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.