Founder & Executive Producer, Hypeman Rick Productions | Founder & CEO, Martinique Old Hickory

Ricky Toran is a dynamic Nashville entrepreneur, entertainment veteran, and regulatory pioneer transforming Middle Tennessee’s luxury "transportainment" landscape. As the Executive Producer of Hypeman Rick Productions (HRP), Ricky has spent more than two decades championing relationship-driven storytelling and diverse creative ventures—spearheading original media projects while amplifying the city's rich, evolving sounds through the Not Just Country movement.

Translating his production acumen and grassroots leadership into the maritime hospitality sector, Ricky is the Founder and CEO of Martinique Old Hickory. Operating under the HRP umbrella, Martinique is making history on the water, breaking legal barriers as the first wine and cigar propulsion passenger vessel to successfully navigate and pass the complex legislative hurdles required to secure a private alcohol license in Middle Tennessee. By combining legislative advocacy with upscale hospitality, Ricky’s custom 123-passenger luxury vessel is redefining the Nashville excursion market—offering an unprecedented, curated fusion of fine wines, premium cigar lounges, and world-class entertainment.

Martinique Old Hickory is redefining luxury hospitality on the water with Nashville’s premier, upscale transportainment experience. We are building a sophisticated, 123-passenger luxury vessel designed specifically for an underserved affluent market, local professionals, and corporate clients seeking an exclusive alternative to high-volume party boats.

We have systematically de-risked this project by securing a powerful legal and operational foundation before asking for a single dollar of construction capital:

The Legislative Moat: We successfully championed and passed dedicated Tennessee statutory amendments (SB2497/HB2341, succeeded by SB2492/HB1930). This custom legislation explicitly permits private passenger vessel alcohol licensing, creating a permanent, protected regulatory barrier to entry.

Secured Infrastructure: To ensure immediate operational viability, the vessel will be housed at Drakes Creek, providing a secure, proven launch point while regional waterfront developments advance.

Elite Supply Chain: Technical designs are finalized alongside premier naval architects at Elliott Bay Design Group, with the build targeted for 2027 at Patti Marine Shipyard and an operational launch in 2028.

The Capital Structure & The Ask:
We are currently executing our $1.5M Seed Round via private placement. This equity injection is strategically structured to unlock a $5M commercial construction loan, fully funding our next major milestone: entering the shipyard construction phase.

We are looking to connect immediately with Angel Investors, Micro VCs, and Strategic Partners who specialize in:

Luxury Hospitality & Entertainment: Line-of-sight into high-margin leisure assets.

Maritime & Commercial Infrastructure: Experience with capital-intensive, asset-backed builds.

Syndication Networks: Partners who understand the immense value of a supply-constrained niche in one of the fastest-growing entertainment markets in the country.

If you are an accredited investor looking for an early, highly leveraged position in a legally protected luxury brand, let’s discuss our path to 2028.