OUR STORY
Co-Founders, Kesha Stickland + Dan Gardner
The Mushroom Meat Co. was founded in 2021 by two health and fungi enthusiasts, Kesha and Dan, just a few years after they transformed their health by transitioning to a plant-based diet.
The pair started the business in their home kitchen and garage fermentation lab to make it easier for people to adopt plant-based diets while "moving mushrooms from supplements to center stage".
As parents they also saw food as a way to connect with others, to explore different cultures, and to experience joy + pleasure. That's why The Mushroom Meat Co. uses mushrooms to recreate family favorites like Pulled Pork, Beef Tips, Shredded Beef and more.
meet the TEAM
Kesha Stickland
Kesha Stickland
Kesha Stickland
CO-FOUNDER, CEO + INVENTOR
Kesha's a former Fortune 500 Product Strategy Consultant with 20+ years experience leading product development in the tech sector. She's also trained in mushroom cultivation, culinary arts and plant-based nutrition.
FUN FACTS: Kesha started her career as a software engineer. She's also a mother of 3 with a passion for the art of fermentation.
Dan Gardner
Kesha Stickland
Kesha Stickland
CO-FOUNDER + COO
Dan's a former Head of Open Source Operations with 20+ years in operations and management at Cisco Systems. He's also a U.S. Naval Academy graduate with training in mushroom cultivation and plant-based nutrition.
FUN FACTS: Dan was a Major in the U.S. Marine Corps and leader of the Javelin Missile Development Project. This is his 3rd career.
Srinivasa Reddy, PhD
Srinivasa Reddy, PhD
Srinivasa Reddy, PhD
TECHNICAL ADVISOR
Srini is CEO of FermenteQ. He has 16+ years of experience in the biotech and healthcare technology sectors with a focus on artificial intelligence, nutraceuticals, fermentation, and bioreactor design.
FUN FACTS: Srini enjoys mentoring startup founders and helping them scale technologies that transform human lives.
Lynne Ciani, Esq.
Srinivasa Reddy, PhD
Srinivasa Reddy, PhD
FOOD SERVICE SALES
As the founder and CEO of GreenPlate, Lynne GreenPlate™ sells Mushroom Meat Co. products to food service operators and works with their chefs to add crowd pleasing plant-based foods to their menus.
FUN FACTS: Lynne had a long and successful career as an attorney before following her passion; promoting plant-based cuisine.