Team

CEO, WDG
John Wheeler has inspired and orchestrated the development of more than $1 Billion in Real Estate throughout his dynamic career. John’s experience with urban core development is equally matched with his passion for his work. His role has been recognized as instrumental to Grand Rapids’ downtown revitalization through the 1990’s and early 2000’s. John founded and led Rockford Construction from 1987 to 2009, and later partnered with Gary Postma to start Orion Real Estate Solutions in 2011. John has been recognized for several industry awards throughout his career and his successes have been shared through his varied philanthropic commitments.

President, WDG | Partner, WDG Construction
Ryan has been working in construction and real estate since he began as a laborer in 1999. After graduating from Kalamazoo College in 2005 he has worked his way up through varies construction and development roles, started and ran multiple companies, and is now President of Wheeler Development Group and Partner in Pure Real Estate Management and Brokerage. He has helped develop and manages a real estate portfolio with over $300 million in value comprised of nearly twenty residential, hospitality and commercial developments. Ryan has been involved in numerous non-profit organizations focused on wildlife and habitat conservation efforts. His passion for real estate is balanced with his love of the outdoors; if he is not working with the team on the next deal, he is probably with his family and friends out in the wild.

Partner, WDG
Michael’s 26 years of experience in selling, developing and financing real estate represents over $500 million in transaction volume. His formal education includes a BBA in Finance as well as an Associate’s Degree in Architectural Engineering. Michael has been involved in nearly all property types including multifamily, office, medical, retail, industrial, senior housing, and tract development. His greatest professional achievement has been his involvement in being active in revitalizing and changing downtown Grand Rapids. Michael’s personal interests include spending time with family, traveling, golfing and cycling.

Dan Clappison has worked in the construction industry for 35 years. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree from the School of Business Administration and Michigan State University with a Construction Management degree, Dan has managed a wide range of construction project types including; residential, retail, hospitality, medical, commercial office, parking decks, educational and athletic facilities. Dan is a process driven, results oriented manager, capable of collaborating with diverse groups to bring about successful results.

Jason has spent more than 20 years in West Michigan in construction and real estate development. Much of this time has involved connecting the community through exciting and thoughtful uses of the space we create. With an extensive background in marketing, public relations, and nonprofit/community work, Jason serves as a channel of communication with our tenants, clients, neighbors, associations, city officials, and investors. “Our projects need to make sense for the community, the local governance, our tenants, and our team. I’m committed to ensuring we communicate our intentions and engage in a proactive way with these entities so our developments serve a higher purpose.”

Anne Ficeli learned early on in her career that providing excellence in communication and service combined with responsiveness are crucial to success. As a Partner of WDG Construction, Ficeli is the key component to building and supporting a team of talented, respectful, and motivated individuals who understand what it takes to serve tenants and clients. Ficeli arrived to WDG Construction from Colliers International where she led a team that managed more than 7 million square feet of commercial, residential high rise, and historic properties. Her experience in the industry spans more than 25 years.