John Tree was most recently President of Nature's Hand, Inc., a 37-year old granola company. While there, he lived the Next Steps vision: he established the overall direction of the company, brand positioning, marketing strategy, and innovation pipeline, with sales increasing by 50% in 12 months.

Prior to Natureshand, John and Michelle jointly founded, managed, and sold the Metrefood Company, a start-up business built around re-launching the 1970's brand Metrecal.

His corporate experience encompasses all brand management roles, culminating as the Marketing Director, Wholesome Snacks, for the Snack Division of the Kellogg Company. There, he managed a $400M portfolio including such brands as NutriGrain, Rice Krispies Treats, Special-K Bars, and Cereal&Milk Bars. Prior to joining Kellogg's, he was in brand management with Procter & Gamble, where he started his marketing career.

He has both an MBA in Marketing and an MA in Economics. His undergraduate degree is from the U.S. Air Force Academy, and he serves as a full Colonel in the Air Force Reserves.

Michelle Tree was most recently Chief Marketing Officer at Grohe America, Inc., the Americas division of Grohe AG, the world's largest manufacturer of premium kitchen and bath fixtures. While there, she led the entire division's marketing efforts, launching breakthrough new products in record time.

Prior to working at Grohe and on Metrecal with John, Michelle was the Marketing Director, Cookies, for the Snack Division of the Kellogg Company where she managed a $600M portfolio, including such brands as Chips Deluxe, Fudge Shoppe, Famous Amos, and Sandies, among others.

Prior to joining Kellogg's, she held marketing positions with Dean Foods and Ameritech. She previously worked as a management consultant for two different consulting firms, Coopers & Lybrand, and Andersen Consulting.

She has an MBA from the Wharton School and an undergraduate degree from Tufts University.