We all share values of healthfulness, balance, compassion, and vitality
The people who work at aha Pure Foods believe that
food is medicine
Our Team
Wayne Garland
Founder
When aha Pure Foods founder, Wayne Garland, was diagnosed with terminal cancer he traveled to Asia with hopes of healing himself naturally. After 30 years of naturopathic research, he decided to team up with his long-time friend and experienced chef Alfie Crescentini to begin aha Pure Foods.
Chris is the CEO of aha Pure Foods with extensive experience in the restaurant industry. Throughout his career, Chris built a multimillion-dollar coast to coast operation. He is a fourth-generation Floridian with a family history of restaurant ownership dating back to the 1800s. In his spare time, Chris and his wife enjoy exploring new restaurants, creating culinary experiences, watching the performing arts and most of all traveling to watch their favorite college football teams. If you want to find out more about Chris, click on his picture to take you to his LinkedIn!
Chris Valdes
CEO
Alfie Crescentini
Co-Founder/Culinary Director
Alfie is the Co-Founder & culinary director with 40 years experience in the food industry. He served as the executive chef at multiple critically acclaimed restaurants. With Alfie’s production expertise, cooking experience, and product knowledge he has incorporated some of the world’s most transformative plant foods, such as turmeric and adaptogenic mushrooms into delicious blends. If you want to find out more about Alfie, click on his picture to take you to his LinkedIn!
Sean is our VP of Operations and is a University of Florida graduate where he received his PHD in Exercise Physiology and a minor in food science. Sean also has c ommercialization experience. Some of Sean’s hobbies include swimming, boating, and hiking. If you want to find out more about Sean, click on his picture to take you to his LinkedIn!
Sean McCoy
VP of Operations
Mark Simon Costa
Managing Director
Mark is our Marketing Director at aha. He is pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Advertising with a specialization in persuasive messaging. Some of his favorite hobbies are skating and horseback riding, but his all-time passion is traveling the world and getting to know different cultures. If you want to find out more about Mark, click on his picture to take you to his LinkedIn!
Jalyn is our Director of Communications at aha and is a senior pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Economic History with a minor in retailing. Some of her favorite hobbies include caring for her plants, cooking, and traveling. If you want to find out more about Jalyn, click on her picture to take you to her LinkedIn!
Jalyn Elizabeth Hollis
Director of Communications
Ashley Denis is our Marketing Intern at aha. She is pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration-Information Systems. Some of her favorite hobbies are working out and playing tennis. If you want to find out more about Ashley, click on her picture to take you to her LinkedIn!
Ashley Denis
Marketing Intern
Neelam Hari is our Marketing Intern at aha. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies and Political Science. Some of her favorite hobbies include working out, reading, and sewing. If you want to find out more about Neelam, click on her picture to take you to her LinkedIn!
Neelam Hari
Marketing Intern
Want to join the aha team?