This is an excerpt from a fromnovel The Life and Times of the Fabulous Charlie Champion A Hippie on Wall Street I have released only a very few excerpts from this novel.. It is a work in progress,However, current events regarding Bernard L Madoff(O T C ) trader. . In the days before computers, that was a very different profession.In 1966 there was no NASDAQ , no modern computerized instant access internet No knowledge and information technology that exists today. In the Spring of 1966, I was a 20 year old Junior at Hobart College, and had recently reconnected with my highschool sweetheart, Janet. I had met Janet’s Uncle,” Marty”, the previous Christmas, at his New Years Day house party. Marty was in his late thirties, short, maybe 5 ‘ 9″, wirey and very active physically, with a highly intelligent mind ,quick wit, and an intense sharp tongue. He had thinning black hair and wore thick glasses. He had always distantly reminded me of Woody Allen , both in stature and persona. He was a truly strange man, difficult to get close to, but very likeable . His intensity was tempered by his wry sense of humor , and enabled him to define his personal space. Several years earlier, Marty had decided to go into business ,opening his own OTC tradeing house..Joel J Martin & Co.They were professional market makers and traders, utilizing the pink sheets, and a World Wide network of friends and competitors, via telephone, telex, and wires. Marty, In order to reduce expenses while his new company was getting established, shared office space and the company back office, with a friend and fellow trading professional .Bernard Madoff. Bernard L Madoff and Co had been a successful 1 man trading company since the early 60’s, and Bernie and Marty had become friends and fellow market makers while Marty was training and working at Jersey City trading house, M S Wein & Co. Since they were both one man trading firms, it was a natural fit for them to share an office, telephone systems and back office personnel. Having another professional trader made work easier for both men. Through Janet, Marty asked if I would be interested in a Summer job after the end of Spring semester.. The opportunity to learn about Wall Street was exciting, and I gladly accepted. * * * The offices were located at 39 Broadway, on the 12th floor. Like a tourist I stopped in front of the building and looked up . “ Well here goes, “ I thought with a touch of excitement. As I walked down the hallway ,the echo of my shoes on the polished terrazzo floor sounded loud in my ears. This was the financial capital of the World. I was being introduced to ” The Street” .The energy of the place vibrated in the air.I was very excited, but had the self confidence that came with my youth and inexperience. As I approached the frosted glass doors, I stopped and tugged nervously at my tie. Bernard L Madoff & Associates was printed on top, Joel J Martin & Co. was below. Underneath there was a large gold leaf arrow pointing down the hall. Cashier was in black block letters at the bottom. I ran my fingers through my long brown hair, patting it into place. I brushed at my slightly rumpled sport coat, then pushed at the door. The reception room was modest in size and content. A small glass top table served as a desk. There was a plush brown leather couch, and a matching easy chair with a low coffee table in front. On the edge were copies of the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Barrons. The room was empty,. I could hear a mans voice say something muffled, and the sound of laughter echoed from an open door to my left. “ Hey Joey, how about putting on some coffee. My coffee tastes like mud.” I glanced at my watch. 8:45. I’m on time. “ Hello “ I called out. “I’m looking for Joel Martin” The voices went silent. “ Hi can I help you? “ The man walking through the door was slight in stature . He had an olive complexion and his black hair was combed neatly to one side. He was clean shaved, and his dark eyes seemed to sparkle as he crossed to room. “ You must be Charlie Champion.” He smiled and the room seemi
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