Episode 58: How AI Is Turning Construction Waste Into Renewable Energy

What if construction waste wasn't waste at all?

In Episode 58 of Funded, Now What?!, Andrew Lee Miller sits down with Todd Thomas, Founder & CEO of Woodchuck, to discuss how AI is helping transform construction and manufacturing waste into valuable materials, renewable energy, and measurable sustainability.

Woodchuck combines AI-powered computer vision, smart dumpsters, proprietary data, and real-world waste operations to separate materials before they reach the landfill. The company has worked with major organizations including Amazon and Ford, with one Ford project saving $1.6 million while diverting 10,000 tons of wood.

The conversation explores how Woodchuck was built around a real corporate problem, why the company chose to develop its own AI infrastructure, and how its combination of software, hardware, operations, and proprietary data creates a powerful competitive moat.

Andrew also breaks down the marketing strategy behind turning Woodchuck's customer results into PR, thought leadership, LinkedIn visibility, SEO, GEO, and enterprise demand.

What You'll Learn

• How AI can transform construction waste diversion • Why Woodchuck uses smart dumpsters and computer vision • How waste can become a source of renewable energy • How Woodchuck helped save Ford $1.6M on a major project • Why starting with a customer problem can be better than starting with a technology • How to build a proprietary AI and data moat • Why hardware and operations can become competitive advantages • How to scale a startup without sacrificing execution • Why sustainability can become a revenue and marketing strategy • How founders can use LinkedIn, PR, conferences, SEO, and GEO to build authority

Featured Guest

Todd Thomas Founder & CEO, Woodchuck

🌐 Woodchuck.ai 🔗 Todd Thomas on LinkedIn

About the Show

Funded, Now What?! is the world's leading podcast for startup founders and growth leaders.