After receiving his degree in accounting from Brooklyn College and working in public accounting, Irwin decided to move into the private sector where he was employed by a sugar trading firm while earning an MBA at New York University. This eventually led to a position as controller for a cocoa and coffee trading firm, reinforcing his expertise in the futures business. After working as a financial consultant in Israel for nearly two years, he returned to another position in New York City before being hired by Commodities Corporation. He was at the right place at the right time but had to produce under stressful conditions.