President & CEO

With deep roots in Dorchester County’s iconic seafood trade, Ricky’s business savvy was born on the docks of his family’s fish company. After a decade as a commercial fisherman on the Chesapeake, he harnessed his entrepreneurial skills to launch a successful wholesale fish operation at Hoopers Island. He then financed and managed an oyster aquaculture company that was the precursor to Seed to Shuck Ventures, where his current focus is on oyster restoration and equipment for high-volume processing. In addition, ice truly runs through Ricky’s veins. He bought, built, and sold one of the mid-Atlantic’s largest ice-making and distribution companies while spinning off Ice Lab, a premier ice sculpture and cocktail ice business he still owns and operates.

VP, Business Development

Chris’ passion for oysters grew from his extensive career in the food industry where he served as a chef, hospitality professional and entrepreneur. After forming his own ice sculpture company serving caterers and special events, he joined forces with Ricky Fitzhugh and Ice Lab. A quick learner, Chris has his hands, and mind, in every aspect of Seed to Shuck’s business, overseeing business development, becoming an expert in equipment design, refining hatchery and nursery operations and specializing in GIS mapping.

Director of Oyster and Restoration Operations

Bob grew up in Cambridge before moving to Hoopers Island. There, he worked full-time as a waterman and later part-time while also serving as a production manager for a local industrial manufacturer. Today, he combines his experience as a commercial fisherman, aquaculture farmer, fabricator and captain to oversee our oyster and restoration operations.

Director Design & Engineering

A master welder, fabricator and self-taught engineer, John burnished his skills at a word-renowned metal manufacturer and later at his own fabrication shop on Hoopers Island. From raw metal to completed product, John designs and crafts Seed to Shuck’s high-volume processing equipment for the shellfish aquaculture industry.

Design & Engineering Advisor

A custom designer who has shared in a half-dozen patents during his 45-year career, Billy works with the Seed to Shuck team to develop new solutions and manufacturing equipment for shellfish farming. He specializes in creating and building automated, turn-key processes. Billy has a degree in agriculture engineering. His interests include restoring wooden boats and early model outboard engines and practicing traditional agricultural practices and plowing methods.

Hatchery & Nursery Technician

As a Dorchester County native, Thomas grew up knowing how important protecting the waterways are to our way of life. In addition to helping with hatchery and nursery operations, he is completing a degree in environmental science at Towson University.