Little Engine Ventures Acquires Brickyard Logistics

Posted on January 28, 2019January 28, 2019 by Daryl Starr

On January 26, 2019 Little Engine Ventures acquired majority interest in Brickyard Logistics, LLC of Indianapolis, IN. Brickyard Logistics delivers automobile and agricultural parts overnight. All staff will be retained and a portion of proceeds will be used to expand daytime services. Brickyard Logistics is Little Engine Ventures’s ninth control investment in less than three Read more about Little Engine Ventures Acquires Brickyard Logistics[…]

Persistence Before Mastery

Posted on November 30, 2018December 1, 2018 by Daryl Starr

We have all heard the phrase ‘quality over quantity,’ right? Well, I recently heard the statement ‘quantity before quality’ and really appreciated it. Before mastery, one must persist through a substantial quantity. A child’s first shot at the basketball hoop is poorly formed and only miraculously made. People are not born master pianists. A true Read more about Persistence Before Mastery[…]

Little Engine Ventures Acquires Lafayette Tool & Die

Posted on November 13, 2018 by Daryl Starr

Little Engine Ventures (LEV) recently acquired Lafayette Tool & Die of Lafayette, IN from Larry and Judy Skinner. Judy will begin a transition toward retirement and Larry will remain on staff and serve as the lead toolmaker. “The introduction to Daryl and his model with Little Engine Ventures was good timing. I was not sure Read more about Little Engine Ventures Acquires Lafayette Tool & Die[…]

Not retired but not required

Posted on September 28, 2018September 28, 2018 by Mikel Berger

We had another business owner in our office this morning. It was basically a meeting we came into cold. He had read an article about us, checked out our website, and thought our values might align. So he reached out. Early in the conversation he said, “I don’t know you from Adam.” We made a Read more about Not retired but not required[…]

Digital Rivers

Posted on August 6, 2018 by Daryl Starr

Adam Smith’s “Wealth of Nations” supposes that economies will develop most fruitfully near navigable waterways. This is because no method of transportation is cheaper. Raw commodities will be manufactured into processed goods and both raw and finished goods, in excess supply, can be shipped inexpensively to other regions cost effectively. This will support growth of Read more about Digital Rivers[…]

Empathy in unusual places

Posted on July 18, 2018July 17, 2018 by Mikel Berger

I recently read a book by an FBI hostage negotiator and listened to an interview of a military interrogator. The common thread between the two is the use of empathy in their jobs. Empathy isn’t something I associate with either the FBI or the military. They are fascinating. I recommend you read and listen to Read more about Empathy in unusual places[…]

Little Engine Ventures Acquires Control of Stable’N

Posted on March 6, 2018March 6, 2018 by Daryl Starr

On March 6th, 2018 Little Engine Ventures (LEV) acquired control of Stable’N from engineer turned farmer, Bryan Tomm of Carmi, Illinois. Stable’N is an agricultural equipment technology developed to effect soil biology using an electrical pulse. The partners will begin doing business as Boden LLC immediately with additional capital investment from both LEV and Tomm. Read more about Little Engine Ventures Acquires Control of Stable’N[…]

Little Engine Ventures Acquires Recycle Guy

Posted on February 18, 2018June 8, 2018 by Daryl Starr

Little Engine Ventures (LEV) recently acquired Recycle Guy of Tipton, IN from Brook & Linda “Suzy” Edwards. LEV has hired a new CEO, Nick Vollmer to oversee the company’s future. Brook Edwards, COO will remain with the company as a part-time driver and salesmen. His wife, Suzy will retire after a short transition period so Read more about Little Engine Ventures Acquires Recycle Guy[…]

Little Engine Ventures Partners with Fountain Square Brewery

Posted on February 2, 2018February 2, 2018 by Daryl Starr

Little Engine Ventures (LEV) recently partnered with Fountain Square Brewery of 1301 Barth Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana. The production brewery will have financing available for expansion from LEV. The company also hired a new CEO, Brad Smith. “I was looking for a business with a high quality product that would benefit from my heart for brand and Read more about Little Engine Ventures Partners with Fountain Square Brewery[…]

Selling Your Small Business to an Employee

Posted on October 21, 2017October 22, 2017 by Daryl Starr

According to our experience and numerous surveys, most small business owners (<$10M enterprise value) intend to sell to an employee or family member. This can be a fantastic succession plan for many companies, especially closely held, private companies. The benefits of selling to an employee include ability to overlap management for a time, preserve the Read more about Selling Your Small Business to an Employee[…]