Mike Swinford was a successful trader, and our friend for many years. He died suddenly May 21, 2011. The Kottke Swinford Program, and its excellent performance, was just one example of Mike’s success.

Mike began trading the Kottke Swinford program in October 1998. He was the professional and knowledgeable trader that everyone wants at the helm. Mike respected the markets he traded, and knew them well. He worked hard to bring the best returns to all investors, and he often surpassed expectations. The lifetime return on the Kottke Swinford program is +394.2%.

Detail return by year:

Mike's life journey took him from his family farm in Indiana to the commodity futures markets in Chicago in 1971. Many of us met and knew him during his first years in Chicago, at a firm called Heinold Commodities. Known as "Swinnie" to his friends, Mike had a contagious smile and laugh. He embraced his life and family, and friends. He was one of a kind. Full of fun, he lived his life to its fullest, no excuses. Extremely generous, Mike was often the guy encouraging another to move ahead and give it a try. He was a loyal friend. Mike loved this life and enjoyed every second of it. 

Whether he was trading the livestock markets he knew so well, watching the latest forecasts on the weather channel, cheering on the Chicago Bulls, enjoying every Purdue game, driving one of his fabulous limited edition cars, or heading down to the Indianapolis 500, you can be sure Mike was totally committed, nothing held back. He set the bar very high for us all. Mike did not live life "one teaspoon at a time", and that’s a fact.

Mike was a great trader, and our dear friend. We will miss him.