Smart people like to solve hard problems. But success often goes to the disciplined person with the right temperament for the circumstance. I’m often guilty of making things overly complicated. I get fascinated with the beauty of complex adaptive systems and the challenge available in trying to tame it to my liking. However entertaining this Read more about Pruning Your Decision Trees[…]
For at least the last two years Mikel has been using the phrase “calendar time versus clock time. ” This phrase is often to remind me and others on our team that there are certain things that can take months or years to develop but require very few hours of direct labor. In essence, sometimes Read more about Chronos vs. Kairos[…]
The objective of this post is to outline my ideal week so I and others can be reminded of what “good” looks like. In general, I like a lot of open space on my calendar. This is useful to responding to prospective sellers and company manager questions. However, it’s still necessary to schedule meetings. Check Read more about Daryl’s Ideal Week[…]
There are subtle differences in our perspectives that when acted out over long periods of time can lead to very different results. As I have grown a little older, my appreciation for the distinction between stewardship and ownership has developed. When I was young, I thought ownership was all that mattered. I needed private property Read more about Stewardship and Ownership[…]
We own numerous small businesses. Each team functions independently. They each have their own missions and methods. They are pointed in a common direction but manage themselves independently. I love it. But, some people simply don’t get it. It’s so organic. Strangers ask: how do you control it? (answer: we don’t.) In the last two Read more about Big Company Gravitational Force[…]
Our team is fantastic… and getting better. I have asked some to leave really good jobs, and they did. I have asked others to trust us after we buy businesses from founders and they have. However, change outside of my control does still occur. I consider it an opportunity. Changes feel like a crack in Read more about It’s Good[…]
by Neil Banwart As we approach the two year mark at Little Engine Ventures, it is appropriate to look back and reflect on how far we have come in this relatively short period of time. As you peruse our website, you read that ‘LEV acquires meaningful portions of traditional small businesses.’ How have we done Read more about Acquire and Innovate[…]
Profitable investment begins with an estimation of the intrinsic value. While quantitative analysis is the bedrock of any practical matter there are situations that call for a discerning eye for quality. Still, if the masses recognize such quality it is unlikely to be offered at a compelling price. No, if you want a discount you Read more about Calculating Contrarian[…]
On Thursday, July 26, 2018, Little Engine Ventures convened our second Annual Meeting of partners. Sixty-seven people joined us to hear an update on what we are learning in our journey through high velocity small business acquisition. Attendees included current capital partners, prospective investors, company managers, key employees and more. We opened the day with Read more about 2018 Annual Meeting[…]
First off, I am going to give credit where credit is due. I would not have seen this had it not been for the author’s work to transcribe this Annual Meeting of the Daily Journal. Peter Kaufman is a director alongside Charlie Munger at the Daily Journal. Apparently he also appears on television a lot Read more about Applying Peter Kaufman’s 5 Traits of a Money Manager[…]