My evolution as an entrepreneur and investor has been marked by two distinct phases. I may be entering into a third phase. Phase 1 began at age 19, when I got my first true line of credit. My father co-signed my first note, set me up with a sweetheart deal that was almost guaranteed to Read more about Generating Cash[…]
Last week I wrote a post entitled, “Benefits of the Bull’s Eye Stakeholder Discipline” in which I outline the benefits of a Bull’s Eye stakeholder (customer, investor, vendor, etc.) In this post, I want to document some methods to develop a bull’s eye definition. There are a minimum of three criteria. This uses the same Read more about Methods to Develop a Stakeholder Bull’s Eye[…]
Running a small business is challenging. I would argue that it is more challenging than running a larger organization. There are usually fewer resources (common excuse), but more importantly, there are fewer established procedures; or worse, there are well-established poor procedures. I like to look on the bright side and tend toward assigning a positive Read more about The Appropriate Depth: A Leader’s Guide to Excellence in Small Business Ownership[…]
Our basic investment criteria has not changed since we launched: get paid for the risks we take. We are not seeking guarantees. We provide guarantees and accept risk. Our guarantees often come in the form of cash and simple agreements. The risks we are willing to accept are diverse but of like kind, and of Read more about Updated Investment Criteria for Little Engine Ventures[…]
A whistle blower calls “foul.” Little Engine Ventures Complaint Submission Form A company manager once told me I remind him of a protective father warning him with a firm handshake and stern words before taking the daughter out on a first date, “She means a lot to me. I trust you. Bring her back safely.” Read more about Whistle[…]
Last Friday, Alex from the Think Like An Owner Podcast texted me to ask if we could do a quick catchup on his podcast. We recorded a quick episode that night and it is now available. Nothing has changed too drastically in the Little Engine Ventures world since then. Getting to see into so many Read more about LEV update on TLAO Podcast[…]
If you’re familiar with the Business Model Canvas, you know the central component is the Value Proposition. a value proposition makes a case for why a customer should pick one product over another, citing the unique value the product provides over its contenders. Business model canvas: Creating a Value Proposition … I was sitting in Read more about Unique Hiring Proposition[…]
I recently re-read Phil A Fisher’s classic, “Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits.” After first speed-reading a book, I return to those I think worthwhile, and the second time through take notes. On subsequent times I refine my notes. Below are my refined notes after several re-reads. Most of the words are the authors. Any errors Read more about Notes & Commentary on “Common Stocks & Uncommon Profits” by Phil A Fisher (with applications to private companies)[…]
On July 18, 2019, Little Engine Ventures (“LEV”) acquired AgVenture D&M from Mike Davis and Mike Mullen. AgVenture was founded in 1983 in Kentland, Indiana. The regional seed business prioritizes product development, agronomic research and information systems to help farmers achieve maximize economic yield. “Our business is evolving to better serve farmers now and into Read more about Little Engine Ventures Acquires AgVenture D&M[…]
Local mead and cider maker to join neighborhood craft brewer. On May 20, 2019 New Day Craft merged with Fountain Square Brewery. Both brands established themselves in the Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis, Indiana. Today, the brands ship packaged craft beers, meads, ciders, and spritzers across Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and most recently New York City. Read more about New Day Craft Merges with Fountain Square Brewery[…]