Sometimes a relationship doesn't start with enthusiasm, but with skepticism. That's exactly how it was for Joachim Schrader.
The connection was made through one of our sales directors. Joachim is not a typical investor—he is an experienced stock market professional. As a trained banker specializing in stock trading, he actively traded on the DTB (German Futures Exchange) for many years. Over time, his career evolved from trader to coach. Today, he guides people on their journey to becoming options traders and shares with them the knowledge he has built up over decades.
Consequently, he took a critical view of new trading approaches. In several conversations, he asked detailed questions, scrutinized every detail, and closely examined how our software worked. For someone with his experience, that goes without saying.
But it was precisely this thorough review that ultimately led to a decision.
After numerous discussions and answering many questions, Joachim finally decided to launch his own practical test. Through our partner Taragon Capital AG, he opened a live account with 300,000 EUR —intentionally as a test. One thing was very clear to him:
“I can’t offer anyone something that I don’t actively trade myself.”
And just as important: “When asked , ‘Are you invested yourself?’, I always want to be able to answer with a clear ‘yes.’”
“Skin in the game, ” as he calls it.
The deposit was made on February 17, 2026, and trading began a few days later, on February 23, 2026.
The performance over the first few weeks is remarkable:
As of March 15, 2026, his account shows a profit of 17,763.99 EUR. This corresponds to a return of +5.92% over 15 trading days —before management and performance fees.
For Joachim, this result is one thing above all else: practical proof.
That's because he also coaches a group of about 500 people who have set themselves the goal of becoming successful options traders themselves. He already openly shares his experiences and the performance of his own portfolio with this very group.
He sums up his conclusion with remarkable clarity:
"If a software program can generate an average return of about two to three percent per month, I no longer have to act as a trader myself and trade every day."
This realization has implications. Joachim Schrader will significantly expand his collaboration with 1000FTAD and will actively contribute to building out the sales organization going forward. With his experience in stock market trading, coaching, and training, he brings exactly the perspective that will be crucial for the next phase of growth.
What began as a skeptical conversation is now evolving into a new partnership—and possibly another important step in 1000FTAD's expansion.
