Taylor Kellerman’s office is big. It has to be.

As the Director of Diversified Agriculture and Land Stewardship at Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve on O‘ahu’s East Side, he is responsible for managing 3,800 acres, spanning from mountain peaks at 3,150 feet elevation to the lower regions and shorelines of three valleys — Hakipu‘u, Kualoa, and Ka‘a‘awa. Kellerman oversees the livestock, aquaculture, and diversified agriculture departments while maintaining the property through invasive flora control, encouragement of native species, and proper conservation practices.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to implement an overall land management system that stretches from the mountains to the sea,” said Kellerman, who has been there for four years. “Our team spans the biggest footprint of the ranch and our world occupies all of this space; however, we are only one part of the larger economy here at Kualoa Ranch.”

Being an integral part of something grand came from his roots in the pineapple plantations of Del Monte Fresh Produce in Kunia and later with Maui Pineapple Company in Haliimaile.

“Even though it was towards the tail end of Hawai‘i’s plantation era, having that experience left a profound impression on me,” said Kellerman, who was born and raised in Kailua, then earned his degree in Tropical Agriculture from U.H. Hilo. “When you live and work with such a dedicated population of folks, it creates a sense of community like no other. You truly felt like you were part of something greater than yourself.”

As the state was making the transition from an agrarian economy to diversified agriculture, Kellerman found himself in a vital position to lead the charge. While working for Hawai’i’s seed industry as an operations manager for Monsanto Kunia, Kellerman began sowing seeds of innovation by serving on numerous volunteer industry boards, including West Oahu Soil and Water Conservation District and the Kunia Water Commission.

“Every person that I looked up to early in my career had industry board involvement. I was amazed at how much someone can learn from and help influence an industry by volunteering their time and energy,” said Kellerman, who later joined the Hawaii Cattleman’s Council and is the current board president for both the O‘ahu Resource Conservation and Development Council and the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i.

“We have a responsibility to perpetuate the growth of food in the Hawaiian Islands,” said Kellerman, “our agrarian history is rich with examples of innovation and dynamic solutions, starting with the ancient Hawaiian ahupua’a system and continuing through today. We now have both the burden and opportunity to keep agriculture and ranching relevant in the ever-changing landscape of our state.”

For Kellerman, it’s always been about doing something small for the greater good and perpetuating strong roots for positive growth to flourish for generations to come.

“Agriculture is unique because the work of a few impacts the lives of many,” said Kellerman, ”It’s up to us to ensure that this impact is positive for both now and our future. The only way we can accomplish this is by working together.”