Owen holds a BS in from the University of Colorado and an MA from Western Illinois University. He worked for the US Geologic Survey on the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Repository and later served in Peace Corps – Kenya doing Community Development and Agro-Forestry.Owen returned to the United States and became the Community Development Director in Princeville, Illinois. He came to the Florida Keys in 2000 working as a Senior Planner for the City of Key West under Ty Symroski.While working for the City, Owen’s colleagues elected him to serve on Key West Pension Board. In 2003 Owen left public service and entered the private sector working under Donald Craig. In 2004, Owen and Richard Puente opened Trepanier & Associates. Owen served on the Board of Directors of Reef Relief and the Bahama Village Consortium; he currently serves as the President of the Board of Habitat for Humanity of Key West and the Lower Florida Keys.
Richard Puente - CFO
Richard is originally from Dallas, Texas and brings strong administrative and office management experience. Richard has achieved success in a non-traditional path; he attended Computech Vocational School in Dallas, Texas - an accelerated program specializing in Office and Business Practices. Richard relocated to Los Angeles, California, and attended Los Angeles Community College. In 1999 while vacationing in Florida, Richard relocated to Key West to take advantage of the entrepreneurial spirit and sunshine. Richard is well traveled in the United States, Europe, South Africa and South America. Richard is currently enrolled in Florida Keys Community College part-time pursuing a life-long love of nursing.
Mehdi Benkhatar - Planner/ Development Specialist Mehdi has been a lifelong resident of southwest Florida, originally from Ft. Myers. He attended Florida State University receiving degrees in Political Science (BA) and Urban & Regional Planning (MSP).Previously, he has worked with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Department of Community Affairs.His interests include urban design, sustainable energy, and growth management.Mehdi enjoys exploring natural sites along the Keys and learning about local history.
Jonathan Montemayor - Assistant
Jonathan is a recent graduate from Garland High in Garland, Texas.He joined Trepanier & Associates as a summer intern and quickly earned a permanent position with Firm.Jonathan is quickly learning planning and development while taking continuing educational courses at Florida Keys Community College.
Trepanier & Associates, Inc. 402 Appelrouth Lane, P.O. Box 2155 Key West, FL 33045-2155 Tel: 305-293-8983 Fax: 305-293-8748 Email Us
