OUR MISSION
To provide the best value for retail traders in the online trading industry by offering products and services at competitive prices while providing superior customer service, innovation, quality and commitment.
Our Leadership Team
We have decades of experience in the brokerage trading industry to assist with your trading needs.
Jason Toledo
Jason Toledo brings more than 14 years of experience in the online trading industry. Prior to launching ToledoTrade in 2019, Mr. Toledo held senior executive positions at a variety of online brokers. Mr. Toledo served for five years as president of Zacks Trade, the successful brokerage firm he cofounded with Len Zacks in 2013. Mr. Toledo oversaw sales initiatives at OptionsHouse prior to its acquisition by E*Trade. Mr. Toledo served as regional manager for Scottrade, where he oversaw more than 30 branch offices and more than 150 registered representatives prior to its acquisition by TD Ameritrade. Mr. Toledo holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, College Park. Mr. Toledo holds the FINRA Series 3, 4, 7, 24, 53, 57, 63 and 65 licenses.
Robert S. Jersey
Partner, President & Chief Executive Officer – Gar Wood Securities
Robert (Bob) Jersey brings more than 45 years of experience in the securities industry. In 2004, Mr. Jersey founded Gar Wood Securities, LLC, an institutional FINRA/SEC/NFA broker dealer that services money managers, family offices, and high net worth individuals. Mr. Jersey previously worked as a founder and manager of ABN AMRO’s Prime Brokerage Unit, as business manager for ABN AMRO’s Corresponding Clearing Unit, associate operations manager for Montgomery Securities, business manager for The Chicago Corporation Correspondent Clearing Unit, and at Bache & Co. Today, Mr. Jersey is focusing his efforts on investment banking opportunities in the cannabis space. Mr. Jersey holds the FINRA Series 7, 24, 53, 63 and 79.
Dennis Gerecke
Partner, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Gar Wood Securities
Dennis Gerecke brings more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, where he has focused on client services and brokerage operations. Mr. Gerecke co-founded Gar Wood Securities, LLC, in 2004. Mr. Gerecke acted as vice president and manager of client services for the Professional Brokerage Services division of ABN AMRO, assistant vice president of The Chicago Corporation’s Correspondent Clearing unit, operations manager at Gardner Rich & Co, and at Mesirow Financial. Dennis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Lewis University.
Partner, Senior Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer – Gar Wood Securities
Michael C. Tattas
Michael Tattas brings more than 25 years of experience in the securities industry, with specific knowledge in the clearing, securities, regulation and risk management areas. Since 2007, Mr. Tattas has acted as chief compliance officer at Gar Wood Securities, LLC. Mr. Tattas previously served as chief compliance officer and financial principal at Turning Point Securities, and chief compliance officer at the Chicago Stock Exchange (CHX) and its subsidiary firms, Midwest Securities Trust Company/Midwest Clearing Corporation, in the market regulations department. Mr. Tattas holds the FINRA Series 7, 24, 27, 55, 63 and 99 licenses.
Craig Gantar
Senior Vice President & Sales Manager – Gar Wood Securities
Craig Gantar brings more than 20 years of experience in the securities industry in operations, client services, equity and equity options trading, compliance and sales. Prior to joining Gar Wood Securities, LLC, in 2007, Mr. Gantar managed client on-boarding and daily support for Terra Nova Financial, LLC. Mr. Gantar began his career at Hewitt Associates, where he worked on the pension and health and welfare support desks. Mr. Gantar holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Columbia College.
Sherry Gouwens
Partner, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer – Gar Wood Securities
Sherry Gouwens brings more than 16 years of experience in the securities industry, with expertise in administration, financial operations, and compliance. Prior to joining Gar Wood Securities, LLC, in 2006, Mrs. Gouwens held positions at Turning Point Securities, LLC, and Sydan, LP, a Chicago Stock Exchange member. Mrs. Gouwens formerly acted as Director of the American Bar Association’s law student division, where she oversaw all activities, including financials, programs, publications, and three national competitions. Mrs. Gouwens holds a Master of Science degree in Human Resources from Loyola University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management from Calumet College of St. Joseph.
Our Core Values
These values provide the foundation for everything we do.
Professionalism
We are competent, accountable, reliable and responsible in our daily interactions. We maintain the highest standards of training and expertise and stay abreast of industry trends, standards, and technology.
Respect
We treat others as we wish to be treated. We are courteous, kind and considerate. We remain respectful and professional regardless of our treatment by others.
Integrity
We are committed to honorable and ethical behavior in all of our daily interactions. We refuse to compromise our integrity, and guarantee honesty, fairness, and sincerity in all that we do.
Diversity
We celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity and value the contribution of every individual. We foster an environment of equity and inclusion in which everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Excellence
We are dedicated, motivated, innovative, and confident. We strive to maintain the highest industry standards and give our very best to our clients every day. We offer encouragement and support so that everyone, from our clients to our colleagues, may excel in all that they do.