OUR TEAM
ACTS has assembled a stellar team made up of people with intelligence, great heart, creative skills and most of all experience in hydroponics, technology, manufacturing, construction and veteran services.
THE EXECUTIVES
R. Michael Buehler
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
The Management Team is led by Chief Executive Officer R. Michael Buehler who founded ACTS, incorporating the cause marketing concepts more than...
R. Michael Buehler
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
The Management Team is led by Chief Executive Officer R. Michael Buehler who founded ACTS, incorporating the cause marketing concepts more than 20 years ago which led to the formation of ACTS Freedom Farms in 2015.
Michael is an accomplished senior executive responsible for concept development, long-term planning, administration and operational activities. His domestic and international marketing experience will rapidly advance the company's global footprint. As the son of a mid-western "sharecropper", he provides a first-hand prospective and understanding of land-ownership vs. tenant-farming practices, as well as the power and benefits of Co-Operative participation for securing lower costs with higher yields for all forms of farming. He has recognized the long term complicating factors surrounding mass corporate no-till farming, the impact of genetically altered seed, the deteriorating nutritional value of today’s food crops, and the lack of natural replenishment of soil nutrients by current cultivation practices which results in long term soil depletion. He is passionate about implementing advanced agricultural technologies to address the need for increased quantity and improved quality of food production to meet the demands of a growing world population.
In November, 2016 Michael was the recipient of World Safe's 2016-2017 Visionary Award for his efforts to create master-planned, live-work, agricultural communities throughout the US, which specifically offer American Veterans opportunities to achieve home ownership and establish meaningful and sustainable careers as Agricultural Specialist, in ACTS Freedom Farms of America's high-tech agriculture.
Chuck Vollmer
Business Development and Government Liaison
Chuck is the author and founder of Jobenomics that deals with the economics of business and job creation. He leads a national grassroots...
Chuck Vollmer
Business Development and Government Liaison
Chuck is the author and founder of Jobenomics that deals with the economics of business and job creation. He leads a national grassroots movement with a following of several million people and the support of numerous policy-makers and decision-leaders, that has a goal of creating 20 million net new US private sector jobs by 2020. More than most, he appreciates the job creation potential and mission of ACTS Freedom Farms. His connections to countless local and national leaders will directly benefit ACTS Freedom Farms as we reach into states, counties, and neighborhoods with our message and solutions to the many challenges being faced. As Partner at Booz Allen & Hamilton, Mr. Vollmer organized and managed one of the largest US consortiums involved with industry privatization in the former Soviet Union. These consortiums accomplished the largest privatization effort in history converting over 70% of state-owned industries to private enterprises. He lectures on economic, industry and policy issues and opportunities related to job and business creation. Mr. Vollmer has also lectured on the Mid-East, Islam, Arabs and cooperative engagement. He is an Advisory Board member of the International Center for Religion & Diplomacy, dedicated to conflict resolution. Chuck will serve as ACTS liaison to Washington DC and the United Nations.
Being a veteran himself, he greatly appreciates what we can and will do for veterans, and he will be a valuable asset as we move forward. He is already working with numerous mayors and community leaders across America on how to mass-produce small businesses in the emerging digital economy. Mr. Vollmer regularly works with US Congress, Department of Defense and government officials. He assisted leaders on force transformation, authoring the US Air Force’s VECTORS and Global Information Operations efforts, the National Guard’s VANGUARD campaign, and the Rapid Dominance and Shock & Awe concepts. He also helps innovators and entrepreneurs establish small businesses. Lt. Col (ret) Vollmer served 10 years’ active duty in the USAF and 13 years with the Air National Guard (Illinois, Missouri and Washington DC).
As a graduate of USAF Academy with a B.S. degree in Engineering Management and a Masters’ Degree in Education, Guidance and Counseling from Northern Arizona University. He has a certificate in Business Administration and Management, General, from Sloan School of Management for Senior Executives at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Sue Ann Ma
MBA, CPA and CEP
Sue Ann has been in public accounting for nearly three decades. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in banking, accounting...
Sue Ann Ma
MBA, CPA and CEP
Sue Ann has been in public accounting for nearly three decades. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in banking, accounting, insurance and financial services field, and has provided comprehensive financial services in tax preparation, retirement, tax and estate planning and many other accounting services to a wide range of clients, including both businesses and individuals, throughout the greater Houston area.
She was Vice President/Relationship Manager of Hibernia National Bank (now Capital One National Bank); She was Controller and Vice President of Chase Bank, Beaumont Region; Assistant Controller and Financial Officer of Texas Commerce Bank; Branch Manager of Sun America Securities and Registered representative of Money Concept Securities. In 1990, Sue Ann established Sue Ann Ma CPA firm which is located in Houston, TX. She is also an Insurance Broker and Real Estate Agent. She was elected as Super Banker in 1986, Texas Commerce Bank; Recipient of CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD in 1995, Chase Bank; Nominated and listed in Who’s Who International Professional for the year of 2000.
Buddy Siebenlist
Architect, Real Estate Development and Construction Expert
Buddy brings to ACTS FFA 25+ years of professional success in architecture, engineering, administration, construction, and real estate...
Buddy Siebenlist
Architect, Real Estate Development and Construction Expert
Buddy brings to ACTS FFA 25+ years of professional success in architecture, engineering, administration, construction, and real estate development.
Experienced as Director of Facilities of a 22,000 member mega Church, K-12 School, Day Care, Restaurants, TV/Radio Media, etc., etc., has provided unique understanding about the operation and agenda of churches of all sizes and ministries. He has church projects of all types and sizes stretching from Miami to Albuquerque and beyond. His development background includes a variety of real estate ventures across Texas and other states. The Consortium Firm, Inc. was founded by Buddy and two partners to “Build Cities” with planned mixed-use developments, i.e., Thedford Crossing, a master planned community including commercial, medical, entertainment and residential developments totaling nearly 600 acres.
He has the ability to “See the big picture” quickly and easily. A resolute problem-solver, Buddy has a reputation for bringing projects to fruition. The result has made the difference in numerous project starts versus budget deadlock.
Bill O'Connor
Agricultural Operations and Technology
Bill has extensive experience in the Venture Capital and Private Equity arena. He brings years of exposure to and understanding of start-up...
Bill O'Connor
Agricultural Operations and Technology
Bill has extensive experience in the Venture Capital and Private Equity arena. He brings years of exposure to and understanding of start-up financing and the overall components critical to success. With a degree in Business Administration and Management, he has been involved through the development stages for the Company and has placed his extensive years of business administration, financial and management experience at our disposal. He brings a critical eye and sharp analytical skills to the unfolding operations of the Company. Mr. O’Connor has held a series 7 securities license, insurance, and real estate licenses for many years and has a diversified knowledge base about multiple types of businesses and a broad set of skills that reflect that experience.
PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
Melody Buehler
Branded Content Management
Melody is a uniquely skilled executive and marketing professional who understands the importance of content as a critical tool in the execution of...
Melody Buehler
Branded Content Management
Melody is a uniquely skilled executive and marketing professional who understands the importance of content as a critical tool in the execution of a corporate strategy. Blending her ability to express neutrality with her strong market sense she has consistently created content that resonated with the audience and demonstrated sound editorial judgment that drives results.
Effectively operating behind the scenes, Melody has the ability to provide corporate leadership and independent business owners, across a broad spectrum of industries, with meticulously researched and authenticated content and resources to help drive their operation. She also has a keen understanding of the workings of grass roots charitable organizations and their unique marketing needs. Melody is a strong leader, articulate, precise and capable of shaping an organization’s direction using her many unique skills to provide corporate tools to drive success. She is quick to recognize a need, research options and design content and materials in appropriate response to particular marketing conditions.
Instrumental in researching, designing and forming the narrative content for ACTS Freedom Farms, Melody built in a high level of consistency throughout the ACTS Freedom Farms development plan. The complexities of the ACTS Freedom Farms project allowed her to utilize her years of experience in business development, real estate, (she is a licensed real estate agent in the State of California), and her uncanny research skills and devotion to detail. Her life-long commitment to humanitarian and faith-based causes, as well as her passion for helping under-served social groups here in the US and abroad, have found clear expression in the mission set forth by ACTS Freedom Farms.
Robert Flegal
Manufacturing Expert
Having worked his way through the ranks, Robert brings a rich background in manufacturing and operations in multiple industries. He has...
Robert Flegal
Manufacturing Expert
Having worked his way through the ranks, Robert brings a rich background in manufacturing and operations in multiple industries.
He has over 25 years’ experience with 4 Companies serving in senior management roles, including, President, Vice-President, Operations, ownership, CEO, procurement manager, project management, and product development management, including modular home manufacturing. He has a passion for being a “Visionary” and is a proponent of change management. He brings a solid vendor technician knowledge, and is skilled in being able to analyze a situation and create viable solutions utilizing available resources. Change does not scare him.
He possesses significant experienced in new product design, promotion, training, and marketing campaigns. His experience in negotiating especially for long-term procurement contracts with both customers and suppliers will help towards maximum cost savings and efficient use of time and resources.
Desmond Colleran
Senior Corporate Advisor
Desmond has a long history with ACTS and has been a part of the planning and development of ACTS Freedom Farms from the beginning...
Desmond Colleran
Senior Corporate Advisor
Desmond has a long history with ACTS and has been a part of the planning and development of ACTS Freedom Farms from the beginning. He blends a broad dimension of executive business management and international non-profit and charitable organizational experience.
His role within ACTS Freedom Farms is to enhance the Company's sustainability in the areas of finances, strategic direction, and planning, as well as sales and marketing, analyzing all aspects of Company operations and present ongoing strategies for future success.
Michael Vernor
Architectural Design and Structural Engineering
Michael is a graduate of Texas A&M University, with an educational background in Construction Science...
Michael Vernor
Architectural Design and Structural Engineering
Michael is a graduate of Texas A&M University, with an educational background in Construction Science, Architectural Design, and Structural Engineering.
Michael brings a wealth of practical experience in the design, development, and build-out of properties which will be very applicable in the early planning and construction stages of the many ACTS Freedom Farms community developments. His expertise covers large commercial as well as custom residential developments. He partnered in the design and development of new products to meet emergency and third world housing needs. In the role of COO of Green Concepts, he designed and developed housing properties for the Government of Mexico.
Michael also lead the development, design, engineering, and manufacturing of “Transportable Housing” which utilized a state of the art technology known as CerarMix, which is the primary building component expected to be utilized in building the homes and structures for the Freedom Farms communities.
Advisory Board Members
Cliff Lightfoot
Corporate Finance and Investment Professional
With more than 35 years of experience in corporate finance, investment banking, and public accounting,..
Cliff Lightfoot
Corporate Finance and Investment Professional
With more than 35 years of experience in corporate finance, investment banking, and public accounting, Cliff brings to ACTS Freedom Farms a vast understanding of the world of corporate finance, economics, fundraising, mergers and acquisitions, start-ups as well as Fortune 500 companies.
Currently, Mr. Lightfoot is a partner at The CFO Center, Los Angeles Metro, with headquarters in London, UK. The CFO Center provides strategic advisory services to CEOs of small and mid-sized companies. He also serves as Vice-President at VXGlobal, a platform and gateway to low cost capital, both equity and debt, domestic and foreign, for small and mid-sized firms, and real estate projects which cataloged over 5,000 sources.
Cliff received his B.S. degree in Public Administration, with a major in urban planning and minor in finance and real estate. He began his MBA at George Washington University, completing an MPA with specialty in statistics and business economics.
A member of a vibrant community known as the Half Century Trojans of University of Southern California that includes all USC alumni (e.g. bachelor's, master's, doctoral and professional degree alumni), Cliff continues to serve as a proactive caretaker of USC history and tradition with an enduring commitment to the University and upholding the Trojan legacy.
Chuck Vollmer
Advisory Board Vice-Chairman, Jobenomics Founder and President
Chuck is the author and founder of Jobenomics that deals with the economics of business and job creation. He leads a national grassroots...
Chuck Vollmer
Advisory Board Vice-Chairman, Jobenomics Founder and President
Chuck is the author and founder of Jobenomics that deals with the economics of business and job creation. He leads a national grassroots movement with a following of several million people and the support of numerous policy-makers and decision-leaders, that has a goal of creating 20 million net new US private sector jobs by 2020. More than most, he appreciates the job creation potential and mission of ACTS Freedom Farms. His connections to countless local and national leaders will directly benefit ACTS Freedom Farms as we reach into states, counties, and neighborhoods with our message and solutions to the many challenges being faced. As Partner at Booz Allen & Hamilton, Mr. Vollmer organized and managed one of the largest US consortiums involved with industry privatization in the former Soviet Union. These consortiums accomplished the largest privatization effort in history converting over 70% of state-owned industries to private enterprises. He lectures on economic, industry and policy issues and opportunities related to job and business creation. Mr. Vollmer has also lectured on the Mid-East, Islam, Arabs and cooperative engagement. He is an Advisory Board member of the International Center for Religion & Diplomacy, dedicated to conflict resolution. Chuck will serve as ACTS liaison to Washington DC and the United Nations.
Being a veteran himself, he greatly appreciates what we can and will do for veterans, and he will be a valuable asset as we move forward. He is already working with numerous mayors and community leaders across America on how to mass-produce small businesses in the emerging digital economy. Mr. Vollmer regularly works with US Congress, Department of Defense and government officials. He assisted leaders on force transformation, authoring the US Air Force’s VECTORS and Global Information Operations efforts, the National Guard’s VANGUARD campaign, and the Rapid Dominance and Shock & Awe concepts. He also helps innovators and entrepreneurs establish small businesses. Lt. Col (ret) Vollmer served 10 years’ active duty in the USAF and 13 years with the Air National Guard (Illinois, Missouri and Washington DC).
As a graduate of USAF Academy with a B.S. degree in Engineering Management and a Masters’ Degree in Education, Guidance and Counseling from Northern Arizona University. He has a certificate in Business Administration and Management, General, from Sloan School of Management for Senior Executives at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Charles Kim
Founder and CEO of Webpublished.com
Charles Kim is the CEO and Founder of Webpublished.com, a company providing digital publishing infrastructures to various corporations, universities and publishing companies...
Charles Kim
Founder and CEO of Webpublished.com
Charles Kim is the CEO and Founder of Webpublished.com, a company providing digital publishing infrastructures to various corporations, universities and publishing companies.
His company and technology is currently being used by over 2,000 universities in Japan, China and Korea to provide the platform for online training. He developed the online courses and established the student management systems to deliver the online service for the Korean Education Center Online School (KECOS) which was the first such course accredited by the University of California system. Charles continues to provide guidance to ACTS Freedom Farms on strategies for projects targeted for Asia and USA.
Mr. Kim provides project design and management for all phases of ACTS Freedom Farms programs globally. He co-founded and served as the Vice President of the World Trade Center University (WTCU), which serves more than 500,000 corporate members globally. Mr. Kim majored in Psychology in Korea and holds a bachelor degree in computer science from Institution of Computer Technology.
Tony Erwin
Principle Systems Engineer
As a highly respected and successful Service Provider Principal Systems Engineer for Silicon Valley-based Brocade Communications, Tony Erwin has a 15-year history of exceeding multi-million-dollar...
Tony Erwin
Principle Systems Engineer
As a highly respected and successful Service Provider Principal Systems Engineer for Silicon Valley-based Brocade Communications, Tony Erwin has a 15-year history of exceeding multi-million-dollar sales targets. Brocade’s solutions are used in over 90 percent of Global 1000 data centers and the world’s largest service provider networks.
Tony’s insightful guidance on management systems, financing, marketing and technical matters will support the expected rapid expansion of business structures within ACTS FFI. His background in technical matters will be instrumental to the company as we set up scalable systems which will serve the start-up and future needs of the company. Tony has a B.S. with Honors in Business Finance from the University of Phoenix. Active in Angel Investing in the Atlanta area, Tony has been a member of the Atlanta Technology Angels and Startup Lounge, both of whose members fund early stage companies. He has personally invested in early stage angel rounds in 4 technology companies providing security, mobile finance and e-commerce solutions plus a green energy gas-to-liquid company. He also served on the board for a publicly traded company for over 3 years.
Tony served almost ten years in the U.S. Navy submarine force and was on four deterrent patrols at sea on board the nuclear submarine USS James Madison SSBN 627. He also served on board the USS Hunley repairing and troubleshooting advanced electronics systems on board fast attack submarines out of Norfolk Virginia. His final tour in the Navy was at the Submarine Training Facility (SUBTRAFAC), also in Norfolk VA, where he taught and supervised all aspects of course curriculum management for the entire U.S. Navy, for a highly technical two-week training course covering both P.C. and Mainframe maintenance. During this tenure as a course instructor, SUBTRAFAC was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities, and Tony became certified by the U.S. Navy as a "Master Training Specialist". He travels regularly for world mission projects, including trips to villages on the Amazon River and the inner city of Lima Peru plus the desert of Arica Chile, and remote areas of Haiti.
Greg Crossgrove
Crossgrove Consulting, Agriculture Industry
Greg brings to ACTS Freedom Farms extensive experience in all facets of farming and produce development, including growing, water management...
Greg Crossgrove
Crossgrove Consulting, Agriculture Industry
Greg brings to ACTS Freedom Farms extensive experience in all facets of farming and produce development, including growing, water management, harvesting, packing, cooling, and marketing of fresh conventional and organic vegetables.
Specialization in arranging customized deals between growers and marketing groups to meet individual company needs through the formation of action plans for all phases of growing, harvesting, packing, cooling, and marketing. Greg’s consulting skills and expertise are also evident in business plan development, financing arrangements, budget formulation, and cost analyses preparation. His knowledge and experience will assist ACTS Freedom Farms in preparing compliant and structured documentation to achieve Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and food safety programs for audit/ certification for such entities as USDA, Primus GFS or Global G.A.P.
Margaret Hampton
COO - Planning, International Marketing & Media Strategist, Cottrell Associates International, Inc.
Margaret brings an extensive background in senior executive management and consultancy for both large corporations and entrepreneurial...
Margaret Hampton
COO - Planning, International Marketing & Media Strategist, Cottrell Associates International, Inc.
Margaret brings an extensive background in senior executive management and consultancy for both large corporations and entrepreneurial businesses in strategic planning, new market penetration, finance and marketing. Once offered the position as Senior Advisor to U.S. Comptroller of the Currency and a contender for a seat on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, she opted to stay in private sector consulting as an Educator and Advocate for her diverse clients.
She is a best-selling author and contributing journalist for some online magazines and syndicated news services. She has also worked painstakingly on the Boards of numerous health charities, including the National Board of Directors of the Leukemia Society of America. Over the past decade, Margaret has focused primarily on international humanitarian efforts, parental care-giving, and informal ministry for widows and other hurting women, while studying and working with world-leading professionals in most areas of online marketing, social media, authority marketing and publishing to build trust and awareness, reaching communities and the world with messages of hope and help…and how to get their own messages heard. ACTS considers her to be a “Forensic Internet Specialist” capable of presenting the ACTS Freedom Farms Culture and Mission to the world.
She is assisting us in shaping and articulation the ACTS Freedom Farms message as we prepare to expand throughout the United States as well as to the international scene where she is already familiar and well respected. Her international humanitarian message of hope takes on a new dimension of effectiveness with the solutions that ACTS Freedom Farms brings to her vast audience.
An MBA graduate of Columbia University where she was an Alcoa Foundation Fellow, with studies in finance, capital markets, business strategy, economics, market research, operations research, econometric forecasting, real estate and commercial law, Margaret also studied French Civilization & Language at Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, France, Cours Superieur -L'Ecole de L'Ete. She holds a B.A. degree Summa Cum Laude in Languages from Florida State University where she is in the Hall of Fame, and has since been listed in over twelve Who's Who publications in addition to numerous other professional and service honors and recognitions.
Bryan Franklin
Virtual Chief Technology Officer
Bryan is a Visionary, Entrepreneur, Technologist and Author. He attended Alain Leroy Locke High School in Watts and is an alumnus of Control...
Bryan Franklin
Virtual Chief Technology Officer
Bryan is a Visionary, Entrepreneur, Technologist and Author. He attended Alain Leroy Locke High School in Watts and is an alumnus of Control Data Institute. In management, as a Field Engineer with Trace Industries, he coordinated the work of their engineers worldwide. In addition, his expertise includes being a Capital Development strategist. He is considered one of the World’s experts on the subject of testing of bare Printed Circuit Boards and was called upon by General Electric to support G.E.'s plastics division for eight years. He founded several companies, including an internet company, an advertising and shopping mall engine, called BAMway.net.
As Founder and Virtual Chief Technology Officer of BAMway.net, he is a global thinker. His well-rounded background will serve ACTS Freedom Farms as we explore creative and innovative ways to establish our brand and penetrate our targeted markets in the US and internationally.
Buddy Siebenlist
Principal - Siebenlist Architects, Inc. Master Planning, Design, Development, Construction
Buddy brings to ACTS FFA 25+ years of professional success in architecture, engineering, administration, construction, and real estate...
Buddy Siebenlist
Principal - Siebenlist Architects, Inc. Master Planning, Design, Development, Construction
Buddy brings to ACTS FFA 25+ years of professional success in architecture, engineering, administration, construction, and real estate development.
Experienced as Director of Facilities of a 22,000 member mega Church, K-12 School, Day Care, Restaurants, TV/Radio Media, etc., etc., has provided unique understanding about the operation and agenda of churches of all sizes and ministries. He has church projects of all types and sizes stretching from Miami to Albuquerque and beyond. His development background includes a variety of real estate ventures across Texas and other states. The Consortium Firm, Inc. was founded by Buddy and two partners to “Build Cities” with planned mixed-use developments, i.e., Thedford Crossing, a master planned community including commercial, medical, entertainment and residential developments totaling nearly 600 acres.
He has the ability to “See the big picture” quickly and easily. A resolute problem-solver, Buddy has a reputation for bringing projects to fruition. The result has made the difference in numerous project starts versus budget deadlock.
Tony Taverrite
Director of Sales, Professional Land Corporation
Tony Taverrite is Director of Sales and Marketing at Professional Land Corporation, one of the largest “land-bank” land owners in the high...
Tony Taverrite
Director of Sales, Professional Land Corporation
Tony Taverrite is Director of Sales and Marketing at Professional Land Corporation, one of the largest “land-bank” land owners in the high growth regions of Southern California. He is thoroughly knowledgeable in the real estate industry and has been engaged in educating and helping people plan for their future by acquiring prime land in the path of growth.
Tony studied Business Marketing at the University of Central Florida and brings his extensive training and recruiting experience to benefit ACTS Freedom Farms. He understands small land parcel residential sales as well as commercial and industrial zoning requirements. Tony is working with ACTS to develop a land acquisition strategy for its live-work master-planned agricultural communities in the Western U.S.
Tammy Ashley
Business Development Professional
Tammy has served on executive boards for numerous companies. Her experience includes over 25 years in managing sales and marketing as well as...
Tammy Ashley
Business Development Professional
Tammy has served on executive boards for numerous companies. Her experience includes over 25 years in managing sales and marketing as well as service organizations focused on major corporate accounts scattered throughout many states. She also has experience with the complexities of State and Federal Government contracts. Possessing exceptional communications skills, she has a high success rate in opening doors and forming long term alliances. Her focused approach has delivered growing revenues and increased earnings for many organizations and will help position ACTS Freedom Farms for new market opportunities.
Her track record indicates her ability to identify the strengths and needs of a business. She is a visionary. ACTS will benefit by her ability to embrace an idea and create the marketing tools in order to sell the finished product efficiently.
