Meet the Visionaries Behind Our Mission

R. Michael Buehler, CEO & Founder

Since its inception in mid-2023, Michael has been the driving force in the overall development of GWT, effecting change and refinement of concepts and business initiatives. Michael's business and professional experience combined with his unique vision for a better tomorrow is not only the cornerstone of GWT’s corporate mission, but a window into a future that offers unlimited opportunities for a better quality of life for those who are served by GWT’s products and services. Michael’s business experience spans nearly forty-five years, from corporate America, where he learned his skills from companies such as Schlitz Brewery, Redken Laboratories, Walter E. Heller & Company, and more. He then launched his own enterprises in 1981 with Crystallite, a manufacturing company that supplied giftware lines to Sears Roebuck & Company. Upon moving to California in 1984, Mr. Buehler found a niche in the communications industry and, within twelve months, built the largest marketing force in his sector, securing over 84,000 contracts with municipalities, government installations, and businesses throughout the country. Mr. Buehler is a wellrecognized public speaker and business mentor within both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and other disasters that followed, Mr. Buehler became extremely interested in environmental issues. Quickly identifying emerging business opportunities, Michael recognized that Freedom Farms GWT is one of the most critical needs in the US. Driven to discover cost-effective solutions, his research led him to study new practices utilizing microbial anaerobic digestion. With his business expertise, circle of influence, and entrepreneurial spirit, Michael designed an innovative marketing and distribution concept that would aid him in turning his newest vision into reality. He envisioned establishing a company that would provide cost-effective, rapidly deployable solutions. These needed to be environmentally sustainable and energy efficient. To that end, he continued his search for the right combinations of materials and suppliers. Upon acquiring several strategic partnerships, various green material suppliers, and obtaining certain licenses and certifications pertaining to specific products and services, he created Freedom Farms GWT (GWT). Michael’s vision was for GWT to provide innovative solutions that would positively impact environmental issues on a global basis.

Matt Merchant, CTO & Founder

Matthew has extensive experience in polymer, ceramic, and metallic compounding research, along with 20 years of experience in the design and implementation of composite materials processes and is the developer of the proprietary anaerobic digestion systems using indigenous microbes that are the key to the Freedom Farms GWT system. Matthew has helped solve material problems for numerous public and private entities, including 15 years of Department of Defense-related material science programs. He continues to perform material research for individual branches of the Armed Services. Matthew has also developed waste reduction and recycling systems for use in commercial and industrial applications, along with biomass-based alternative product research and testing, working with various state universities. He is a Hawkeye Institute of Technology and Institute for Physical Research and Technology graduate with degrees in automotive engineering, material science, conservation resource management, and agricultural management. Matt’s formulations are designed to address specific needs identified as he has studied special challenges facing industries, municipalities, and/or global occurrences. Once he has identified the correct usage and formulations of his systems, Matt then seeks independent third-party verifications and testing to validate the claims and the results he has discovered. Several such studies have been completed, and in every case, the results exceed the claims made by his team prior to solving the problems originally presented. These results are available to any qualified persons seeking due diligence study upon execution of an NDNC.

Tripp Chisholm, Senior Operations Manager

Tripp has more than 20 years of operations and project management experience in various construction, catastrophe and emergency response situations. He has worked with C-Level management and various levels of government officials on project durations ranging from months to years, from small applications to multi-state programs and from single-user departments to nationwide rollouts. His portfolio of completed projects includes retailers such as Home Depot, NexTel and Simmons. Following Katrina and Rita hurricanes he was tasked with the responsibility to assess the damages and create the valuations for settlement on behalf of multiple insurance companies throughout the multi-state Gulf Region working within Government requirements and industry standards. Familiar with management responsibilities of a project at a strategic level, he successfully incorporates cutting edge technologies involving power consumption, energy efficiency and strategies to benefit the environment. He effectively supervises employees and department managers, maximizing efficiency and maintaining adherence to plans and schedules. He is known as a strong leader who inspires confidence and trust in others and motivates project staff to perform at higher levels to consistently meet project expectations. Tripp is a problem solver and has trained, coached and supervised teams of more than 150 external and internal people on multiple projects emphasizing bottom line orientation, quality workmanship and on time delivery in challenging situations. He has a BS in finance from California State University, in Chico, CA, and is certified in several relevant OSHA, safety, rescue, and other certifications. Over the years, Tripp has successfully directed and participated in facility repairs, installations, construction, grounds improvement, and maintenance projects. In keeping with his enthusiastic and outgoing personality he works closely with local municipalities and community officials throughout the duration of a project to ensure the best possible outcome.

Desmond Colleran, Administration

Desmond (“Des”) has a long history with the parent company of Freedom Farms GWT LLC (GWT) and has been integral in the planning and development of the company. His role within the company is to advise towards the Company's sustainability in all areas, analyzing all aspects of Company operations, and presenting ongoing strategies for future success. Des has vast experience in organizational and operational management. As a business analyst and as a marketing consultant he has worked with hundreds of clients and companies to analyze their operational procedures and suggest strategies to increase productivity and profitability. He blends a broad dimension of executive business management and international nonprofit and charitable organizational experience. He has designed and presented leadership and management workshops with an emphasis on time and efficiency strategies. He is a long-time member of the Board of Directors of SAM (Society for Advancement of Management) and has served as a judge on many of their annual Case Study Competitions.

Nikki Dudley, Regulatory Compliance

Nikki Dudley is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in operations management, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance across highly regulated industries. With extensive experience in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and driving operational excellence, Nikki has established herself as a trusted leader in ensuring compliance and mitigating risk. In her past role as a Chief Compliance Officer, Nikki has collaborated on research and development initiatives across various products, including scientific formulation, laboratory testing, regulatory guidance translation, and product claim development. Her efforts ensure that technical project objectives, final product safety, efficacy, and communication standards are met to support the commercialization of products in emerging EPA, FDA, USDA and OMRI categories. For the past seven years, Nikki has provided operational and compliance consultation to licensed cannabis production facilities in multiple states. Her contributions have been instrumental in creating sustainable and compliant practices that drive growth and success. Her adeptness in translating complex technical information and her commitment to technical excellence are pivotal in driving project progress and achieving regulatory approvals.

Ray Arocho, Sr. Acquisitions Manager

Ray Arocho Jr. brings over 25 years of experience in the finance industry with emphasis from a mortgage banker and investor platform. He has experience in managing projects and people in a range of businesses from small start-up through growth and development stages. He also brings eight years of experience in the holistic and homeopathic medical industry which equips him with an appreciation for healthy, practical and environmental issues across all industries. He understands the critical importance of local regulatory compliance to facilitate rapid startup and growth of a company. Through his extensive networking he has demonstrated the ability to discern the strengths of individuals and organizations and connect them to useful additional resources in order to grow their businesses. He is willing to take the initiative to launch discussions with diverse groups and to forge possible business opportunities, acquisitions and projects beneficial to the parties involved. His 10 year experience as a real estate appraiser will be valuable in the acquisition of additional properties in the business development and expansion stage of the company. He understands the delicate process of setting up partnerships and business relationships that will allow companies to operate at the highest level of integrity.

Bruce Holden, General Corporate Counsel

Mr. Holden is a partner in the Business Transactions group of Gordon & Rees, LLC, and has been in practice for over 30 years. Mr. Holden's practice includes serving as general counsel for a number of small and mid-sized privately held businesses. Mr. Holden represents real estate developers, lenders, software development companies, construction companies, distributors, and manufacturers. Additionally, he represents a number of factoring companies, asset-based lenders, and purchase order financing companies. His experience includes counseling entrepreneurs and businesspeople on the various legal aspects related to the development and growth of their business, as well as working on many significant transactions, such as the acquisition of loan portfolios, negotiating and documenting credit facilities for lenders, acquisition of apartment complexes, and buying and selling businesses. Mr. Holden’s expertise extends to International law and contract management. His handling of Mr. Buehler’s affairs has been of exceptional quality and with dedication beyond the norm. Bruce has served as a corporate counsel to GWT and R. Michael Buehler for the past 20 years and fully understands the mission and business aspirations of the Company in breadth and depth. Bruce has guided Mr. Buehler through numerous business objectives and growth programs over the years and is also considered a close friend and business mentor. Mr. Holden serves as a director of the Orange County Chapter of the Risk Management Association and serves on the advisory board of California United Bank. J.D., Pepperdine University, M.S., University of Michigan, B.S., University of Michigan Honors: AV® Preeminent™, Martindale-Hubbell.