Meet The Team
Marisa Lanning
Horticulture, Farm, and Education
Marisa has over 40 years of experience spanning consumer products, horticulture, technology, and not-for-profit sectors.
Marisa began her career working in the family business - El Mirador Estate Nursery in Santa Barbara, California. She has worked for startups and large corporations in a variety of roles, with responsibilities including leading customer reference programmes, budgetary and staff oversight, and customer relations / satisfaction. She also led several not-for-profit and volunteer organisations including board member, auction chair, and Interact leader for Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island.
Marisa’s extensive knowledge of horticulture spans native and exotic plants, herbs, and trees, as well as cooking with and medicinal use of herbs. She is also a gourmet cook with a background in a variety of cuisines from her travels and living in the US, New Zealand, Europe, Japan, and the South Pacific.
Stan Lanning
Manufacturing, Farm, and Management
Stan has over 35 years of experience in the technology sector with expertise in social media, web development, e-commerce, IT infrastructure, manufacturing, and related areas. His background includes more than 15 years experience developing and managing organisations of various sizes, and has successfully helped grow multiple startup businesses. Stan has worked for Disney, RealNetworks, EMC, and most recently Meta - the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.
Stan also has decades of experience in wood and metal working, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and various types of mechanical build and repair. He has been a member of miniature railway clubs in the US, as well as volunteering at two heritage railways (US and Ireland).
In addition to managing the business and website, Stan is often out in the fields installing water lines, running tractors, fixing gates and equipment, or planning where to build a miniature railway.