I've posted these picture before, but I'll show them again. I was about the same size (a little heavier) as your friend when I took up bike touring. I needed to haul myself, my racks, and gear in a reliable way. Peter White built me some awesome tandem strength wheels. They are as true today as they were five years ago when they were new. I've never broken a spoke.
I'm considerably lighter today than I was five years ago. I still appreciate the safety margin these wheels afford me. I'm sure there are other wheel builders can build quality wheels, but I've been extremely pleased with the way mine have stood up.
They are (now discontinued) Mavic A520 double wall rims, Phil Wood hubs, and 48 double-butted stainless spokes for each wheel.
