Jake Romaine is a former Marine who did two tours of duty with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007 & 2009.   After leaving active duty in 2010 Jake returned to southside Virginia, where he was raised.  He attended Longwood University and decided to call Farmville home.  From there he transitioned into entrepreneurship starting and investing in a variety of small, local businesses.  In his journey of investing in small local businesses Jake became the owner and operator of a retail business on Main Street in Downtown Farmville, The Attic Pawn Shop and later  owner/investor in WayFast delivery. In 2019, the plan for being a managing part owner of a restaurant that would soon be named the North Street Press Club became a reality. Jake married his wife Amber Romaine in June of 2019 with the restaurant opening shortly after in August 2019. The restaurant has become a local center point for great food and entertainment. Together, Jake and Amber manage Romaine Properties that Jake has owned for 10 years which include residential as well as commercial units, all of which are located in Farmville.  Jake is also the Vice President of Farmville Downtown Partnership, which is a non profit group that addresses the challenges that small downtown businesses face in an ever changing environment. Being a former Marine Jake became  a member of the local VFW and has helped with many fundraisers and is very aware of the unique struggles of Veterans in the local community.  

Michael Dieffenbach is a Hampden-Sydney alum and graduated Summa Cum Laude as a member of PHi Betta Kappa.  While at HSC he participated in the Beyond the Hill program, led by Dr. David Klein, Where he participated in mission trips across the world.  These mission trips to many third world countries are what started Michael down the path of helping people in any way possible.  After meeting his future wife, Jessica, who is a Longwood Therapeutic Recreation alum, Michael and Jessica continued on a path together to give back to the community.  Jessica volunteered and worked for a variety of youth and elder organizations for individuals with disabilities and special needs for many years.  IN 2014 Michael and Jessica tied the knot and even had their ceremony officiated by Dr. Klein.  Since then Michael and Jessica have switched paths and have dedicated their time to a variety of real estate investments and developments.  However, they have not veered away from their roots together.  They own and manage properties across the state of VA and provide housing of all levels from low income housing to high end city lofts, including a variety of student housing units in Farmville.  They recently have made a personal pledge to invest in the Farmville community in the future because of their love for the community and for the simple fact that they call Farmville their hometown.   It is for this reason that Michael and Jessica have teamed up with a group of like minded people in the Farmville area to create the Farmville Affordable Housing Alliance.  They believe that together they can make a difference in Farmville and the surrounding communities for all people.