Confucius offered the sage advice that one should find something they love to do, do it and that they would never work another day in their lives. Chicago historian Studs Terkel reaffirmed this in his research on working people. Educator Joseph Campbell aligned this thinking with his advice to “follow your bliss.” Mel’s mentor, pioneering psychologist and former Gallup Chairman Donald O. Clifton imprinted this thinking into him.

Mel was a key contributor in bringing twenty new enterprises to life from bootstrap startups to VC and PE funded companies to what became household names at iconic brands Disney and Marriott. He had some “Hindenburgs” in the mix as well. He pioneered the role of outsourced executive serving as a Vice President at twelve companies where his focus was on talent management, company culture and customer engagement. Still if you ask him about some of his most fulfilling experiences, he responds with Orchard Man, "Dancing Santa,”Storybook Author and Popup Entrepreneur. In semi-retirement, he earned a Masters in Comparative Religion so that he might discover where the common ground lay in the major faith traditions. He was ordained at the Parliament of World Religions in Toronto 2018.

Mama Mantis is a labor of love and more for him. He created the company in bittersweet memory of his son, Ryan Nicholas, who left this life at 27. Mel and Ryan’s Mom met as seniors at the University of Oregon in 1973. Still on the road
together nearly five decades later, they thought their son might become a Duck alum as well. Instead, Mama Mantis was created to honor his free spirit instincts. Our aspiration: lighten a person’s load if only for a moment and offer a sentiment that moves us toward collective understanding. We hope we can bring a smile to your face and sometimes even even startle you awake.

Amy, a seasoned artist and illustrator, guides Mama Mantis with a visionary touch. Holding an honors degree from the Academy of Art University, her art spans from whimsical cartoons to profound macabre pieces, rich in detail and layered with meaning.

Amy's creativity draws from her adventurous spirit and love of travel, she enjoys art in all it's forms. Possessing a remarkable ability to work across various mediums, including digital, oil, chalk pastel, and more, she is always striving to capture the essence of light and character in each piece.

Throughout her career, Amy's work has found its way into private collections across the globe. She has been recognized through publications, art contests and has even left her mark on film and television.

At the helm of a talented team of artists, Amy fosters a collaborative environment, ensuring that every Mama Mantis card stirs contemplation, evokes genuine emotion, and brings joy to those who receive it. Her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication remain fundamental to Mama Mantis' mission, while her adventurous spirit and worldly influences infuse a touch of magic into each creation.

Terri had planned to join Mel and Ryan in their cottage venture as a means of keeping the “family band” together; more than any driving desire to return to the workplace from retirement. However, after their son passed, she too felt that launching the business as a transformation of Ryan’s energy, felt right. 

A graduate of the University of Oregon, she met Mel there in 1973. They both worked as community volunteers serving Eugene-Springfield’s schools and community service agencies through the ASUO’s nationally acclaimed practicum called ESCAPE. They would go on to serve respectively as the first and second student directors of that program. The program placed over 1000 student volunteers into the community each year. 

After college, Terri spent a decade with Kelly Services as a supervisor, client services representative, assistant manager and manager. She represented, opened and managed branch offices in Utah, Hawaii, Maryland, Washington DC. and Oregon. Her final engagements were managing greater Portland’s largest branch and rebuilding an independent branch in Eugene. 

Terri took time off to be a FT mom until Ryan began school.  She returned to the workplace in the late 90’s working in pharmaceutical sales.  She was subsequently recruited to become a sales representative and retail merchandiser where she represented dozens of brands to America’s largest retailers.

Let us introduce you to Julie Brumlik, the invaluable backbone of Mama Mantis. With precision and efficiency, Julie oversees our shipping and manufacturing processes, ensuring that every heartfelt greeting reaches its destination on time and in pristine condition. Her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality control make her an integral part of our operations. With Julie at the helm, Mama Mantis can guarantee a seamless production and delivery experience for our cherished customers. Her commitment to excellence and reliable execution have solidified Mama Mantis' reputation as a dependable and beloved greeting card company.

Meet Theodore Graham, the brilliant mind behind the technology at Mama Mantis, serving as our Technology Director. With a passion for the latest advancements, Theodore ensures our digital experience is smooth and user-friendly. Leading a team of tech enthusiasts, he fosters an environment of continuous learning. Theodore's expertise in software development and data insights helps Mama Mantis remain at the forefront of the industry. His dedication to integrating technology into heartfelt experiences has elevated Mama Mantis' online presence, connecting people in modern and meaningful ways.