UGA SBDC helps young entrepreneur grow landscaping side gig into thriving business

A Valdosta native and graduate of Valdosta State University, Ward launched his business after earning a degree in biology and a minor in entrepreneurship in 2020. While many of his peers pursued traditional careers after college, Ward chose a different path by turning the part-time lawn maintenance job that helped fund his education into a full-time landscaping enterprise.

Since launching the company full-time in 2020, Ward has expanded his workforce and increased annual sales by more than 1,500%. With support from UGA SBDC consultants, he mastered QuickBooks, implemented strategic planning processes, and strengthened operations to position Quality Outdoors for sustainable growth.

“At the time, we were evolving from lawn maintenance to landscape installation, and we were struggling to grow. We needed help developing systems and getting the most out of our employees,” Ward said.

Ward first connected with the UGA SBDC in 2021, seeking help to better understand QuickBooks and get a handle on his company’s finances.

“Lynn Bennett, a former area director of the UGA SBDC Valdosta State University office, put me in touch with David Lewis at the Brunswick office to work through some QuickBooks questions,” Ward said.

David Lewis, area director of the UGA SBDC Brunswick office, became a key advisor.

“Over two and a half years, my relationship with Stewart focused on helping him clean up his QuickBooks data, identify and correct mistakes, and use reports and data to manage and grow his business,” said Lewis.

By 2024, Quality Outdoors had become a multi-service operation, and Ward was ready to scale more strategically. He began monthly strategic planning sessions with Lewis and UGA SBDC business consultant Jennifer Lee. Together, they worked to build a roadmap for sustainable growth with an unusual but telling goal.

“Most of our clients want to increase sales or expand to a new location,” said Lewis. “Stewart’s main goal was to spend 10 fewer hours a week in the business and still have it grow and function.”

The UGA SBDC worked with Ward to make this happen. With UGA SBDC guidance, Ward addressed staffing needs, developed internal processes, and implemented new technologies to better manage operations and engage employees.

“The assistance with QuickBooks allowed us to have accurate books so we could measure how well our operations were performing,” Ward said. “The strategic planning has taken the business to a whole new level. We are now utilizing technology and engaging our employees in a more meaningful way.”

With UGA SBDC support, Quality Outdoors has grown from one employee to a team of 13, added three trucks to its fleet, and expanded its service area to a 100-mile radius across parts of Georgia, Florida, Alabama and South Carolina.  Annual sales have increased by more than 1,560%. The business has also shifted from primarily residential jobs to a strong mix of residential and commercial projects.

Beyond business success, Ward is widely recognized for his commitment to giving back. He actively supports local charitable efforts, helps provide holiday gifts to families in need, and mentors young people through faith-based and community programs.

In recognition of his business achievements and community impact, Ward was named the 2025 Georgia Young Entrepreneur Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“The award makes me proud of my team,” said Ward. “It feels good for them to see the recognition of their hard work. It means a lot to them. I could not have gotten anywhere without them.”

Lewis credits Ward’s success to a rare combination of humility, intelligence, and grit.

“At just 24 years old, his achievements are remarkable. Stewart has gone above and beyond the usual entrepreneurial venture, creating a business that greatly benefits the community,” said Lewis.

Reflecting on his journey, Ward is quick to credit the support he received.