us on our toes but never leaves anyone without full understanding
of the subject being discussed."
Gail B., November 2008
"Roger is an incredible instructor and his depth of knowledge is amazing."
Dave S., October 2008
"I felt privileged to be in Roger's class. Real world knowledge + his research + his experience with
platform development = Fantastic."
Andy S., October 2008
"The Depth of Roger's knowledge was fantastic. I've Never had a better more qualified Instructor... Ever,
Not in School, Cisco Training, Real Estate, Hanggliding... Not ever. I'm simply blown away. This was the best Money I have Ever
Spent. No Contest. Very Specifically, Roger has the ability to present the course without Bias. You'll know what his way is...
you know other instructors tend to present the information, etc. The Real Value here is that Roger presents the Facts in all
their forms and clearly defines when a recommendation is his. This allows us (the students) to analyze the information
objectively and make up our own minds as to how to apply the information to our personal style. Also, Roger's 3 pillar approach
to success is a great way for me to regulate my enthusiasm, limit my risk, and show measurable results. Awesome. Roger Rocks!"
Shine R., September 2008
"Excellent teacher, dedicated and committed to every student."
Lawrence C., May 2008
"Roger has been an excellent instructor. He has gone to great lengths to work with each student."
David R., May 2008
"Again. Outstanding. Roger has great teaching and communication skills, and teaches Trading with
knowledge, experience and passion."
Chris K., April 2008
"I don't know, how can I best stress to you what an invaluable asset Roger is to this establishment.
He is an absolute delight to learn from. He embodies all of the qualities that an outstanding teacher should have plus, and I
have to say that in these days they are very hard to find. Depth of knowledge, combined with infinite patience, unwavering
passion, commitment and dedication. One just can't help but feel the solidity of his integrity and the respect that he
effortlessly can draw from the student as he inspires us and translates to us the seriousness of this business with its built-in
fun. As his name already indicates, Roger is nothing but the Best, and I am going to miss his inspiring presence. "
Jane G., April 2008
"Mr. Best clearly conveyed class material, and with passion! He was knowledgeable, obviously
super-qualified, and always helpful."
Michael R., April 2008
"I thought Roger really knew what he was talking about. He knew the answer to almost all the questions
we asked and explained the answer with great detail. How he presented the material was very easy to understand in my opinion,
and I have learned WAY more than I expected in these three days."
Mike F., March 2008
"I felt Mr. Best was EXTREMELY well qualified and he communicated very difficult concepts in an
articulate and supportive manner. He was very patient with the class, and took time to clarify necessary issues. I was VERY
pleased with my experiences with him as an instructor and will be recommending the class friends who are considering trading
based on my classroom experiences here. Please thank him for all his help."
Craig U., February 2008
"I would rate Roger among the top 5 instructors I've ever had including undergraduate, graduate and
extension courses."
Maury S., February 2008
"Roger is a great teacher for trading, with the know-how experience to back up his words. He never seems
cocky or unbelievable in any of his examples about his own trading and is an excellent person for the job."
Lane B., September 2007
"Roger did another superb job communicating the material. His passion comes through to the students."
Randy S., Dec. 2005
"Roger's a great instructor. I would describe him as a father figure...someone I feel I can learn from
and feel comfortable asking questions of."
T. Kelly, June 2005