STARTING A BUSINESS FOR THE FUTURE
“After building three generations of successfully functioning machines, I decided that it was my opportunity and duty to bring this amazing technology to the world to help preserve it for future generations.” – Richard Woods, CEO of Waste to Energy Systems
I have been an entrepreneur for forty years. My wife and I started a reclaimed flooring business and built our home in the name of being eco-friendly. Recycling was the main goal for the flooring business.
For years, it has always bothered me that I could never find a good use for the sawdust waste from my sawmill. So, I started researching and came across the concept of biomass gasification, technology dating back to World War II, that would turn my sawdust into energy and heat! The idea sparked the entrepreneur in me. I began building a system from scrap equipment to ensure that I fully understood the concept. After building three generations of successful systems, I decided that it was my opportunity and duty to bring this amazing technology to the world to help preserve it for future generations. So at 62 years old, instead of preparing to retire, I started Waste to Energy Systems, LLC.
OUR COMPANY
Our bioHearth® downdraft gasifier system is the simple, affordable waste to energy solution.
OUR VISION Waste to Energy Systems, LLC changes the way waste is treated and energy is created. We turn your waste into a modern energy solution.
OUR MISSION Waste to Energy Systems, LLC (WES) is the solution to converting waste from your community, town, business, farm, or resort into energy. Supplying our advanced downdraft gasifier, bioHearth®, combined with the necessary ancillary equipment, WES is the key to converting waste to sustainable energy.
OUR TEAM
RICHARD WOODS, CEO AND OWNER
Richard Woods started the company in 2011. With over forty years of entrepreneurial experience and over ten years experience with gasification design and engineering, Richard Woods provides clear vision, steadfast dedication and innovation for the company.
ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ, ENGINEERING ADVISOR
Alejandro Martinez joined the team in 2015. He added to the team a Mechanical Engineering degree with a specialization in Electronics to compliment our Chemical Engineer. His skillset, bilingual abilities and experience are a huge asset to the team.
ALISSA MAHONEY, OPERATIONS
Alissa Mahoney joined the team in 2014 from a career in Hospitality and Event Management. Her experience in coordination, logistics and large scale operations has enabled the WES team to develop several key aspects of the business and system’s development.
APRIL WOODS, DIGITAL MEDIA CONSULTANT
April Woods started at WES in 2013 with over seven years experience as a Marketing & PR Manager. Her knowledge and ingenuity has played a vital role in creating the company’s brand image, online presence and relationships with key industry members.
JOHN ROBERT JR, ENGINEERING CONSULTANT
John Robert Jr. holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from Louisiana State University, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Louisiana. He has over 37 years of diverse professional experience spanning automotive manufacturing, chemical refinery operations, and the boiler service industry, including roles as an engineer, manager, and company president. John specializes in combustion processes, heat recovery equipment, and bulk material handling systems, with expertise in designing and optimizing water tube boilers, firetube boilers, and industrial furnaces. Notable achievements include solving a decades-long material handling issue at an alumina refinery and successfully managing the redesign and fabrication of a hybrid boiler firebox, which remains operational 12 years later. John joined the WES team in 2022 and has proven to be a key contributor to the overall success of the system.