About Plantd

Huade is an innovative engineer with a passion for solving global problems through interdisciplinary collaboration. At SpaceX, he led the design of key systems for the Dragon spacecraft, helping return NASA astronauts to the ISS. His career began at Sensata Technologies, working on motor protector applications for the automotive and commercial compressor industries. Huade holds degrees from Notre Dame, Columbia University, and Boston University, and is a licensed professional engineer in North Carolina.

Nathan is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and engineer with a passion for innovation. At SpaceX, he led the team that built life support systems for astronauts aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft. Nathan has also built launch vehicles, ground support equipment, and large composite structures. He made history by building the first payload fairing recovered from space and reused on a later mission.

In addition to his work at SpaceX, Nathan founded a company that designed, built, and flew reduced gravity experiments onboard NASA's zero gravity simulation aircraft. He has received recognition for his work in the industry, including the Emerging Space Leaders Grant and the First Suborbital Research Flight with Virgin Galactic.

Nathan holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering and BS in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Kartheek is a seasoned finance and strategy executive with experience at four startups. A former venture capitalist and investment banker, Kartheek has led over $2 billion in M&A and fundraising transactions. Kartheek holds an MS in Management Science & Engineering from Stanford and a BS in Operations Research & Industrial Engineering from Cornell.

With senior roles at Novozymes (now Novonesis) and Nordic Houseware Group, Line has led high-impact ventures, secured multi-million-dollar deals, and successfully launched products for LEGO®, Disney®, and Pantone®, driving significant profitability growth.

Holding a Master’s in International Management & Marketing from Copenhagen Business School and executive training from Columbia and London Business Schools, Line is known for strategic thinking, strong customer relationships, and delivering double revenue growth.

With a degree in Business Administration from the University of Georgia and executive education from The Wharton School and Kennesaw State, Jon has built a strong career in the lumber and building materials industry. Starting in sales at Georgia Pacific/BlueLinx, he returned to Brand Vaughan Lumber in 2006, rising to President by 2017. Following the sale of Brand Vaughan to US LBM in 2021, Jon became Regional Vice President for the Southeast, overseeing $1.6B in revenue, 14 operating businesses, 54 locations, and 1,540 employees. He left US LBM in 2023 to pursue new opportunities.

Dr. Janel Ohletz grew up on a small family farm in rural New Hampshire and recently earned her PhD in Soil Science from NC State University. Her research focused on using machine learning and remote sensing to optimize nutrient management in field corn. She also holds an M.S. in Agricultural Science and a B.S. in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of New Hampshire.

As Director of Agriculture for Plantd, Janel drives soil health and regenerative practices to support biomass production for carbon sequestration. A former chef with 20 years of experience in hospitality, she is passionate about building sustainable agriculture from the ground up.

Justin holds an Associate Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technologies and Business Administration, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Audio Engineering. With 6 years of military service as an Aerospace Propulsion Journeyman for the B1 Bomber and 5 years of experience at SpaceX supporting the Crew Dragon and Crew Starship programs, Justin brings a wealth of technical expertise. Currently, he leverages 2 years of engineering and team management experience at Plantd.

Anthony served in the United States Navy from 2013 to 2018, completing three Arctic deployments and achieving the rank of E-5 in 2.5 years. After leaving the military, he became a Lead Maintenance Technician at Altec, a role he held from 2018 to 2022. He currently serves as the Plant Manager at Plantd, where he oversees operations and drives continuous improvement.

Stephanie Pearson is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in Operations Management. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Administration/Management from Western Carolina University, giving her a solid foundation for her successful career in operations.

Throughout her extensive career, Stephanie has excelled in business development and project management consistently driving success through innovative strategies and effective leadership. Her ability to build strong relationships and lead teams toward achieving strategic goals has been a hallmark of her professional journey.