Founding Partner | Ad Astra
Allison Long Pettine is an investor and entrepreneur passionate about redefining wealth. She recently founded Ad Astra Ventures, a fund dedicated to empowering founders of high growth startups with at least one female co-founder. She is President of Crescent Ridge Partners, Founding Partner at SEED San Diego, and co-founder of Lymber, which was sold to MindBody in 2017. Allison began her career at a New-York based venture capital company focused on cutting-edge orthopedic medical device technologies, where she worked on the venture side and as an early employee at one of their portfolio companies. Allison is a mentor at Tech Stars, sits on the advisory board of UCSD’s The Basement incubator, and is on the Board of the Long Family Foundation.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FAITH DRIVEN INVESTOR
We probably listen to a few too many podcasts around here, but in case you need a few, below are some of our favorites. Some come from a faith driven perspective and some are staples for any faith driven investor looking to integrate best practices to their work. We hope this list enlightens you, challenges you, and also inspires all of us to propel this conversation forward.
Note: For other great podcasts that come at more through the lens of an entrepreneur, you may find it helpful to check out the book list for Faith Driven Entrepreneurs.
Fine, we’re unavoidably biased. But if you’re new to the site and missed the link, Henry and William host a regular podcast. Faith Driven Investor is a growing movement of business leaders, fund managers, investors, and pastors that are driven by their faith and who believe that God owns it all and that he cares deeply about how we steward our investments. Our vision is for a world where Christ’s followers can pursue excellent investments that allow for financial returns and Gospel-centered transformation. This is becoming the place to talk about all different asset classes from direct deals, private equity, public, real estate and more.
with Henry Kaestner, William Norvell, and Rusty Rueff
Alright, we’re unavoidably biased one more time. But we think this podcast is great too! Henry, Rusty, and William host a weekly podcast, specifically dialed in for Faith Driven Entrepreneurs. We host leaders like Tim Keller, Chip Ingram, Andy Crouch, Nancy Duarte, Peter Greer and entrepreneurs like David Morken (Bandwidth), Steve Green (Hobby Lobby), Phil Vischer (Veggietales), Bryant Ambelang (Naturesweet)and many others.
Our mission is to tackle the pressing questions faith driven entrepreneurs wrestle with, so they can find the encouragement and support as they get ready to head back out on the journey.
Faith & Finance (formerly MoneyWise) is a daily radio and podcast ministry of FaithFi. Hosted by Rob West, the program offers a practical, biblical and good-natured approach to helping people become faithful stewards of God’s money.
Take control of your money once and for all. The Dave Ramsey Show offers up straight talk on life and money. Millions listen in as callers from all walks of life learn how to get out of debt and start building for the future. Check out Apple’s fourth most popular podcast! For more information, visit www.daveramsey.com.
While not coming at it from a Faith Driven perspective, there’s a lot we can all glean from some of the best practices of this favorite. In each episode they speak with the interesting stories. Their hope is they will help you better invest your time and your money, and teach you how to play with boundaries in your own life.
#6 The Twenty Minute VC
The Twenty Minute VC takes you inside the world of Venture Capital, Startup Funding and The Pitch.Listen to what some of most prominent investors are directly looking for in startups, providing easily actionable tips and tricks that can be put in place to increase your chances of getting funded. Although, you may not want to raise funding for a startup. The Twenty Minute VC also provides an instructional guide as to what it takes to get employed in the Venture Capital industry, with VCs giving specific advice on how to get noticed from the crowd and increasing your chances of employment.
The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase Its Profits, a doctrine written by Milton Friedman, was published in the New York Times in 1970. In it he says that discussions that “business is not concerned ‘merely’ with profit but also with promoting desirable ‘social ends’” are “notable for their analytical looseness and lack of rigor. He argues that it is hard for “good” people to do “good.” In this worldview doing good and doing well are diametrically opposed, profits and purpose don’t mix, and making money is the only end goal. Is that really all it’s about though? Does it have to be so black and white? What if he was wrong?
In the 50 years since he wrote that article business women and men have challenged this narrative in ways that have snowballed into new movements ranging from conscious capitalism to benefit corporations to impact investing and everything in between.
At Access Ventures, we operate using a one-pocket mindset. We believe your values should be at the center of your strategy, and ultimately, at the center of everything you do, including business and investments. We believe you don’t have to sacrifice doing good or doing well in order to do either.
by John Putnam and National Christian Foundation
We think generosity is such a core piece of the heart posture of a Faith Driven Investor and why we think its key to be a part of the list. Check out some inspiring stories of Biblical Generosity is a podcast of the National Christian Foundation.
by Ellis Hammond
Really enjoying connecting with Ellis recently and encourage checking out his new podcast that he’s spinning up … “Are you a Christian who is bringing glory to God through excellence in your work or business? Are you looking for a community of like minded people who realize their work is actually a means of worship? Have you ever felt isolated from everyone as a christian entrepreneur? In this show, Ellis brings on amazing Christian entrepreneurs and business leaders to talk about godly ambition, what it takes to be successful in business, how to stay grounded in your faith, the kingdom of God, real estate investing, how to create wealth, financial education, and so much more!”
How do advisors go about integrating their faith into their investment practice — and at what cost? Tune in monthly to hear from GuideStone Funds® as we dive into a multitude of topics, discussing the upside of faith-based investing and myth-busting several concepts along the way. If you want to learn more about how your clients’ Christian values can be paired with traditional investment strategies without compromising their beliefs in order to invest their money wisely, then this is the podcast for you.
Others We recommend
by Chuck Bentley
Chuck is a good friend of the Faith Driven Investor conversation. At Crown he put together some great podcast episodes in short segments. It is a great 2-minute Crown radio program packed full of practical financial tips.
Thompson Thrift
Firm Headquarters: Terre Haute, IN
Date Founded: 1986
www.thompsonthrift.com
This page was updated April 2020
Investment Approach
INVESTMENT THESIS
Produce high quality assets that positively impact our team members and the communities we serve. To demonstrate Excellence, Service and Leadership in our work and to produce above market returns.
INVESTMENT OVERVIEW
Syndicated LP opportunities to invest directly with Developer (GP) in Class A Multi-Family Communities in dynamic growth markets across the United States.
Capital Raise Strategy
Strategy: Deal by Deal
Total Properties Under Management: 50 commercial properties totaling 1.1 million sqft and 18 multi-family properties with 4,857 units
Total Assets Under Management: $1.2 billion
Investments to Date: More than 250
Total Number of Investors: 332
Average Investment: $761k
% of Capital from Top 3 Investors: 25-50%
Minimum Amount: $250,000
Financial Reporting Frequency to Investors: Monthly and Quarterly
Setup to accept charitable capital through the National Christian Foundation or other listing platforms? No
Focused Geographic Regions of Investment:
Focused Industries of Investment:
Company Differentiator:
We are a Real Estate Developer with expertise in Multi-family and Retail Development. We are vertically integrated and possess in-house expertise and staff that include site acquisition, legal, due diligence, design, project management, finance, construction and property management. One of our big differentiators is that we are built to be very geographically diverse and are able to develop real estate throughout the country, moving to markets where opportunity is expanding and moving away from markets where it is contracting.
Investment Example:
One of our charitable ministries is the local Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC) in Terre Haute Indiana. After many years in a facility that did not allow the privacy and professional image that the CPC needed to serve its clients, we embarked on a mission to build a new CPC facility. The vision of the Executive Director was to be walking distance to the Campus of Indiana State University (ISU). This appeared to be a very tall order. Through our work we were able to win an RFP to provide off-campus student housing in the downtown core immediately adjacent to the ISU Campus. The project was to provide commercial space on the ground floor and 260 Student housing beds on the top 4 floors. We were able to structure this deal to a position where we were able to donate 7,000 sf to the CPC in a condo unit to be owned by the CPC debt free. We were also able to raise the additional dollars to build out the space to their specifications. The result was the compete renovation of a city block of downtown Terre Haute, new desired off campus student housing integrated into the downtown that fulfilled one of the strategic initiatives of the ISU Strategic Plan, the largest CPC in the U.S. that was now state of the art and owned by our CPC debt free that could provide services to walk-in ISU students. We were able to structure the deal to be a profitable investment while donating this space to the CPC. As a side bonus, the Planned Parenthood in Terre Haute shut its doors within one year of this CPC opening due to lack of walk in traffic and funding issues!
Previous or Active Portfolio PROPERTIES:
Previous or Active Portfolio Holdings Full list available upon request
As president of Thompson Thrift Development, Paul oversees the development of the company’s asset portfolio and new market opportunities. He founded Thompson Thrift with partner John Thompson in 1986. Under their leadership, the business has grown into the nationally recognized full-service real estate development and construction company it is today.
During his tenure as its president, Paul has successfully guided Thompson Thrift Development through the competitive real estate marketplace while expanding the company’s portfolio to include multifamily, institutional, industrial and commercial developments across the United States. His innovation and drive have fueled the company’s emergence as one of the country’s top privately owned real estate companies as recognized by Inc. magazine.
In 2008, he co-founded Watermark Residential, a full-service upscale multifamily housing developer. Since then Watermark Residential has developed a regional and national profile. The company continues to grow and develop and is actively working projects in 11 states.
Paul is involved in his community and serves on the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce Board’s Executive Committee, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce Board, the Indiana State University Scott College of Business Dean’s Executive Committee and is currently a member of the Terre Haute Tomorrow Steering Committee. He is past chair of the Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce Board and the Wabash Valley Red Cross. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana State University.
As president of Thompson Thrift Construction, John is responsible for the overall direction of the company, including preconstruction, construction services, and field operations. He founded Thompson Thrift with partner Paul Thrift in 1986. Since that time, the two men have expanded the business into a highly regarded full-service real estate development and construction company.
Under John’s leadership the company has been transformed into one of the country’s premier general contractors, building up an extensive portfolio of multifamily, institutional, commercial, retail, restaurant and industrial projects. During his career, John has been responsible for the construction of more than 400 projects. His direction of the company has resulted in several industry awards for quality.
He is a member of the National Association of Homebuilders Leadership Board and the Indiana Association for Community Economic Development. His professional affiliations also include the American Concrete Association and the Associated Builders and Contractors Association. He is an active member of the community and has served as the board president of the Terre Haute Children’s Museum and a board member of the Boy Scouts of America. He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Indiana State University.
Ashlee is responsible for the oversight and growth of the company’s retail division, including all site selection, acquisition, development and leasing activities. Ashlee has more than 19 years of experience in the leasing and development of retail real estate. He began his career with a leading “Chain Links” brokerage firm in Phoenix, AZ, where he represented numerous national credit retailers and shopping center owners throughout Arizona. From there, he went on to represent retailers in their national expansion efforts as a consultant and preferred developer, completing numerous deals in several markets throughout the country. Following that experience, Ashlee worked on the development side of the industry, where he has been successfully involved in the leasing and development of 100 ground-up retail projects in multiple markets throughout the country ranging in size from single tenant build-to-suits to large-scale power and lifestyle centers. Since joining Thompson Thrift, Ashlee has successfully lead the completion of retail projects totaling more than $350,000,000 in market value.
He earned a bachelor of science degree in real estate from Arizona State University. He joined Thompson Thrift in 2006. He is a Licensed Real Estate Broker and an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.
As Managing Partner of Watermark Residential, Josh oversees all facets of the company including site selection, entitlements, contract negotiations, strategic planning, financing and management.
Since joining Watermark in 2008, he has played an integral role in all aspects of the company’s growth which includes 33 developments spread across 11 states throughout the country totaling over $1.1 billion in project costs. Josh has specialized in developing multifamily communities since beginning his career in 2003. To date, he has been involved in over 50 development projects with a total value over $1.6 billion.
Jose oversees Thompson Thrift’s new Mixed-use Division. In this role, Jose focuses his efforts on the growing demand for projects that combine retail, residential, office and hospitality uses. The Mixed-use Division is a natural evolution for Thompson Thrift, which has developed 2,000,000 SF of individual retail, office and light industrial projects, as well as more than 8,000 Class A apartment units nationwide. This division combines the lessons learned and relationships developed since 1986 as the company became a leader in entitlements, development, construction and property management.
Since joining Thompson Thrift in 2009, Jose has held senior management roles within development operations for Thompson Thrift Retail Group, Watermark Residential. and Thompson Thrift Construction. Jose has spent much of his career assembling, land planning, entitling, designing and constructing residential and commercial projects, many under public-private partnership and he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University.
Team and CULTURE
While not complete, one of the things investors have found helpful in the past is seeing how employees, customers have reviewed someone online. As of the date of completing this out …
Spiritual Integration and Impact:
Faith Driven Investing can span a wide range from high yield to concessionary returns that have a higher level of spiritual integration. Having clear expectations of this philosophy is key for the movement. Each investment is unique and you might want to select multiples but if you had to choose one quadrant that best fits your groups spiritual integration and financial performance targets … What would it be?
From the beginning, Thompson Thrift has always sought projects that will have a positive, transforming impact on the communities in which we are located. Our culture is shaped by our commitment to our mission: To Positively Impact Our Team Members and the Communities We serve, which is founded in spiritual principles. We incorporate a scripture stone on every commercial retail project. We have Apartment Life at every multi-family project where Apartment Life has coverage.
Describe the Spiritual Integration Activities:
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From the beginning, Thompson Thrift has always sought projects that will have a positive, transforming impact on the communities in which we are located. Our culture is shaped by our commitment to our mission: To Positively Impact Our Team Members and the Communities We serve, which is founded in spiritual principles. We incorporate a scripture stone on every commercial retail project. We have Apartment Life at every multi-family project where Apartment Life has coverage.
Is Impact and Spiritual Integration Tracked?
Are you partnered with any other organizations?
A lot of Investing Conversations look at Social Impact related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Is there one of these that most resonates with your organization?
WHY The FAITH DRIVEN INVESTOR?
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Why are you compelled to be certified and a part of the Faith Driven Investor Group?
I want to be supportive of this effort to organize like-minded Investors and Entrepreneurs. I believe that God has called us to excellence and through exercising our God given gifts in a business setting we can advance the Gospel in a way that is unique. I hope to advance the Kingdom through my work. The Mission statement of our Company is to “have a positive impact on our team members and the communities we serve.” I hope to be able to more fully live out our mission statement by associating with other believers seeking to do excellence in their work while honoring their faith and advancing the Kingdom at the same time.
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Does the leadership align with the Unifying Principles on Faith Driven Investor and agree to the Code of Conduct? Yes
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Who nominated you to be listed on the FDI site? Justin Foreman, Faith Driven Entrepreneur and Faith Driven Investor
AFFILIATIONS- Are you a part of any third party groups, affiliations that you would like to list here?
n/a
Learn More
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Key Contact Name: Paul Thrift
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Phone: n/a
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Email: pthrift@thompsonthrift.com
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Mailing Address: 901 Wabash Ave Suite 300 Terre Haute, In 47807
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/thompsonthrift
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThompsonThrift/
Faith Driven Media
At this moment in time, it’s increasingly important that believers in Jesus share their stories of grace and how the Gospel shapes them wherever God has them in their work. That means seeing our calling as entrepreneurs, investors, athletes, or politicians as opportunities to display God’s craftsmanship to the unbelieving world.
Faith Driven Entrepreneur
The Faith Driven Entrepreneur is an informal initiative formed by people who believe that God uses entrepreneurs to bring about His Kingdom here on earth. Our mission is to help entrepreneurs who are hard at work on the trail, who are often tired, exhausted, under resourced, and confused. Here, they can find the rest, support, guidance, and provisions they need to head back out on the trail.
Faith Driven Athlete
Athletes share a unique sphere of influence. Their lives on and off the field affect every aspect of society, which is why these men and women want to share their story of faith with you. Get authentic stories from the biggest names in the game, in their own words and on their own terms, all pointing to something bigger than themselves.
by James W. Murphy
In times like these, many faith-based and values-driven investors lean into the potential for their investments to be a source of positive impact and change in a needy world. This is indeed possible if we approach the investment task with an open heart, mindful of the values we are trying to reflect, and with a deepened understanding of the returns we are seeking – and for whom.
by Steven French
Do your investments align with your values? Alignment of values is increasingly in focus. You’ve seen it, for instance, when advertisers withdraw their support from a celebrity. But what about Christians and their investment portfolios? Do their investments support their underlying faith values?In the past, Faith-Based Investing (FBI) was not always looked upon positively, whether because of a perception of poor performance or the limits of uncertain capabilities. But this is a new day. Analytics have advanced, and outcomes demonstrate that it’s possible to have great financial performance and investments that align with faith-based values.
by Brett Johnson
Capital is essential, but much of what we see in the many forms of capital today leads us to conclude there is a definite and urgent need for Repurposing Capital.
by Dwight Short
Weaving together the attractiveness of a short story, the power of scripture interpretation, and information gleaned from years of experience, Dwight Short provides insight and motivation for financial investors who are concerned about being good stewards. “Profit or Principles: Investing Without Compromise” uses the powerful tool of storytelling to explain the basics of Biblically Responsible Investing. As you read this book you will be caught up in the tale of a man named Scott. As he learned what it truly means to be a faithful steward in the eyes of Jesus, you will discover how the lesson applies to your life as well. “Profit or Principles” will help you discover the answers to the following questions: • Is there a conflict between earning a profit and remaining true to my Christian principles when it comes to investing? • Is it possible to know what types of activities I am supporting with my investments? • What should I do if I discover a specific investment provides resources for an offensive activity? • In this economy, if my investments are making money should I be concerned about what the investments are funding? This is not a technical book describing all the workings of Biblically Responsible Investing. Instead, it is primer, an introduction to how it can help a follower of Jesus accomplish financial goals without having to sacrifice spiritual integrity. Author Dwight Short, in his first book “Kingdom Gains,” provided a very thorough explanation of Biblically Responsible Investing. In “Profit or Principles,” you will be motivated to investigate this type of investing. Every faithful follower of Jesus wants to be in the position to hear the Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” There is not really a conflict between being faithful to spiritual principles and earning a good return. Often, the only conflict is if the investor is unwilling to make the necessary changes to accomplish both.
by Chad S. Hamilton
There is no shortage of books providing financial advice and quite a few of those incorporate a Christian perspective. They all tend to start with existing financial practices and apply Biblical principles to what you are already doing. What makes this book different is that it starts with the gospel and then considers the financial implications. The underlying assumption here is that the gospel is Good News rather than Good Advice. That means it is not primarily about finding the right Bible verses to inform you, but rather about connecting with the Good News of Jesus to transform you. What Chad Hamilton provides in this provocative book is an antidote to the false cultural narratives about money. He shows how so many financial problems are due to a misguided search for freedom and helps paint a picture of “what could be” by weaving in stories of imaginative people helping to redeem a broken world. Redefining Financial Freedom provides an inspiring Biblical framework for understanding money. It will change the way you think about work, investing, and generosity.
by Cassandra Laymon
This is not a book about how God wants you to be rich, nor is it a book about the “money secrets” of the Bible. This is the true story of how one woman’s journey to learn about Biblically Responsible Investing transformed her life and opened her heart to Jesus. As an author and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, Cassandra Laymon researched the principles of Biblically-based investing, and learned she was unknowingly profiting from business practices that directly opposed her Christian faith.
In this book Cassandra shares why it is important to know what you own, how to find out the truth, and how you can align your faith and your investments and make your money matter.
by Chad Hamilton
The key to successful wealth management is not financial education. Too often we have looked for mathematical solutions to behavioral problems. Personal financial issues are not solved by changes in interest rates, investment performance, or increased financial IQ. None of those things change behavior. It is internal motivation that drives external behavior. Desires will shape our financial decision-making.
So what about our desires and dreams? C.S. Lewis declared that a central problem of humanity is that we are “far too easily pleased.” Are we settling for less consequential lives? Are we too willing to sell out bigger hopes and dreams for fleeting pleasures? What if the source of our financial problems is that our goals are actually too small?
To find true freedom, we need to integrate our values, passions, and purpose into meaningful goals that inspire us. This is an exploration of money, meaning, and what really matters. It’s a search for Deep Wealth.
by Loran Graham
Discover why honoring God with your investments matters. With grace and humility, Loran Graham takes us on a journey to demonstrate how biblically responsible investing fits into the bigger picture of biblical stewardship, and how our investment choices can be an act of worship.
by Peter Greer and Phil Smith
This eminently practical book by two leading experts on poverty alleviation offers a clear plan to help Christ-followers translate their compassion into thoughtful action. Authors Peter Greer and Phil Smith draw on their personal experiences to discuss proven solutions for effectively alleviating poverty. Created to Flourish examines the pitfalls of traditional approaches and outlines a new model of economic development aimed at breaking the cycle of dependency. Through discipleship-based savings groups and small loans, families in poverty are employing their God-given talents to provide for their families and serve their communities. With photographs showcasing the dignity of clients from around the HOPE International network, this book provides straightforward guidance for individuals and groups eager to carry God’s justice, mercy, and compassion throughout the world.
by Dwight L Short
God owns it all! But you have been called to be HIS portfolio manager! In the complex world of finance that we experience today, Christian Financial Adviser and author, Dwight Short, CIMA, explains how investors, advisers, and clergy can respond to this challenge. In Kingdom Gains, you will find both practical and theological points to help you bridge the gap between the gains in your portfolio and spiritual growth as well. Does God really care how we make money? If it matters to God, should it matter to you? Most believers have not wrestled with this question and the author of Kingdom Gains confesses to not having dealt with it for a long time either. You will find a guilt free challenge to examine your investing habits and take it to the Lord in prayer!
by Dave Ramsey
In The Legacy Journey, Dave Ramsey takes a deep dive into God’s word, revealing the truth on money, wealth and how to build your personal and family legacy. It’s time to address the toxic messages in our culture that say we should be ashamed of the success God’s given us.
by Dave Ramsey
The success stories speak for themselves in this book from money maestro Dave Ramsey. Instead of promising the normal dose of quick fixes, Ramsey offers a bold, no-nonsense approach to money matters, providing not only the how-to but also a grounded and uplifting hope for getting out of debt and achieving total financial health.
by Robert Netzly
Christians around the world are investing billions of dollars to support biblical values for God’s glory and their joy within a movement called Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI). Hear firsthand from one of the leading voices in the BRI movement about the exciting impact being felt on Wall Street, in corporate America, in families and churches all over the globe and how you, too, can experience the blessing of aligning your investments with biblical values for God’s glory and your joy!
Read how author Robert Netzly’s career as a successful financial professional was turned upside down when he discovered BRI, how the Holy Spirit pierced his heart on the issue and his harrowing experience of leaving everything to follow Jesus into an uncertain future with no safety net — and how God proved himself faithful time and time again, and used that step of faith to advance a movement that is literally changing the world, completely by his grace.
by Brett Johnson
Biblical or Kingdom Economics is often diametrically opposed to the worlds of economics, banking, finance and investing as we know it. This book looks at alternate economic systems and provides guidance on how to exit bad systems and redirect living, investing, and finances to better systems consistent with principles of Kingdom Economics. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you will find Brett Johnson’s teachings on money, finance, and investing particularly useful.
Brett founded The Institute for Innovation, Integration and Impact, Inc. in 1996. His writings complement the work of this Silicon Valley think tank. Kingdom Economics is an invitation to the growing Faith Driven Investor community who love the nations and the planet too much to leave their money stuck where it grows but does not change the world for good.
Is it time for new economic solutions? Read more about Kingdom Economics on our blog.
Others we recommend
Since publishing the list, we’ve had a few more suggestions come in. Expect these to be added to an updated list soon.
Let us know what to add!
m6:33 capital
Firm Headquarters: Wilsonville, Oregon
Date Founded: January 2020
m633capital.com
This Page was Updated May 2020
Investment Approach
INVESTMENT THESIS
Companies that hire formerly exploited or trafficked people and share the love of Christ with them, businesses that use their presence in countries that are difficult for traditional missionaries to access to share the Gospel, and companies who seek to use their business as a platform for sharing truth and love to a hurting world all serve as OUTPOSTS OF THE KINGDOM.
The modern Business As Mission movement has matured over the last two decades. Now, many such businesses are viable and strong financial investments. These businesses exist across different geographies, industries, and growth stages. They have one common factor – they were designed to have a KINGDOM PURPOSE.
When the operators of these companies have the opportunity to expand their operations and take more ground for the Kingdom, they must often leave their front line positions and spend significant time and energy to re-supply before deploying again. Supply lines to these missional outposts are non-existent. We aim to change that. WE AIM TO BE THE SUPPLY LINE.
INVESTMENT OVERVIEW
M6:33 Capital’s impact investment fund has a ten-year time frame with a raise once and deploy scenario.
M6:33 Capital will prioritize Kingdom impact ahead of the geography, industry, or growth stage of the target investment. That said, most of the potential portfolio companies that M6:33 Capital is tracking are in venture and early stages of development.
Investments to Date: Under 10
Focused Geographic Regions of Investment:
Focused Industries of Investment:
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Agricultural
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Data, Software and Technology
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Media, Publishing and Entertainment
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Consumer Retail
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Consumer Services
Investment Example:
M6:33 Capital will utilize the following processes and elements in a typical investment life cycle.
Post-investment
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Advisors and board members have been identified who can assist the Managing Director with ongoing coaching and mentoring of portfolio companies.
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We will regularly pray with and for portfolio companies in monthly prayer calls.
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When necessary, we will invest in a portfolio company contingent on the company engaging with a professional business development coach.
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We will encourage portfolio companies to remain active in support networks, including OPEN Networks, the BAM Conference, the Navigators Global Enterprise Network, or marketplace ministry groups.
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We will actively track portfolio companies’ progress toward financial and Kingdom goals, and regularly report this progress back to investors with monthly updates, quarterly reports and annual reports.
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From the outset of all deals, we will work with portfolio companies to plan for a successful exit from the venture.
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When we have engaged in an equity deal, our preferred exit would be to sell our position back to the company. If that is not feasible, we will court other missionally aligned investors to purchase such an equity position.
Pre-investment
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We have developed a pool of potential portfolio companies that match the investment fund thesis.
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Investors will be surveyed to determine which investment opportunities are of greatest interest. Investors may suggest other companies that align with the investment thesis as potential portfolio companies.
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We partner with organizational partners and potential co-investors to secure intelligence on potential portfolio companies.
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We will utilize a wealth management firm that has a business consulting division that operates from a Christian worldview to conduct additional due diligence on potential portfolio companies. (The business consulting division of this company has a team of five who together have 95 years of relevant business expertise, and the assessment tool they will be using for M6:33 they have used 73 times in the last four years.)
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Our investment committee suggests potential deal terms, and we engage legal counsel to assist with negotiating and drafting potential deals.
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Before the fund makes any deals, all investors have opportunity to view all the diligence and to vote on the deal.
Company Differentiator:
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We seek first Kingdom returns, looking at and initially measuring companies based upon their Kingdom impact plan.
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Typical venture capital funds leave investment decisions to fund managers. We are different; we believe that the collective intelligence of our investors is far greater than the intelligence of a small group of fund managers, and therefore desire investor input into the decision-making process.
PREVIOUS OR ACTIVE PORTFOLIO COMPANIES INCLUDE:
n/a
Capital Raise Strategy
Our capital raise strategy is modified due to current COVID restrictions, but we are reaching out to potential investors on a 1:1 basis currently, and plan to reach out further through Zoom webinars and a series of explainer videos that are currently in development.
Total Assets Under Management: We are just beginning our fundraising stage.
% of Capital from Top 3 Investors: More than 50%
Financial Reporting Frequency to Investors: Quarterly
Average Investment: $500,000
Minimum Amount: $200,000
Setup to accept charitable capital through the National Christian Foundation or other listing platforms? Yes
Erik Fast has worked with foundations, corporations, and high-net worth individuals who want to use their charitable capital to create social impacts for the last eighteen years. Through the work he has done at multiple institutions of higher education, and also as a frequent conference speaker and consultant, Erik has helped many organizations set, measure, analyze and communicate Kingdom and social impacts to donors and investors. Erik also is an effective team leader who has a great deal of experience assembling networks of individuals and organizations to reach common goals. In his career, Erik has led teams and divisions that have raised approximately $50 million in charitable dollars.
Doug Hoffman retired after 42 years of working as a Chief Executive Officer in four separate Farmer Cooperatives. The past 23 years Doug grew Wilco to 900 employees in 26 locations in Oregon and Washington. Doug serves on the Boards for the Oregon FFA Foundation, REAL Oregon, Agricultural Advisory Council at Corban University and as a volunteer at Oregon Youth Authority, and is very involved in Salem Evangelical Church. In 2018, he assumed the role of Executive Director of Mercy, Inc. “Mercy” is a 501(c) (3) organization that presents the Gospel message around the world by meeting humanitarian needs such as: education, aid to orphans and widows, literacy, medical assistance, agricultural projects, disaster relief, clean water, meeting hunger needs, micro enterprises, and anti-exploitation work.
Chad Merrill has a long history as a successful entrepreneur, having been involved in the creation and leadership of multiple businesses. Most recently Chad founded Impact 2:52, LLC which owns and operates 17 baseball & soccer academies across the Southeast. The Impact 2:52 companies also operate a management company that offers management, consulting & leadership development services to entrepreneurial companies.
Chad Merrill is the past President & CEO of the Fellowship of Companies for Christ International (FCCI). Founded over 40 years ago, FCCI’s mission is to encourage & equip Christian CEOs to use their influence to grow the Kingdom. FCCI operates throughout the US and in over 30 countries around the world.
Prior to Impact 2:52, Chad was a Founding partner in Onepath Systems, LLC. Founded in 2006 it has grown to a $200 million dollar technology company with over 1,000 employees. His strengths lie in leadership, strategy, culture development and out-of-the-box thinking that leverages partner skill sets to create Win-Win-Win relationships.
John Warton heads the Business Professional Network, a non-profit organization that for the last twenty years has served as a conduit of encouragement, training, and support for business as mission (“BAM”) companies around the world. John holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, and has been active in property management for the past 30 years. He earned an MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, served as a pastor for 15 years, and was elected to the national board of the Evangelical Free Church of America. He served for three years as COO of the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association, taught business leadership at Corban University, and is a lecturer at the Geneva Institute on Leadership and Public Policy.
Larry Sharp is the founder of IBEC Ventures and now serves as Director of Strategic Training and Partnerships. His weekly IBEC Insights blog (https://ibecventures.com/blog) reaches thousands of current and prospective BAM entrepreneurs in many countries. He travels within North America speaking and teaching in conferences, colleges and churches on themes related to BAM, Business for Transformation (“B4T”) and missions. His travels abroad relate to BAM/B4T, crisis preparation and management, and team building. Larry’s vision and expertise has helped IBEC influence dozens of BAM businesses. Larry currently focuses on the training sector, helping people understand Business as Mission and preparing consultants to serve overseas in high risk places. He also is an adjunct professor at several colleges.
Jim Fogleman serves as the Chief Financial Officer of M6:33 Capital. He is also the CFO of West Street Investment Services, where he oversees fund administration for a number of funds, including Sovereign’s Capital. In this role, he oversees investment-level financial reporting and assists with compliance matters. Prior, he held CFO positions with privately held companies involved in start-ups, turnarounds, and real estate development. These companies included Blue Rhino Corporation, a propane cylinder exchange marketer/distributor; Platinum Service Corp., a developer of Boston Market restaurant properties located primarily in the Carolinas and Georgia; and National Packaging Solutions Group, a southeastern US manufacturer and distributor of industrial packaging. Mr. Fogleman began his career in public accounting with Price Waterhouse and later with Pryor, Sills and Fogleman and the Daniel Professional Group. He earned a BS from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a licensed CPA in North Carolina. Mr. Fogleman and his wife Mary Edna have three sons.
Team and CULTURE
While not complete, one of the things investors have found helpful in the past is seeing how employees, customers have reviewed someone online. As of the date of completing this out …
Spiritual Integration and Impact:
Faith Driven Investing can span a wide range from high yield to concessionary returns that have a higher level of spiritual integration. Having clear expectations of this philosophy is key for the movement. Each investment is unique and you might want to select multiples but if you had to choose one quadrant that best fits your groups spiritual integration and financial performance targets … What would it be?
We are targeting the top-performing Kingdom purpose companies, regardless of their industry, geography or stage of development. Our first priority is to identify companies that have a strong Kingdom impact, and we believe that M6:33 Capital investments will consistently perform well with a Kingdom impact. As for financial returns, we believe that many of the target investments will realize above market financial returns. That said, we may invest in Kingdom purpose companies that also produce concessionary financial returns (but have very strong Kingdom impact). Given this range of potential financial returns, we feel that an average market rate financial return is possible.
Describe the Spiritual Integration Activities of the Fund:
Is Impact and Spiritual Integration Tracked?
Are you partnered with any other organizations?
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Yes, we are aligned with many other organizations that align spiritual integration and Kingdom work, including, but not limited to:
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IBEC Ventures. IBEC provides BAM consulting, training and coaching to missional entrepreneurs. Larry Sharp, the founder of IBEC Ventures, is on the M6:33 Capital board of directors.
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Business Professional Network (BPN). For over twenty years, BPN has served to support BAM projects in developing countries around the globe. John Warton, the president of BPN, is on the M6:33 Capital board of directors.
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FCCI. Chad Merrill, the pas president of FCCI, is on the M6:33 Capital board of directors.
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Mercy, Inc. Doug Hoffman, the president of Mercy, Inc. is on the M6:33 Capital board of directors. Mercy, Inc. is a Christian humanitarian relief organization operating around the world.
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Impact Foundation. We have been approved by and have received investments through the Impact Foundation.
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Maclellan Foundation. M6:33 Capital has shared information about its potential target investments with the Maclellan Foundation, and in turn the Maclellan Foundation has shared intelligence with M6:33 Capital about its impact investments. Informally, representatives of the Maclellan Foundation have stated that the target investments of M6:33 Capital overlap with the investment interests of the Maclellan Foundation “80 to 90% of the time.” Given these shared interests, the Maclellan Foundation and M6:33 Capital have agreed to share due diligence and explore co-investing opportunities down the road.
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Trustbridge Global Network. Through the TrustBridge Global Network, individuals with Donor Advised Funds at the National Christian Foundation make grants around the world. The principals at TrustBridge have offered to help the M6:33 Capital with repatriating investment funds back to the United States in certain circumstances. TrustBridge Global has also offered to share due diligence they have conducted on business as mission companies.
A lot of Investing Conversations look at Social Impact related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Is there one of these that most resonates with your organization?
“Decent work and economic growth” most resonates with M6:33 Capital. “Industry, innovation and infrastructure”, “no poverty”, “zero hunger”, “good health and well being” and “peace, justice and strong institutions” may also be met through the work of M6:33 Capital.
If you’re wildly successful how will the world be different?
Our mission is three-fold:
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Glorify God by investing in companies that honor Him,
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Secure a financial return for investors, and
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Leverage the potential success of these investments to inspire additional impact investments into Kingdom-purpose companies.
If we are wildly successful in this mission, Christians will understand much better that they can secure Kingdom returns and financial returns from the same resources. Not only would we like to see many more Kingdom impact investors, but we would also like to see many more faith-drive entrepreneurs aiming to use their business as a platform to share the Gospel and love people in the name of Jesus.
WHY The FAITH DRIVEN INVESTOR?
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Why are you compelled to be certified and a part of the Faith Driven Investor Group? M6:33 Capital is eager to see the faith-driven ecosystem grow and believe that joining like-minded investors will help us all in our individual missions. We look forward to the possibility of co-investing alongside others in the faith driven investor network, and hope and pray that our collective work will bring praise and glory to Jesus Christ.
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Does the leadership align with the Unifying Principles on Faith Driven Investor and agree to the Code of Conduct? Absolutely
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Who nominated you to be listed on the FDI site? Justin Forman, Faith Driven Investor
AFFILIATIONS- Are you a part of any third party groups, that you would like to list here?
No
Allison Long Pettine is an investor and entrepreneur passionate about supporting leaders who strive to positively impact society. We’re excited to learn more from Allison on the Faith Driven Investor Podcast as she talks about increasing the success rate of entrepreneurs