The Vaulted Group was founded in 2004 as a consulting firm. Our scope of products and services includes: Innovation/Operations and Small Business Consulting, Agricultural System Design, Emerging Material Research, Product Development, Natural Medicine, Inclusive Education, and Supply Chain Logistics.
What inspires me: The feeling of getting better, more efficient, and more effective at whatever we choose to do.
E. Oneal Latimore II
After years of being naturally inquisitive and continuously questioning the status quo, I have taken my passion for progress and applied it to product development and service-oriented innovation in new and challenging environments. Prior to forming my first company, The Vaulted Group, I was a certified Class V river guide trained in the mountains of Northern California, a member of The Old Guard in the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry serving Arlington National Cemetery, a nightclub DJ, a manager of bookstores and coffee shops in Philly and San Francisco and the operator of a full-line micro-brewery. My unique approach to business has evolved over the last 20+ years through collaboration with business owners, professionals and veterans of industry, alongside farmers and natural medicine practitioners, and by building lesson plans that would catalyze a seventh-grade classroom to create technological works of art. I will always continue to seek new opportunities to push my practice and develop my leadership skills with the intent to create high-value and high-quality experiences for everyone involved.
Over the years I have apprenticed with Traditional Chinese Healers, a professional mycologist, and a master herbalist where I was carefully introduced to the path of integrative medicine and holistic treatment. Everything that I do is for the betterment of those in this timeline that we share. These experiences have allowed me to pursue the diametrically diverse interests that have found me throughout my education and career. Most recently, my work has brought me in contact with emerging biotechnologies, cognitive anthropology through synthesis education, earth-based healing traditions, and systems of advanced fluid dynamics.
I am the founder of Eastern Hemp Company, LLC, an advanced material research and consulting firm focused on agricultural systems design, plant-based industrial materials, product development, and supply chain logistics. Currently we are partnered with Thomas Jefferson University on a top-secret material development project using mushrooms. I am honored to be one of the operational partners on the team of Think and Grow Solutions LLC, an agricultural technology company (Ag-Tech) currently focused on closing the subsistence gap through food preservation techniques and global cultivation methods. This is how I see the change to become…by connecting the urban and rural economies through cooperative business models we can ensure mutual success.
Oneal graduated from Southern Oregon University with Honors in Anthropology and distinguishing records in Emerging Media Digital Arts.
Oneal’s current research and writing focuses on the industrial and commercial uses of industrial hemp and advanced mushroom material science. He is available for speaking engagements about these subjects, as well as speaking to youth about the winding road to finding your career.
Education –
Southern Oregon University 2010-2014
- B.S. Anthropology
- B.S. Emerging Media and Digital Arts
- Professional Certificate in Teaching
United States Army 1st/3rd Infantry “Old Guard” 1998-2000
Milton Hershey School – Class of 1997
- Pepper Bru – 2021-Present
- Founder + CEO – Pepper BRU launched into the Philadelphia market in November of 2021 with two uniquely spicy blends of an all-natural energy drink. Utilizing deliveries, pop-up shop appearances, social media campaigns and custom cocktail menus; the brand has secured several distribution agreements and has grown to service an international customer base.
- Think & Grow Solutions, LLC – 2021-Present
- Senior Partner + Researcher – A collaboration of Vaulted Solutions Inc. and Think and Grow Farms, LLC, TGS is an agriculture and technology (AgriTech) for-profit company centered on STEAM educational support, business development, food preservation methods, food & beverage product development, and material science research.
- Eastern Hemp Company, LLC – 2019-Present
- Founder + CEO – An advising and consulting firm offering services to farmers and business owners interested in expanding to or growing within the hemp and cannabis industries. Currently conducting advanced research into alternative uses of hemp and developing viable end use products with those materials.
- Thomas Jefferson University, Eastern Hemp Company [Contract] 2022-2023
- Researcher, Industry Director – Joint Research Venture to create a mushroom-based eco-friendly material feedstock for industrial applications. Concluded with a market ready material scheduled for debut Spring of 2024 by Think & Grow Solutions, LLC.
- Thomas Jefferson University, Eastern Hemp Company [Joint Venture] 2019-2021
- Researcher – Joint Research Venture to create a hemp-based eco-friendly material feedstock for industrial applications. Concluded with a market ready material scheduled for a Spring 2024 debut by Eastern Hemp Company under a patented brand.
- Black Leaf Natural Innovation Lab – 2019-Present
- Senior Partner + CIO – A research and development group providing logistics, operations, and supply chain development in the industrial hemp industry. Currently implementing the pilot project for an industrial hemp materials manufacturing complex located in the mid-Atlantic region.
- Atlas Alchemy Holistic Health – 2018-Present
- Founder, Lead Formulator – A holistic line of health and wellness products derived from hemp, CBD, medicinal mushrooms, and other herbs. Currently consults with partner farms in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Florida to ensure that the highest standard of quality is achieved.
- BioPhil Natural Fibers – 2018-2019
- Operations & Logistics Consultant – Conceptualized and created operating procedures for the first industrial hemp processing facility in the state of Pennsylvania. This project ushered in the introduction of the TCI D-8 Decorticator to the United States’ industrial hemp market.
- Rogue Naturals Farm – 2016-2018
- Research Farm Manager – Designed and developed cultivation, irrigation, and IPM systems for a 6-Acre, 15,000 plant, medical hemp farm in Southern Oregon. Managed the staff and cultivation schedules, identified native and invasive plant species, and performed risk assessment and management of farm logistics.
- Green Earth Medicinals – 2015-2018
- Lab Technician – Created standard operating procedures for material intake and inventory control. Practiced techniques used in cannabinoid analytical and isolation processes including Gas Chromatograph / Mass Spectrometer analysis.
- Indomira LLC – 2015-2018
- Director of Field Operations – Designed and implemented procedural systems for lab material use, inventory control, and facilities maintenance. Developed and wrote standard operating procedures for farm operations, lab inventory, and transportation of raw materials.
- Kids Unlimited Public Charter School & The Valley School – 2014 -2015 & 2015-2016
- Emerging Media Educator – Created curriculum for elementary and middle school students centering on digital technology and transmedia storytelling. Encouraged students to collaborate, enhance their perspective, and magnify their expression by making use of emerging media platforms. Educated preteens on the uniqueness of transmedia storytelling. Inspired classes to develop and create podcasts, vlogs, graphic design and logo design.
- Jade Mountain Medicine – 2009-2012
- Botanist/Herbalist Apprentice – Gained practical and intuitive skills as an herbal healer under the guidance of a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner. Instructed in how to identify and harvest herbs, make herbal preparations, identify health imbalances (TCM-style assessment), and recommend herbs and herbal formulas from a TCM approach.
- Heartsong Herbal Farm & Brewery – 2006-2009
- Lead Brewer at Certified Micro Brewery – Developed procedures for facility operations and maintenance, created distribution and safety protocols, and acquired new clients through emerging market research and public events.
Toastmasters International 2022-Present
A member of “Mainline Speaks”, a President’s Distinguished Toastmaster’s Club in Philadelphia. Currently on the Dynamic Leadership Pathway.
Diasporic Alliance of Cannabis Opportunities (DACO) – 2019-Present
Director of Policy – DACO is a political lobbying, education, and community development non-profit committed to assuring the inclusion of minority populations in the business side of the cannabis industry.
All Together Now PA – 2019-Present
Founding Member – Hemp Local Supply Chain Coalition. Helping to forge the direction of the Hemp industry in Pennsylvania and beyond to be inclusive, equitable, and profitable.
Interview on Lancaster Farming Industrial Hemp Podcast
Spotlight on Make Things Happen by Venture Cafe Philadelphia
Our vision from the early days has been to bring together a community of thinkers and doers who want to make a difference, and our mission has always been to help others accomplish their goals by providing products and services they need. We care about our contribution to the world and how it helps your individual health, as well as the sustainability of your organization.
In addition to earning degrees in Anthropology, Entrepreneurship, Emerging Media Digital Arts, Finance, Human Resources, and Non-Profit Management, the managing principals have collaborated over the last 25 years with entrepreneurs, microlenders and small business consultants, hemp farmers, and natural medicine practitioners on various projects.
Product Development Portfolio:
Black Leaf Naturals™ (Coming Spring 2024)
“As an entrepreneur and a creative, I see the value in ownership and creation in leading the way to self-sustenance and prosperity in our communities.” – E. Oneal Latimore, II
Lilica Latimore
Lilica joined The Group in 2012 as a small business coach and began offering her services to clients as a consultant and financial guidance counselor. While working in small business lending for three years, she recognized the need for quality financial guidance that doesn’t break the budget. As an experienced business and operations manager, Lil oversees the business development and growth divisions within The Group.
A self-taught html coder, Lil spent four years working in the design industry offering affordable web design and development options to small business owners.
Her volunteer experience includes grant writer and board treasurer for a nonprofit committed to helping veterans battling addiction, and business advisor for a legal education and empowerment group.
Lil subscribes to the idea that it’s possible to leave a better planet for future generations. She lives a philosophy of share and share alike; experiences, journeys, meals, and conversations are all better when shared.
Lilica has a B.S. in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship and an MBA in Finance from Quinnipiac University.
Lil’s current research and writing focuses on growing and improving communities through collaboration, honest communication, and contribution.