Richard was born in Detroit, MI and moved to the South Bay area when he was 7 years-old. He graduated from Narbonne High School. After receiving his Associate of Science degree in Engineering, he transferred to California State University, Long Beach and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2003. He has been working for FedEx since 1997 in various positions; now as an engineer.

Melissa Closs was born in Torrance and raised in Carson. She graduated high school from South Bay Faith Academy in Redondo Beach. Melissa has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from California State University, Long Beach. She is now a stay-at-home mom with plans to homeschool and to continue to grow her family. Melissa serves as the team lead for our Hospitality Team. Rich and Melissa have been married for five years and have a son, Jeremiah.