The Team
FOUNDER
May 2002 to the present, Michael W. Malott has been the Chief Executive Officer of Forex Direct Trading, DBA Semper Pacific Wealth Strategies, an investment advisory firm. Prior to Semper Pacific Wealth Strategies, Michael served in the United States Marine Corps. During his service and upon leaving active duty earned and received an Honorable discharge. Throughout his time as an active duty service member and combat-related war campaigns, Michael graciously accepted several awards, medals, and citations including those for meritorious service. In 2012, Michael also Founded the award-winning Veterans Green Projects, which strives to create “Work Off The Battlefield" for those who served and families in need. In 2015, Veterans Green Projects was awarded the JP Morgan Chase Mission Main Street Grant where only 20 out of over 35,000 competing businesses were selected. Veterans Green Projects has received Congressional Recognition as well as standout recognition from the Mayor’s Office along with District Senators. As recently as 2019 Michael was awarded, by The Rosie Network, The Military Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year. 1997 (to present), he has been a federally licensed futures broker/commodity trading advisor in good standing with the federal regulatory authorities. As a CTA member, Michael believes the only way to do business is through transparency and maintaining an extremely high level of ethics.
CEO / CO-FOUNDER
Sergio M. Santoro, Dr.B.A. has built a distinguished career over 25 years, encompassing both military and civilian experiences in operations management, human resources, project management, and organizational leadership. His military service has been marked by a commitment to excellence, where he developed invaluable skills in discipline, strategic planning, and team dynamics. Sergio's military background not only refined his leadership qualities but also equipped him to navigate high-pressure environments effectively. Now serving as the Managing Partner at Veterans Green Coffee in San Marcos, California, he applies this extensive experience to address the unique challenges faced by veterans and the coffee industry in the community. His bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish enhances his ability to connect with diverse stakeholders, ensuring that initiatives are inclusive and effective. At Veterans Green Coffee, Sergio has been instrumental in elevating the organization’s impact and reach. His leadership has driven the development of innovative programs that support veterans in transitioning to civilian life while promoting sustainable coffee practices. By leveraging his expertise in go-to-market strategies and venture capital, he has successfully secured partnerships and funding that have enhanced organizational capability and program delivery. Sergio's focus on creating best practices revolves around service innovation and industry standards, enabling Veterans Green Coffee to implement cost-effective initiatives that align with broader community goals. His collaborative efforts with C-suite executives and business development leaders have fostered strategic alliances, driving growth and engagement within the organization. Through effective engagement, process re-engineering, and commitment to mentorship, Sergio has unified teams, improved workflow optimization, and influenced positive cultural transformations, all while actively addressing complex program challenges that benefit both veterans and the coffee industry.
CKO / CO-FOUNDER
Starting in 2009, Laura Vu spent approximately 5 years 6 months with the U.S Army Active Reserve. This is where she states, “I found the place I feel I belonged”. Additionally, this is where she first felt she was accepted as an Asian American. Tragically, her service was cut short and she was released under an honorable medical discharge. Pressing on, Laura finished her Bachelors of Science in International Business and Marketing at Strayer University in Philadelphia, Pa. Later, Laura studied at Rutgers University for her second Bachelor Degree in Nursing, at the New Brunswick, NJ campus. She then subsequently transferred into a Masters in Public Health (MPH) program at National University, San Diego, CA. During her graduate program at National University Laura completed her MPH specializing in Health Promotion and Chronic Diseases Prevention. It was during this time that Laura dedicated countless hours to serving many families. Instrumental in implementing Live Well San Diego into various at-risk communities; She worked hand-in-hand with and for those socially and economically challenged or dis-advantaged in San Diego County. Her mission and desire was geared towards improving the quality of life for others. Since 2017, Laura has put her talents and passion towards working primarily with Veterans Green Coffee, a “Good Coffee for A Good Cause” company; along with many other projects within Veterans Green Projects Initiative Foundation. VGPI Foundations’ mission is to create meaningful employment for veterans and their families in need. Laura humbly says “When something is meaningful to you, regardless of the fact you are only 5 apples tall like me, it is worth fighting for”. Laura has a passion for helping others to achieve a better quality of living. Along with helping make the world a better, healthier, and kinder place for Veterans and those who are less advantaged socially and economically. She enjoys helping people reach their full potential.
National Sales Director
Mark McArdle began his professional journey in his father’s food brokerage company as a teenager, fostering a strong work ethic. After high school, he served in the Army, gaining valuable discipline and commitment. Upon returning, Mark resumed work in the family business while attending California State University Northridge, where he earned a marketing degree. He initially specialized in representing candy manufacturers, building a solid reputation over time. Eventually, he took over the brokerage from his father and uncle, expanding its focus to include gourmet foods such as olive oil and specialty biscuits, which proved timely as the candy industry faced consolidations. As larger retailers acquired smaller chains, Mark adapted by redefining his business. He shifted away from retail checks and routine meetings, prioritizing passion over profit. By 2010, he streamlined his company, reducing its workforce significantly, and by 2020, he was operating solo. Today, Mark enjoys the independence to pursue projects that resonate with him, collaborating with people he admires and transforming his work life into something infinitely better.
Southwest Regional Sales Director
Bill Kraus Is a retired Naval Aviator with 20 years of E-2C Hawkeye and Amphibious Warfare expertise. Bill has held several leadership roles in the Defense Contracting, Salesforce.com Partner Programs, Data Center Ownership/Management, Electronic Recycling, and Golf Communities. His professional adventures include: Commander, United States Navy; Program, Group Manager, and Director of small business partnerships, Computer Sciences Corporation; Vice President Western Region, Astadia; President Government Services, Technodyne; Founder/COO Scale Matrix; President of Executive Business Development, Abnology; President, CSC Golf League, and Managing Partner, Veterans Green Projects. Bill holds a Bachelor Degree from California State University, Sacramento and a Masters of Computer Science from Webster University.