MEET THE MANAGEMENT TEAM

Rich Pasenow: Co-Owner

Rich has been the co-owner of Scandinavian Shave Ice since April 2007.  During that time, he, along with his partner and co-owner, Melissa Ortega, have put in 80 - 100 hours a week to restore the internationally known Kona attraction, Scandinavian Shave Ice. Their hard work, determination and creativity will continue to serve them well as owners of this franchise business.

With that in mind, Rich’s business experience dates long before owning Scandinavian Shave Ice. He spent the majority of his adult life as a cameraman and editor for Cable News Network and local TV stations. He most recently worked for West Isle properties as a listing manager from August 2006 to February 2007. Before that, he worked with International Media Productions from December 2005 to August 2006 as a production manager. He also worked in retail sales and the IT department for Hawaiian Pedals from April 2005 to December 2005. Prior to Hawaiian Pedals, he worked with Marketron International from December 2001 to April 2005 as an implementation manager.

Melissa D. Ortega: Co-Owner

In addition to her work at Scandinavian Shave Ice, Melissa has worked in the Food and Beverage industry for over 25 years. She has managed a Dominos Pizza and a 50’s Diner in Washington State and several restaurant/bars in Las Vegas, Nevada where she obtained knowledge and skills in almost every aspect of the industry.  She has had a direct marketing image consulting business for 17 years where she trained and managed over 200 women. Melissa also has earned a Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science and practices marriage and family therapy.

Genevieve J. Humphrys: Director of Training

Genevieve is the director of training for Two Beach Chairs LLC. She began working with Scandinavian Shave Ice in February 2008 as the assistant manager of the Kailua-Kona store in Hawaii. She brings her 16 years of experience in the Food and Beverage industry to her position within the company. Within those years, she learned almost every aspect of the industry, while mainly focusing on training and management.

Prior to her employment with Scandinavian Shave Ice, Genevieve worked as a server at Mama Gucchi’s Restaurant in San Diego, California from October 2007 to December 2007. Prior to that, she worked for Lou & Mickey’s Steak & Seafood from March 2007 to October 2007 in San Diego, California. Before serving in California, she began working for Bubba Gump Shrimp Company in Miami, Florida. She started there in July 2000 as bartender and worked her way from that to trainer and then to area leader. She then transferred with Bubba Gump Shrimp Company in February 2006 to their offices in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii where she worked as their FOH/Bar Manager until January 2007.