When Patrick Wells joined Piedmont Landscape Management in 2015, he was stepping into a company with deep roots and a respected name in Augusta’s commercial landscaping sector. Founded in 1977, Piedmont had grown into a leading commercial landscape company in the Central Savannah River Area. But for Wells, it was more than a career move—it was the beginning of a journey toward business ownership, leadership and growth, supported every step of the way by the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC).
Wells’ background and experience in the green industry prepared him well for the work. He had helped in his father’s landscaping business, worked in a nursery and even ran his own business while earning his degree in landscape architecture from UGA. When he started at Piedmont, he took on the role of account manager, eventually managing construction and irrigation before becoming president and, ultimately, owner in 2019.
Wells’ journey to ownership began in 2017, when he connected with the UGA SBDC in Augusta to prepare for the potential purchase of Piedmont. UGA SBDC business consultant Rick McMurtrey helped Wells create financial projections, refine a business plan and make critical banking connections.
“Patrick and I worked through the process necessary to buy the business for nearly two years. With our help he purchased the business in January of 2019,” said McMurtrey.
Wells credits the UGA SBDC with helping him understand the numbers and prepare for big decisions.
“Rick helped me prepare for conversations with lenders, guided me through long-term planning, and offered steady support through the process,” said Wells.
That support became even more crucial in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic created a challenging environment for commercial service providers like Piedmont.
“The SBDC was an immense help during COVID,” said Wells. “Rick and I had weekly calls. He kept me updated on the constantly changing landscape, provided valuable guidance on the PPP, EIDL and ERC loans, and, perhaps most importantly, he listened and offered support throughout that challenging time.”
Since taking the helm, Wells has not only sustained the company’s legacy but he’s grown it significantly. Under his leadership and with support from the UGA SBDC, Piedmont has expanded from 21 to 45 employees. Sales have more than doubled, from $1.8 million in 2018 to $3.8 million in 2023, with projections to top $4 million in 2024.
Beyond financial growth, Wells has made strategic moves to expand services. In 2024, he acquired Christmas Decor of Augusta, a professional holiday display company that had partnered with Piedmont for years. His first call before making the decision? The UGA SBDC.
“When the conversation about the acquisition started, my first call was to Rick,” said Wells. “We discussed the pros and cons, and he helped me prepare cash flow projections and profit and loss statements. We would not be where we are today without the support of the UGA SBDC.”
Wells has also stayed engaged with UGA SBDC training programs, including the flagship SBDC GrowSmart course—which he took twice, first in 2014 and again in 2019.
“These programs have expanded my peer network, enhanced my skills, and helped me learn from both my successes and mistakes,” said Wells. “The learning process never stops, and the UGA SBDC has consistently pushed me to challenge myself and become a better leader and person.”
In recognition of his accomplishments, Wells has received several accolades, including the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Rising Star Award and a nod as one of the area’s top 10 professionals to watch. Most recently, he was named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2025 Georgia Small Business Person of the Year.
“Rick told me he wanted to nominate me for an SBA award on behalf of the UGA SBDC,” said Wells. “When we received the email, it was such a surprise I had to double-check to make sure it wasn’t spam.”
For Wells, the award represents more than a personal achievement, it reflects the collective effort and resilience of his team, and the journey they’ve been on together.
“As a small business owner, it’s natural to compare yourself to your peers, constantly striving to outdo other companies and become an industry leader,” he said. “This award is a recognition of all the hard work that I, and more importantly our team, have put in. It’s proof that people are noticing, and there’s a genuine excitement around our progress.”
McMurtrey attributes Wells’ success to three things: “His work ethic, his hunger for knowledge, and his willingness to listen and act on good advice. He’s one of those guys who will work from 6 in the morning to 10 at night if he needs to.”
As for Wells’ advice to other entrepreneurs considering the SBDC?
“I can’t emphasize enough the positive impact the UGA SBDC has had on our business and on small businesses throughout Georgia. The team genuinely cares about your success. But you have to put in the work. If you’re willing to invest the time and effort, the possibilities are limitless.”
All programs of the UGA SBDC are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The University of Georgia
Small Business Development Center
382 East Broad Street
Athens, GA 30602-5412
P: (706) 542-2762
