who we are
We're a minority-owned business on a mission to create a standard for sustainable farming practice, and we're laying down roots in the communities and ecosystems that grew us.
How we got here
Mel & Richard have partnered together on several successful businesses for the last 15+ years. Together they have built companies and more importantly built long-lasting friendships. When Richard’s mother lost her eyesight in 2017, Richard began searching for alternative medicine to help ease her discomfort. Both Mel & Richard found the Cannabis industry and saw its curative benefits. From there HD Biotech was created, they envisioned it as a family first operation that would be world-class in delivering high-grade quality products all the while balancing the needs of the community. They then looked for the destination that would soon become home to HD Biotech.
HD Biotech found its permanent home in Adelanto, CA. It was the perfect spot – it gave them access to their families, created jobs within the community that grew them. And best of all, there’s plenty of space to continue to grow. HD Biotech was one of the first organizations to be licensed in the High Desert area, and since that day has been setting industry standards for top-tier, quality products.
Our team
Mel Howard
Co-Founder + President
Mel Howard brings his strategic acumen and vision from leadership roles across several industries throughout his career. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, in 2006 he successfully founded and operated Pacific Coast Waste & Recycling in Compton, CA. One of the few minority-owned and operated solid waste collection and recycling companies within the United States. Mel and his partners strive to produce the highest quality product to serve the market. With a focus on identifying and hiring people who normally would not have an opportunity to be involved in this exciting industry. Mel graduated with a Business Management degree from Saint Ambrose University located in Davenport, IA. He currently lives in Southern California and enjoys restoring classic cars.
Richard Macias
Co-Founder + Chief Finance Officer
Richard Macias has 35+ years of entrepreneurial experience. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to run & own several corporations. Serving across a number of roles. Most recently, Richard was the Co-Founder + CFO at Pacific Coast Waste & Recycling in Compton, CA. He is motivated by the challenge of bringing elevated products to the market all while supporting Diversity & Inclusion efforts within the industry. Richard graduated with a Finance degree from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. He and his wife currently live in Southern California with their two kids and dog and will never miss a Sun Devils game.
Katherine Hall
Chief Marketing Officer
Katherine Hall is driven to impact the dynamic cannabis industry by leveraging her personal experience in client service. She is motivated to change the landscape by ensuring a customer-centric experience point of view in all aspects if the business. Most recently, Katherine was a leader at Western State Development & Construction, Inc in Hesperia, CA. Katherine graduated with a Psychology degree from University of California at Irvine. She and her husband currently live in Southern California with their two children.
