Our Team
Ernie DeLanghe
Founder & President
Ernie is an innovator and results-driven entrepreneur who has built several successful companies. Currently, he is the CEO & owner of Caliber, Inc., Elastech Solutions, Inc., and Foxpoint Ventures.
James Lamoureaux
VP of Funding
James is an environmental entrepreneur, inventor, and start-up architect. He has served in key executive and sales positions with leading investment banking companies (including IGP).
Jeff Hill
Founder and CSO
Jeff has worked in the industry for over 26 years. He has been part of multiple formulations and product research and developments globally. Jeff has multiple licenses and certifications in various agricultural fields. He has worked with various universities and governments worldwide to establish biotechnology and regulatory frameworks to ensure a sustainable development platform for GroPro and the international biotechnology community.
Benito Varela
Chief Executive Officer
Benito has delivered solid results in international sales, with extensive experience leading large organizations, with a strong impact on revenue growth and closing major M&A transactions during his 30 years with Dow AgroSciences, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Engineering and also a master’s degree in professional business management, and a mentor at the Venture Mentoring Team in Miami.
Matt Smith
SW Coast Agronomist
Matt has been a farmer and has worked in agricultural chemical sales for over two decades. He has been a qualified applicator and PCA for over ten years. He has experience in growing and managing multiple tree crops, row crops, and field crops.
Anthony Faretta
PNW Sales Agronomist
Anthony has developed a wide range of specialty agriculture experience; he built an extensive network of major growers in the organic and conventional farming community in the Pacific Northwest.
John Rover
Northern CA Sales Agronomist
John holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and began his career farming in the Salinas Valley, where he spent over a decade gaining hands-on experience. He later transitioned into the crop protection industry, where he has excelled for many years. In addition, John has held both PCA (Pest Control Advisor) and CCA (Certified Crop Advisor) licenses for over 20 years. His experience spans various crops, including tree nuts, rice, and row crops.
Sarah Hallyburton
PNW Research and Technical Development Specialist
Sarah specializes in sustainable agriculture systems and soil health. She earned her M.S. in Soil Science from Washington State University. Sarah brings a diverse background of experience in PNW agriculture including certified organic systems, seed production, and specialty crops.
Dennis D. Miller
Agri, PNW Research and
Tech Dev. Specialist
Dennis holds a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness. He has 42 years of experience. Experience as a technical sales manager in PNW, and retail account manager in Dupont crop protection, and also experience of technical sales representative and regional manager.
Kem Cunningham
SW Sales Agronomisthis
With decades of experience in agriculture, Kem Cunningham has built a well-rounded career spanning from hands-on farming to leadership roles in agribusiness. Holding both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Agronomy and Plant Physiology from the University of Nebraska, he has served in technical, sales, and marketing positions across the U.S. — from Nebraska and Montana to California. His career includes roles at ICI Americas, Zeneca, Syngenta, Amvac, and most recently Albaugh, LLC, where he worked as a Regional Sales Manager for 11 years. Today, he brings his deep industry knowledge and passion for agricultural innovation to GroPro Ag, supporting the mission of advancing sustainable food production.
Patrick Borchard
Florida and GA Sales Agronomist
Patrick's journey began in California before transitioning to Florida after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
With extensive farming experience and a deep understanding of Florida’s agricultural landscape, Patrick is dedicated to supporting our distributors and helping growers find innovative solutions to their toughest challenges.
His expertise will enhance our commitment to providing the best support and helping Florida farmers produce exceptional crops using GroPro’s products.
Mohammed Gamil,
MENA Representative
Mohammed is a seasoned agrochemicals professional with advanced degrees in both science and business from Cairo University, including a Master of Science in Bio-Nanotechnology and a MBA in Strategic Management. His comprehensive education also encompasses an Export and Foreign Trade Diploma and a Diploma in Marketing and Business Development. With a solid foundation in Pesticide Chemistry and Economic Entomology, Mohammed has a strong background in the environmental impacts of pesticides, evidenced by his participation in international research and scholarship programs related to pesticide toxicology and residue analysis.