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Who We Are

Who We Are

A little bit about us

AppleAtcha is dedicated to empowering rural communities in Appalachia through innovative solutions. With a mission to revitalize former coal mines in the area, we work towards creating sustainable rural economies.

AppleAtcha is currently working towards becoming a prominent vertically-integrated commercial apple enterprise in eastern Kentucky. Our main objective is to develop at least 1,000 acres of apple orchards on land that was previously used for surface coal mining. Additionally, we will work with our community partner, Community at the Core, 501(c)(3) non-profit, to establish an on-site apple facility that will be responsible for the sorting, packaging, controlled atmospheric storage (“CAS”), marketing and sales.

Our story

AppleAtcha and the owners of the former coal mine in eastern Kentucky embark on a journey to discover new possibilities for the land.

They are keen on finding alternative uses for the coal mine, starting with the potential reintroduction of agriculture in Kentucky. One promising idea that caught their attention was transforming the site into apple orchards.

Seeking inspiration, AppleAtcha decides to visit Patriot Gaurdens, a research and development orchard located on coal mines in West Virginia. The visit proves to be a catalyst for further exploration, and the team feels more motivated than ever to pursue the idea.

In order to gain further insight and guidance, they reach out to Bruce Rasch, a renowned leader in the apple industry and the owner of AppleQuest Inc. Together, they conduct a thorough investigation into the feasibility of using the former coal mine for apple orchards.

The team leverages AppleQuest’s expertise to explore apple orchard potential in Kentucky. Research indicates that the mineland, natural resources, and site location are ideal for agriculture.

Kentucky site is selected for a 60-acre proof of concept orchard. Due diligence and planning are conducted with the USDA, AppleQuest, and other industry experts.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announces plans to build ‘America’s AgriTech capital’ in Kentucky.

The team begins a strategic development planning process for the entire project which would result in the vision for a vertically integrated orchard operation.

Land preparation begins in January. By June, the first 60 acres are planted, and a ribbon-cutting event featuring Governor Beshear is held.

The team initiates a process of due diligence to explore vertical integration. As part of this process, they have discussions with the owner of a vacant building to potentially house controlled atmosphere storage (CA) and sorting/packing equipment. To move forward with this plan, the team obtains bids for the equipment required.

Marketing firm engaged for brand development.

The AppleAtcha brand is developed.

AppleAtcha selects a team of elite apple orchard professionals hailing from reputable organizations such as USDA, University of Kentucky, AppleQuest, USApple, and KY Horticultural Society to act as a valuable resource for the Orchard.

Specialized equipment is purchased to allow for more efficient land prep. Land prep begins for the next 70 acres of the orchard.

AppleAtcha’s senior leadership team is assembled.

Community at the Core is developed and launched.

Community at the Core is a 501(c)(3) serving as an impactful catalyst for the agricultural revitalization and economic growth of coal communities in decline throughout Appalachia.

Community at the Core applies for federal grant money for capital improvements of the building and the purchase of atmospheric cold storage and sorting/packing equipment.

Community at the Core works with the building owner on a lease agreement.

Community at the Core is awarded $10.3 million dollars in grants (AMLER and ARC POWER) at SOAR Conference.

Balmoral Advisors is engaged to raise capital for the development of an additional 1,000 acres.

The awarded grant funding for the construction of the packhouse facility and equipment is currently in the process of being received by the Community at the Core.

Leadership

Chief Executive Officer

Charles Hamm

Charles Hamm has been the CEO and President of CHIC Holdings LLC, the parent company of Continental Heritage Insurance Company, which was formerly a subsidiary of ProCentury Corporation, over 15 years ago. His significant accomplishments and responsibilities include: optimizing company performance through development, implementation and emphasis of performance goals and objectives; managing all aspects of daily operations, insuring a high degree of control and consistent customer service levels; maintaining expected margins through appropriate staffing and expense controls; and, preserving and expanding significant client relationships to maximize customer retention.

Mr. Hamm has been involved with over 100 corporate acquisition transactions and has 30 years of industry experience. He has led insurance companies for over 20 years. His career began as an Accountant at KPMG in Cleveland, Ohio becoming a partner in 1996. Mr. Hamm holds a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Chief Financial Officer

Jeff Miller

Jeff brings a wide range of experience to AppleAtcha, having previously served in senior roles in Finance, Operations and Information Technology.

Prior to joining AppleAtcha, Mr. Miller served as a Program Manager for Firewatch Contracting/Evergreen, where he focused on surety claims and difficult projects. Among his surety claims were a union Mechanical and Horizontal Construction companies. In this role, he provided operational, personnel management, project management and financial oversight for the winddown of these companies, including completing or novating active contracts and the eventual sale of all company assets. Mr. Miller also served as Program Manager of a large Demolition and Construction project at a major Veteran’s Administration facility.

Prior to joining Firewatch/Evergreen, Mr. Miller served as the CFO of a large international US Federal Government Construction company that executed in austere environments such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Miller also served in numerous financial roles for a large power generation project management, engineering and manufacturing firm, culminating as the senior financial manager for their $2B international fossil fuel power generation group. His experience with Heavy Civil and large projects will be instrumental in the efficient execution of the future land preparation and planting phases of AppleAtcha.

Mr. Miller also has prior experience in Information Technology, managing large internal enterprise financial and engineering systems implementations and application development groups.
Mr. Miller holds a Bachelors of Administration in Accounting from Ohio University and a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Akron, and has previously held CPA licensure in the state of Ohio (currently inactive status).

Chief Marketing Officer

Lindsey Cottone

Lindsey is a seasoned Marketing and Corporate Communications professional with over 15 years of experience as a consultant and in a fast-paced national real estate organization. Lindsey is a highly respected Communications professional with an intimate understanding of multiple business sectors that allow her to continuously strive to push the boundaries of technology and efficiency, develop strategic plans and guide communications plans.

Prior to joining AppleAtcha, Lindsey worked as an independent marketing and communications consultant for a large portfolio of clients ranging from food and beverage to national residential real estate developers, where she developed, managed, and executed strategic communication plans. Her dedication to client satisfaction resulted in a loyal portfolio of clients.

Prior to her consulting role, Lindsey was the Director of Marketing and Communications at Forest City Enterprises, where she was responsible for the public relations, advertising, communication planning, strategic sales and marketing campaigns, market research, branding, media relations, and proposal development for the commercial division.

Lindsey earned her Bachelor of Arts & Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Partner and Industry Expert

Bruce Rasch

Bruce Rasch is a 5th generation apple farmer and has one of the largest apple farms in Michigan. His family has been involved in the apple industry since 1903. The apple farm consists of a high-density orchard utilizing dwarf trees, which provides for maximum yields. The orchard is state-of-the art and can easily adapt to the ever-changing demand for certain types of apples. Mr. Rasch designed a 700-acre orchard in Conklin, Michigan connected to a packing facility that consistently delivers top-of-class yields that command the highest prices in the marketplace. Mr. Rasch is an expert in orchard design, orchard management, pest remediation/avoidance, soil chemistry, food safety, and many of the other responsibilities that come with running a major orchard. He holds an Associate’s Degree of Science in Agricultural Business and Management from Michigan State University and has been involved with several farming trade and lobbying groups, including the Michigan Horticultural Society, of which he has been a member since 19.