About Us
We aim to reduce waste, improve the planet, nourish people, and boost bottom lines by gleaning excess and underused resources and transforming them into nutritious, profitable materials with our innovative technology. Our revolutionary RENU™ Drying & Milling System powderizes fresh produce and other raw materials in a single step without added heat or nutrient degradation—in seconds!
Our Story
Waste isn’t inevitable—it’s a solvable challenge. GTF exists to change the status quo.
Our founder and president, Gary Schuler, first saw this as a sales executive at a major uniform supplier, when thousands of uniforms were being sent to the landfill as routine returns. By redirecting those materials to communities in need, he proved that waste could be reduced while enabling the company to capture millions in tax savings. Soon, other businesses asked for his help.
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Gary founded GTF—short for Gleaning the Fields—inspired by Leviticus 19:9–10, with the idea that nothing of value should go to waste and that resources should be shared with those less fortunate.
But it was working with food manufacturers that revealed the greatest opportunity. Gary repeatedly saw valuable food side streams discarded simply because there was no efficient system to recover them. Food waste wasn’t just an environmental problem—it was untapped value.
In 2022, GTF entered its current chapter: it reorganized -- becoming GTF Technologies -- with an experienced Board of Directors, an innovative leadership team, and strategic investors to scale and optimize a proven technology previously used for non-food industries -- specifically for food manufacturing.
Today, GTF Technologies helps companies reduce waste, unlock hidden value, and create measurable environmental and economic impact.
Although much has changed since GTF’s inception, our passion for reducing waste, caring for people, and improving the environment remains the same.
The GTF Pillars
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We make food production and processing more eco-friendly.
More than 1/3 of food ends up rotting in landfills, creating 3 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year! In fact, reducing food waste is considered the single greatest solution to climate change. GTF upcycles excess foods and other plant materials, diverting them from the landfill. We enable farmers and food processors to use their resources more efficiently while dramatically reducing our collective carbon footprint.
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We believe technology is integral to our vision.
Our RENU Drying & Milling System simultaneously micronizes and extracts moisture from produce and plant material in seconds, while retaining its nutrient profile. Our technology offers a world of possibilities for improving sustainability, boosting business, and nourishing people.
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Our network of connections enables successful business opportunities.
We connect food producers and processors to companies interested in GTF-milled powder. These companies include upcycled food brands, vitamins and nutraceuticals, ingredient brokers, industrial applications, and many more. GTF is integrally involved, opening doors for customers on both sides of the equation.
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At the heart of our work is a desire for worldwide food equity.
Up to 828 million people are hungry while uneaten food rots in landfills. Our initial motivation for starting GTF was to reallocate valuable resources and feed hungry people. To that end, we’ve created our 501c3, Gleaning the Fields. We partner with NGOs and other charities to get our GTF-milled powders directly to the people who need them most, and we donate off our top line to fund this work.
Feeding the World
Every day around the world, so much food goes to waste, and people are still food-insecure. At GTF, we are passionate about feeding hungry people—and we believe our technology can be an essential part of the solution. That’s why we started our non-profit, Gleaning the Fields.
Our Team
We’re incredibly proud of the technology and services that make our company hum, the beautiful facilities that make work comfortable and efficient, and the highly valuable powders that come out of our RENU™ Drying & Milling System— but it’s the people who make GTF special.
Gary Schuler
Founder & President
As Founder and President, Gary casts the vision, leads strategic growth, and oversees business development for the company. He uses his expertise to identify opportunities to capitalize on reallocating resources. This fulfills his deeper purpose of not only providing a financial return, but also a positive outcome for those who are under-resourced. Gary has a deep love of Northern Michigan and spends much of his time there, both for work and for fun.
Jim Weaver
CEO
From leading, innovating, and growing multiple companies over the last three decades, Jim's visionary approach to maximization, expansion, and impact has improved numerous globally relevant corporations. His extensive experiences as president, COO, CEO, investor, board member, and two-time patent holder have culminated in his most current endeavor with GTF. As CEO, Jim continues to execute the company’s vision, manage financial oversight, and lead the team in achieving its goals. A fan of adrenaline, Jim has a love of fast cars and pushing his limits on the road.
Liz Weaver
Director of Marketing & Business Development
Through the lens of creativity, Liz is an expert at taking complicated, unattractive problems and synthesizing them into easy-to-understand and interesting communications. She uses that passion to represent the GTF brand across all touchpoints, including the website, print materials, and social media. As a people person, Liz also gets to engage with customers, always striving to ensure their time with GTF is as valuable to them as it is to the company. When she's not taking care of the brand and our customers, she's spending quality time with her friends, family, and foster dogs.
Dora Fowler
Director of Operations
Dora’s previous experience in account management, operations, and human resources makes her the perfect fit for her role here as Director of Operations. Dora manages administrative activities and collaborates with all functional areas to make sure our company runs smoothly. Her planning, process, and organizational skills are a huge asset to GTF and every customer that interacts with her. Outside of work, Dora is happy to curl up with a good book or cheer on her favorite Formula 1 driver.
Madison Hoffman
Process & Sustainability Coordinator
Madison holds a B.S. in Environmental & Sustainability Studies from Grand Valley State University. As the Process & Sustainability Coordinator, Madison manages our customer sample tests and assesses GTF’s environmental impact and carbon offsetting. She is passionate about the planet and helping companies and individuals reduce their carbon footprint and food waste. A true environmentalist, Madison enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, and exploring the Grand Rapids area.
Barb Weaver
Marketing Manager
With an advertising degree from Michigan State University and robust experience in marketing and account management, Barb brings a wealth of creativity, insight, and expertise to the GTF team. She especially loves to research and write about food waste and sustainability. A lover of all things sunshine and water, when Barb isn't working, you can find her slalom water skiing.
Brian Schanhals
P.E - Senior Process Engineer
Brian brings over a decade of experience in process engineering, with a strong background in food and beverage manufacturing, sanitary design, and system optimization. As a licensed Professional Engineer, he’s passionate about applying hands-on problem solving to improve and refine complex processes. Brian works on GTF’s process development and engineering projects, helping shape and scale our technology from the ground up. When he’s not working on R&D, you’ll likely find him golfing, woodworking, or cheering on his daughter at horse shows.
Jeremiah Bussher
Lead Builder
Jeremiah brings deep expertise in mechanical design, prototyping, and fabrication to the GTF team, with nearly two decades of experience in machine building, toolmaking, and process engineering. At GTF, Jeremiah leads equipment builds and installations, lending his hands-on creativity and problem-solving skills to help bring new ideas to life. He thrives in fast-paced environments where innovation and iteration meet. Outside of work, Jeremiah is probably on the water, enjoying time with family, or outdoors fishing, boating, and hunting.
Chris Workman
Mechanical Engineer
Chris brings a strong background in mechanical design, process engineering, and product development, with hands-on experience in creating efficient, manufacturable systems. His attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement make him a valuable asset to both our engineering team and our clients. Chris enjoys a wide range of interests, from camping and kayaking to video games and cooking.
Avery Davis
Graphic Designer
A recent grad from Michigan State University, Avery has a strong eye for design and a passion for purposeful storytelling. At GTF, she supports the marketing team by creating engaging visual content—from social media graphics to sales collateral—and contributes to branding and communication strategies across the board. When she’s not managing our socials and perfecting GTF’s brand, you will likely find her doing freelance photography, running, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.
Kyle Tucker
Technical Sales Engineer
Kyle brings over a decade of engineering expertise to GTF, along with a strong foundation in process design, project delivery, and client engagement. With a background spanning global energy giants to multidisciplinary consulting firms, Kyle excels at bridging the gap between technical solutions and customer needs. He holds an EIT certification and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, as well as a wicked kill shot on the volleyball court.
Nathan VanderRoest
Process Engineer
Nathan uses his experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing along with his chemical engineering degree and Executive MBA to drive efficiency, quality, and innovation. Nathan is known for his analytical mindset, approachable demeanor, and passion for process development and improvement. Nathan is also an avid backpacker, runner, and native plant gardener.
Christina Vanallen
Executive Assistant
After joining GTF in December 2025, Christina hit the ground running. Her role spans purchasing and project management support, as well as organizing company-wide communications, events, and initiatives. With a B.A. in English and prior experience as a marketing coordinator, she brings strong organizational and process development skills and enjoys creating structure that helps teams operate more effectively. Outside of work, Christina enjoys reading, thrift shopping, playing the cello, and spending time with her husband and extended family.
Dwayne Williams
Equipment Maintenance Technician
Dwayne is essential in keeping our R&D machinery, equipment, and facility operations running safely and efficiently. With a problem-solving mindset and strong background in mechanical and electrical systems within the food manufacturing industry, as well as FANUC Robotics Programming and Maintenance certification, Dwayne brings hands-on expertise in equipment and facility maintenance. When he’s not at our R&D Center, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing disc golf, biking, and working outdoors.
Our Values
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Our instinct is to help others and be a positive influence.
• We give without expecting anything in return and will go out of our way – and out of our comfort zone – to help a customer, colleague or any person we meet in life.
• We view ourselves as playmakers: a good assist is often more satisfying than getting the goal.
• We care about the resources with which we're entrusted and take care of our people and our planet.
• The golden rule rules. ‘Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.’ Matthew 7:12
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We thrive on discovery, experimentation, and the desire to find a better way.
• We’re curious and creative. We ask a lot of questions. “Why?” is a common one.
• We don’t accept the status quo.
• We stretch ourselves to think through how a new idea will impact our customers, employees, company, and planet.
• We are gratified by working through a problem... by quickly learning what works and what doesn’t.
• ‘I will not follow where the path may lead, but I will go where there is no path, and I will leave a trail.’ - Muriel Strode
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We believe transparency and honesty are the foundations of a healthy relationship and a healthy company.
• We listen carefully and ask questions until we understand.
• We work together to bring out the best in each other.
• Facts are freeing! And fundamental. Never think so when you can or should know so.
• ‘Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving.’ - James E. Faust
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We choose to do the right thing even when there is a cost.
• We are committed to doing right by our customers, employees, shareholders, and humanity.
• We follow our head, heart, and conscience when making a decision.
• We do the right thing, not necessarily the popular or expedient thing.
• Commitments are not just trying our best. Commitments are met through hard work, dedication and teamwork.
• We persevere in the face of adversity. We act instead of react.
• ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’ - Winston S. Churchill
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Life is short, so we make the most of it—wherever we are and whatever we’re doing.
• We find joy at unexpected times and in surprising places.
• Personal and professional fulfillment is critical; we ensure the right people are in the right seats.
• We prioritize time off.
• ‘When he worked, he really worked. But when he played, he really played.’ - Dr. Seuss