Richard Melland, CEO
Mr. Melland is a native of Michigan. He is a third generation farmer whose great grandfather settled in Nebraska after emigrating from Norway in 1890. The family moved to Michigan in 1955. At the age of 11, Richard was working on the family farm. In addition, he was hired by other local farmers to assist with the expansion of the farms and to oversee the harvest of corn and wheat produce; as well as manage livestock. When he was 16 years old, Richard was in demand by the local farmers due to his healthy work appetite and his 6’2” - 200 lb. frame that allowed him to tackle the more strenuous farm duties. Richard then joined the Marine Corps. returning to the farm after completing his 4 years of service. In 1977 Richard moved to California to become a businessman purchasing a gas station and mini-mart while working for the Local 12 Operating Engineers. After acquiring many small businesses Richard invested in raw land all throughout Southern California. Mr. Melland is very active in travel; and keeps expanding his knowledge of farming and business... giving his focus to TKO Farms.
Tom Owen, President
Tom Owen is an avid outdoorsman. After returning from the Air Force he worked at Coos Bay Timber Operators specializing in timber removal and road building along the Oregon coast. After 10 years of service, Mr. Owen then expanded his education to work emergency health services. This lead him to become a pastor in the local farming community of Tensed, Idaho while being a Reserve Deputy Officer with the Benewah County Sheriff’s Department.
Shinsuke Nakashima, Treasurer/Secretary
Shinsuke Nakashima is a remarkable individual.
Born in Japan in 1981, he followed his dreams and moved to the United States in 2000.
He studied hospitality management and business at California Polytechnic University, Pomona, graduating with honors. Shinsuke then entered the fast-paced world of the upscale hospitality industry, achieving success and notoriety for his abilities ensuring guest satisfaction.
He developed a sincere passion for helping others and with encouragement from friends and clients, launched a second career as an interpreter/translator for organizations in the financial and healthcare industries.
Using his extensive 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry in both Asia and the US. Shinsuke plans, arranges, conducts conferences as their liaison for international representatives from various industry fields.
An astute investor, Shinsuke raises capital for small and medium sized companies and also invests funds to help companies’ grow. He focuses his investment selections on those small to medium-sized companies with substantial growth opportunities.
Abner Alas, Farm Manager
From a family with many years of expertise in Belizean Agriculture and Farming, Abner was born in Belmopan. He graduated from Sacred Heart Junior College with an Associate Degree in International Business and two years later from the University of Belize, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.
Abner comes to TKO Farms from M&V Farms Ltd. where he spent several years being groomed by then M&V Farms Ltd. management team, before being promoted to General Manager to oversee M&V Farms Ltd. farm operations. With his many years of experience and great pride, Abner and his family have taken and continue to take today in Belizean Agriculture and Farming. We are very pleased to have him lead our farm operations team.
Adrienne Hernandez, VP of Marketing
Adrienne Hernandez is a digital marketing consultant with The Whizbang Agency in Greater Los Angeles area. She is an expert on subjects including: brand marketing, persona development, increasing brand awareness, and sales through innovative strategic thinking and problem solving.
Adrienne is dedicated to focusing on the needs and demands of a diverse client list that builds target audiences, customer loyalty, and drives revenue.
Ben Hurr, VP Of Land and Trees
Ben Hurr a native of Oregon specializing in the preservation of land along the Oregon Coast. Ben has removed over 50 million board feet of trees over his 30 years of environmentally safe land reclamation and reuse projects. His expertise in the space allowed Ben to create his own company in 2001. His company carries his name “Hurr Excavation”. Which is a Leader in environmentally sound land reclamation.
Ken Owen, VP of Sales
Ken Owen was born and raised in Oregon.
His 30-plus year business career is highlighted by creating sales and revenues for a wide variety of companies, including AT&T Business Systems.
Ken has spent the last several years as a Land Development Specialist and as an investor, raising capital for small to mid-sized companies in the two to five million-dollar space.