Named After the Best Teacher I Ever Had
JerryTrades isn't just a product name. It's a tribute to my father, Jerry — who taught me that the best decisions come from balancing analysis with heart.
"Right by your side."
"That Man Is A Success"
…who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
The "Jerry" in JerryTrades
My dad, Jerry, was a lot of things — a salesman, an entrepreneur, a tech visionary, a storyteller, a bowling fanatic, and a die-hard baseball lover. But above everything else, he was a teacher. Not by profession, but by nature.
He taught me to play catch, to swim, to change a tire, to keep score in both bowling and baseball. He taught me how to make tough decisions between differing options — a skill that quite literally became the foundation of this product. But most importantly, he taught me how to be kind, how to be honest, and how to treat people the right way.
That's the kind of integrity this company is built on. When we evaluate a trade for you, we're not trying to help you rip someone off. We're trying to help you make a genuinely great decision — one you'd be proud of, win or lose. That's what Jerry would have wanted.
Dad's life was a series of near misses — a near minor league baseball contract, a near-perfect 300 bowling game by one pin, nearly creating the technology behind touch tone phone networks. But he never saw it that way. He was an optimist who knew he'd knocked the really important stuff out of the park: he stayed true to himself, true to his wife and the love of his life, true to his family, his friends, and to everyone he worked with.
The name "JerryTrades" started as a tribute. But it became a daily reminder that the best tools aren't just smart — they're built with heart. Every feature, every decision, every line of code carries a bit of his spirit.
Two Stories That Shaped This Product
"Right By Your Side"
When Dad taught me to ride a bike, he'd hold the back of the banana seat and walk alongside me. I'd ask "Are you there?" and he'd say "Right by your side." Walk, walk faster, jog, run. Each time, I felt his presence. Until one day — silence. He'd let go long ago. I'd been riding on my own the whole time.
He didn't tell me what he was going to do. He didn't tell me what to do. He just knew I was ready, and let me go.
"Their Jobs Before His"
When Dad's company was taken from him, I asked why he wasn't looking for a new job. His answer floored me: "I brought all these people into this company and now they're all out of jobs. I feel responsible. Once I find all of them new places to go, I will look for my next job."
He never sought applause for it. He never expressed regret. He just felt it was the honorable and right thing to do.
Making Complex Decisions Simple
Fantasy football trades involve dozens of variables — player values, contract economics, roster needs, schedule strength, risk tolerance, and league dynamics. Jerry taught his son that the key to any complex decision is to break it down, weigh what matters most, and trust your gut once you've done the work.
The JerryGrid™ analysis engine does exactly that. It takes the overwhelming complexity of a trade and presents you with a clear, multi-dimensional picture — so you can make a confident decision, not a panicked one.
Built in St. Louis with ❤️ and a whole lot of fantasy football obsession.
Our Benefactors & Contributors
JerryTrades is built with love — and with the support of these generous people who believed in what we're building. We're grateful for every single one of you.
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