HEADQUARTERS-FT.LAUDERDALE, FL
LIVING COLOR DUBAI

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Biographies
Mat Roy

President
With almost two decades of experience, Mat is responsible for all Living Color Operations. Utilizing his extensive background in aquarium engineering, estimating and fabrication, Mat leads a very talented group of individuals. His leadership responsibilities include managing all aspects of the custom aquarium and cabinetry departments as well as new product development . From conception to installation, his experiences range from large residential, commercial, and yacht  aquariums, to massive landmark projects including Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Universal Studios Japan.  Mat is an integral part of Living Color’s continued success and under his leadership, Living Color has grown into the worlds largest custom aquarium company and builders of the finest cabinetry and woodwork.  He is very proud to work with such a talented team of professional artisans, engineers, biologists and crafts people.
Bill Young

Vice President
With more than 25 years of hi-tech engineering & manufacturing experience, Bill brings extensive organization, communication & process management skills to Living Color.  Prior to joining Living Color, Bill was employed with the Sony Corporation as an engineer and department manager for over 15 years.  His project management and high-tech manufacturing experience helps to ensure that, from design through fabrication and installation, all details of your project will be smoothly and professionally implemented.
Francis R Yupangco

Director of Business Development and Marketing /
Senior Marine Biologist
Francis began his professional aquarium career at the age of 14, working at a local aquarium store. At 17, he was recruited by the prestigious Vancouver Public Aquarium where he served as an aquarist, researcher and marine biologist for over 7 years. Most recently, Francis was the Director of Operations at Issham Aquatics International where he oversaw the design, construction and operational management of several public aquariums and numerous large private facilities with individual system volumes exceeding 500,000 gallons. Francis proudly joined the Living Color team in 2009 to direct corporate strategy and further enhance LCEI’s position as the global leader in custom aquarium and themed environment design and construction. 
Shawn Rich

Director of Sales
Shawn has been exposed to world-class Residential, Commercial and Public projects for over a decade  as a Construction Project Manager. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the College of Engineering at Florida International University and is a Certified General Contractor Licensed in the State of Florida.  In addition to these credentials, Shawn also has thorough experience in retail sales and customer service. Working directly with Living Color’s clients, he provides knowledge and a skill set that is essential to Living Color’s continued success.
Cesar Verdugo

Cabinetry Sales and Design
Cesar Verdugo joined Living Color in September 2003, and  leads the design, sales and the engineering of our Custom Cabinetry Division. Cesar is a Civil Engineer, who graduated from the University of Cuenca in Ecuador and a Certified General Contractor in  the State of Florida since 2002.  Cesar’s experience in the woodworking industry began in 1990 when he joined the largest furniture company in Ecuador and eventually became the General Manager of one of their production facilities.  In 2000, Cesar was transferred to a Custom Cabinetry company in Miami. At Living Color, Cesar is responsible for all aspects of custom cabinetry sales, design and the development of cabinetry units. He utilizes his in-depth knowledge of product design, materials, fabrication processes, production equipment capabilities, assembly methods and quality control standards to help ensure that only the finest quality products are produced by our factory.
Jose Blanco

Aquarium Production Manager
Jose has been a part of Living Color Enterprises for almost a decade.  With an Art Degree from the University of Miami, Jose’s  time and energy has been devoted to the production  of Living Color’s award-winning  aquariums and themed environments.  As the Production Manager, Jose is responsible for overseeing the fabrication of our aquariums, coral reefs, rockwork and retail products.  His extensive experience includes iconic projects like Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Sea World -Orlando, Rainforest Café, Florida Bass Conservation and many more.  Jose is integral to the continued success of Living Color.
John Manning

Head Life Support System Designer/
Installation Manager
During his 10+ years at Living Color, John has designed and installed thousands  custom aquariums across the globe. From the deserts of the Middle East, to the tropics of South America, John and his installation team have been there installing our award-winning aquariums and themed environments.   As Head LSS Designer, John is  responsible for all aquarium filtration designs and custom aquarium installations. You can be assured that your aquarium will be designed and installed with every technical detail properly addressed.  He will analyze water flow plans, logistics, electric and HVAC requirements and coordinate construction specifics with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that your project is executed smoothly.
Gabriel Retacco

Aquarium Maintenance Manager
Gabriel has excelled with Living Color’s maintenance department for 7 years and has over 15 years of aquarium experience.  He has worked with a wide range of aquariums and related life support systems througout Florida with some individual systems exceeding 17,000 gallons. As the Aquarium Maintenance Manager, Gabriel supervises Living Color’s maintenance technicians and biologists and is responsible for coordinating the day to day operations of the department.  As a passionate aquarium professional, he researches new and innovative husbandry techniques and works closely with our technicians to ensure that Living Color’s clients receive the highest quality service and that all the animals receive industry leading care.
Jon Vergin

Cabinetry Production Manager
Jon started in the cabinetry and mill-work field in Chicago, fabricating large, complex displays for corporate trade shows. He then worked as an installation specialist for a leading mill-work company in Aspen, Colorado. From there, Jon moved to Florida to work for a company that designed and installed luxury yacht interiors.  Jon has been a part of Living Color’s Cabinetry Division for nearly a decade and as Cabinetry Production Manager, he oversees our team of artisans to ensure that only the finest quality wood work  and cabinetry is produced by our factory.  With his diverse and extensive background, we are lucky to have him.
Ben Alia

Senior Project Manager
Ben Alia joined Living Color in 1999 and is currently a Senior Project Manager responsible for managing individual custom aquarium and themed environment projects from  initial design to final installation. Ben has successfully managed over 100 complex,  turnkey commercial and residential projects. His extensive project experience includes Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the Rainforest Café. Ben continues to be a very valuable asset to the Living Color team.