About Us

About American Values Investments Inc.

American Values Investments, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisory Firm headquartered in Bristol, Virginia. It began as LeCraw Investment Management, Inc. in 1996 and changed its name to American Values Investments, Inc. in 2002. Our mission is to help American investors, no matter how large or small, build a brighter America by providing opportunities to invest in companies that best reflect Timeless American values. This will help pass freedom to the next generation and is in the best interest of all Americans.

Our History

LeCraw Investment management was founded by Carter LeCraw in 1996 with a desire to help individuals and families apply Biblical principles to their finances. As a result Carter was faced with the decision of how to invest client funds in a way that was in keeping with Biblical values. In his search he found that the predominant theme with the socially responsible and even faith-based mutual funds was an avoidance strategy. In other words, it centered on the idea of companies in which NOT to invest. He felt a new, more proactive, positive and inspirational approach was needed. Why not target for investment those public companies that were the BEST reflection of good values?

This unique approach attracted a number of highly qualified professionals in the areas of research, sales, operations, and investments. It also attracted investment capital from some influential corporate executives, which allowed the company to expand.

In 2002, the name was changed to American Values Investments in order to incorporate a patriotic theme and promote the Timeless values upon which America was founded. It also led to a more intentional way for investors to support companies that were helping create a better and brighter America. In 2007 the firm had a friendly spin-off of the retail portion into a separate company, Values-First Advisors. This firm assumed most of the client-based services, which allowed American Values Investments to focus more on research and investment management.

Our team is grateful for the many years we have been supported by our clients, investors, employees and shareholders. We look forward to a bright future for our company, our stakeholders and, most importantly, our country.

Our Team

Carter LeCraw, CFP
President / CEO

Mr. LeCraw graduated from Georgia Tech in 1975 and served as a Supply Corps officer in the Navy for four years. He began his career in the financial planning and investment business in 1981 and received the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation in 1987.

George Parks, CFP
Chief Investment Officer

Mr. Parks graduated from Davidson College with a degree in Economics in 1980. He joined American Values Investments in 2001 and earned the Certified Financial Planner designation in 2004. George also spent 20 years working as an executive for Belk, Inc.

Diana Hodge
Operations Manager
Compliance Coordinator

Ms. Hodge graduated from Milligan College with a degree in Organizational Management. She joined American Values Investments in 2000. Diana also worked as the Executive Director of Assistance Resource Ministries, in Elizabethton, TN.

David Lee Smith, PhD
Journalist /  Economist

Mr. Smith graduated from the University of North Texas in journalism. He also has an MS in Journalism and English and an MA in economics and finance. He has spent more than 20 years as a securities analyst and trader, most recently for Royal Bank of Canada. In 2018 he received a PhD in Church History with a dissertation entitled, “The Rapid Growth of Faith-based and Related Investing.”

Kent Johnson
Director of Research

Mr. Johnson graduated from California State University (Magna Cum Laude) with a degree in business administration. He also has an MBA. He joined American Values Investments in 2014. Previously, Kent spent 31 years in the aerospace industry with Jet Propulsion Laboratories and Hughes Aircraft.

Important Disclaimer and Risks

The people or companies we have featured in our articles may or may not endorse our company. They may or may not agree with our goals or investment strategy. The views presented in this publication may not always reflect the current opinion of American Values Investments on the values or the prospects for investment performance of any company mentioned. Each of our stock holdings performs differently and it should not be concluded that all of our stock selections have performed as well as the ones mentioned. The securities identified and described do not represent all of the securities purchased, sold or recommended for client accounts. The reader should not assume than an investment in the securities identified was or will be profitable. For a complete list of recommendations made by American Values Investments, please contact us. Our goal is first to support companies that best reflect authentic American values and only then seek market competitive returns. We reserve the right to buy or sell any stock from our current portfolios or add or subtract companies from our American Hero Universe. Investing in stocks involves risk including the loss of principle. American Values Investments research criteria limit the number of stocks available for investment. Stocks eliminated may have potential for higher returns. Companies acting on higher ethical standards may sacrifice short-term profits, which could be reflected in lower stock price. Investors should carefully consider their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and the expenses of investing in our portfolios. Due to changes in the products or services of the companies in which the strategies invest, the strategies may temporarily hold securities that are inconsistent with its investment criteria. Past performance is no assurance of future results.

More complete disclosure/risk information can be found in our firm disclosure brochure.