"Well, it's about time."

Those were the words of one of my clients upon learning of the opening of Barnhardt Capital Management, Inc. on January 3, 2006. I tend to agree with the sentiment, and hope that you will too.

After 8+ years in the futures business, it became clear to me that it was time to fulfill my long-time goal of owning my own independent introducing brokerage company. I have some different ideas about how a brokerage company should operate, and now am free to execute those ideas, giving my clients everything that they deserve.

• Agricultural focus and background
  I am originally from eastern Kansas where I was born onto a small cow-calf operation. I attended Kansas State University, majoring in Animal Husbandry with an emphasis in Agricultural Economics. After graduating in 1997 with my B.S. at the age of 20, I promptly moved to Denver, CO to begin my career as a commodity broker. In the eight years leading up to the opening of Barnhardt Capital Management, Inc. I built a nationwide clientele of hedgers and speculators of all sizes and shapes. I also established myself as a knowledgeable and sharp-witted cattle marketing consultant and commentator through my blog, regular articles in such industry publications as Feedlot Magazine, and most proudly, through my association with Bud & Eunice Williams and their Livestock Marketing Schools.
   
• $29 per round turn maximum commission rate
  My default commission rate is so low relative to other full-service brokers, that it sometimes causes confusion. Yes, it is $29 per ROUND TURN. That means $14.50 on the way in, and $14.50 on the way out. Yes, that is less than HALF of what many other brokers charge their clients. And yes, that rate includes ALL fees. You aren't going to pay an additional $5-$10 in hidden fees on top of the $29 rate. Bear in mind that this rate is my maximum, and discounted rates are negotiable for those clients trading in large volume. If you are thinking that this low rate means a lower level of service, just keep reading . . .
   
• 24/7 broker access
  I understand that many folks in the agricultural community work outside all day long, and only get to work on their business plan at home, in the evening. That is why I utilize sophisticated phone technology that enables me to be reached at my toll-free number no matter where I am, 24 hours a day. If you have a question about strategy or want to place some orders for the next day at 8:30 pm in the evening, dial my toll-free number, and I'll be happy to help you.
   
• Technology at your pace
  Not everyone is comfortable with, or has access to computers. Some folks work with them easily. I understand this, and can provide custom-tailored service for whichever side of the fence you reside on. For those with computer skills, electronic trading platforms and web-based real-time account interfaces are available through Barnhardt Capital Management, Inc. For those who prefer to stick with the telephone order and paper statement route, I'm right there with you as well.
   
• Character
  Finally, and most importantly, is the issue of character. Let's face it. Commodity brokers don't have the most stellar reputation, and in far too many cases, that poor reputation is well deserved. In fact, many folks over the years have expressed to me that they have felt that other brokers were working AGAINST their best interests, merely trying to generate as much commission as possible, or to help the broker's own speculative trading position. When doing business with me, those worries evaporate. Frequently I tell clients to slow down, not to trade too much, or too fast. If the circumstances warrant, I even encourage my clients to look to the cash market for a better risk management opportunity. Furthermore, I never have and never will trade for myself in the futures markets. To do so would inhibit my ability to provide my clients with the level of service they deserve. I think that speculators should be speculators, and brokers should be brokers . . . but NOT BOTH.
   

Another concern, especially amongst smaller traders, is the sense that the broker doesn't appreciate their business, and even acts bothered when they call because they don't trade in large volume. Again, when doing business with me, those concerns evaporate. I am equally as happy to visit with my smallest clients as I am my biggest.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss doing your futures and options business with Barnhardt Capital Management, Inc., please feel free to call or email me at any time.

Best regards,

Ann Barnhardt