Recognition highlights Wheeler’s leadership in transforming industrial wood waste into clean energy solutions

Woodchuck, a climate impact startup transforming wood waste into renewable energy, is proud to announce that General Manager Matthew Wheeler has been named one of Crain’s Grand Rapids Business Notable Leaders in Sustainability.

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Woodchuck's General Manager, Matthew Wheeler, has been named one of Crain’s Grand Rapids Business Notable Leaders in Sustainability. Matthew’s recognition reflects his instrumental role in Woodchuck’s mission to reduce landfill waste and power the clean energy transition.

This prestigious honor recognizes executives across West Michigan who are leading the way in sustainability through innovative strategies, community impact, and industry leadership. Honorees are selected through a peer nomination process and editorial review by Crain’s, which has highlighted more than 5,000 influential professionals across industries since launching the Notables program in 2017.

Matthew’s recognition reflects his instrumental role in Woodchuck’s mission to reduce landfill waste and power the clean energy transition. Under his leadership, Woodchuck has scaled operations across Michigan, developed AI-powered waste sorting systems, and partnered with construction, manufacturing, and energy companies to repurpose wood debris into a reliable renewable fuel source.

“Matt brings a rare combination of operational excellence and environmental vision,” said Todd Thomas, CEO and Founder of Woodchuck. “He’s not only helping companies clean up their supply chains—he’s helping our entire region rethink what’s possible when it comes to sustainability.”

Woodchuck congratulates Matthew and all of this year’s Notable Leaders in Sustainability. Their work serves as a powerful reminder that local leadership can drive global impact.

To learn more about Crain’s Grand Rapids Business Notable Leaders in Sustainability and view the full list of honorees, visit https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com.

About Woodchuck

Woodchuck is a climate impact start-up dedicated to empowering contractors, manufacturers, and biomass energy producers by streamlining wood waste diversion and processing. We are committed to leveraging advanced AI technologies to transform waste into valuable resources, reduce landfill usage, and provide a steady, sustainable supply of biomass. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Woodchuck is funded by an investor syndicate led by Mason Fink, Beckett Industries, NorthStar Clean Energy and High Alpha Innovation. For more information, visit https://woodchuck.ai/.

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“Matt brings a rare combination of operational excellence and environmental vision.”