home

About 1516 Partners

People are first. Everything else follows.

Our employees and our customers are the common thread across every company we own.

Our story

Started in July 2024.

1516 Partners began in July 2024 with a simple idea: find small Kansas businesses with real history, and build on the foundation their owners laid. It is led by Jared Jackson, Quentin Ellis and Kiley Beach.

In March 2025, Logo Depot in Wichita joined, a company that began in 1938 as Industrial Uniform. In October 2025 came National Sign Company in Ottawa, founded in 1915. In July 2026, Wichita Wood Floor Specialists became the third.

Company apparel, traffic signs and wood floors do not have much in common on paper. What they share is a reputation earned over years, customers who count on them, and people who know the work.

We are still learning, and we say so. Small business is hard. We keep asking questions, keep trying better tools, AI included, and keep putting people first.

How we work

What guides us.

Four ideas that shape how we run every company.

  1. 01

    People first

    The people who do the work, and the customers they serve, come first. Every decision starts there.

  2. 02

    Build on the foundation

    These companies earned their names over decades. We keep what works and invest in what comes next.

  3. 03

    Keep learning

    Small business is hard. We say so plainly, learn from every season, and share what we learn across the companies.

  4. 04

    Use better tools

    We bring modern tools, AI included, into daily work wherever they help people do their jobs well.

The partners

The people behind 1516.

Jared Jackson

Partner

Jared Jackson

Jared has a varied career path including 25 years of experience spanning education, entrepreneurship, and finance. As Co-Founder of 1516 Partners, he drives innovation and strategy. Previously, Jared served as Director of Innovative Programs at Basehor-Linwood School District, leading impactful educational initiatives. His career includes roles as an administrator, teacher, and in corporate finance, where he honed skills in strategic planning, leadership, and innovation management. Jared is passionate about bridging education and industry, empowering professionals to achieve success.

Quentin Ellis

Partner

Quentin Ellis

Quentin is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of experience in construction, real estate development, and hospitality. As President of Construction and Development at TGC Development Group, Quentin led the execution of high-profile real estate projects, driving growth and delivering exceptional results in commercial and mixed-use developments. Previously, as Director of Business Development at Hutton Construction, he spearheaded market expansion and cultivated key client relationships, significantly contributing to the company’s success. Quentin brings extensive expertise in project management, market strategy, and team leadership, with a proven track record of delivering innovative, community-focused solutions.

Kiley Beach

Partner

Kiley Beach

Kiley is a seasoned professional in the agricultural insurance industry with a proven record of leadership, sales, and community service. As a Field Supervisor for Farmers Mutual Hail and later State Supervisor for Hudson Insurance Group, Kiley gained expertise in operations and client relations. In 2010 Kiley purchased Fox Insurance and rebranded it as 2K Crop Co. Since that time Kiley has led the company to become a top ten producer in Kansas and a top 50 producer nationwide for Farmers Mutual Hail.

Committed to the community, Kiley also has served as a County Commissioner and School Board Member, reflecting a passion for supporting agriculture and local growth.

Sell or Refer

Selling your business, or know one that fits?

We are looking for established Kansas businesses with a history worth building on. If you own one and are starting to think about what comes next, or you know an owner who is, we would like to hear from you.

I am thinking about selling I know a business that fits