VSU Graduate Transforms Side Project into Acclaimed Business

From Lawn Care to Multi-Million Dollar Empire: The Tale of Stewart Ward

VALDOSTA, Ga. – Once upon a time in the sunny climes of Georgia, Stewart Ward graduated from Valdosta State University (VSU) in 2021. With a degree in biology and a minor in entrepreneurship, you might expect him to don a lab coat or venture into the wild yonder. But no, our hero decided to trade his degree for lawn mowers and flower beds. Leaning heavily on the charm of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) and, let’s be honest, sheer audacity, Ward transformed his part-time lawn mowing gig into a full-blown landscaping enterprise. Who knew grass could be so lucrative?

From Side Hustle to Six Figures: The Metrics of Madness

Fast forward five years, and what began as a quaint side hustle has metamorphosed into Quality Outdoors—a multi-million dollar landscaping behemoth servicing clients spanning Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and South Carolina. Ward’s offerings aren’t just flowers and shrubs; he designs custom outdoor spaces that would make even the most seasoned botanist drool. Outdoor kitchens? Check. Hardscapes? Yep. Lighting that rivals your favorite disco? Absolutely. It’s landscaping, but make it glamorous.

The Secret Sauce: Strategic Advice or Just a Good Cup of Coffee?

In 2021, Ward first stumbled upon the UGA SBDC while desperately trying to navigate the treacherous waters of QuickBooks—also known as a “financial black hole.” Their partnership with VSU’s Harley Langdale, Jr. College of Business Administration has birthed an oasis of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs. Think of it as a magical garden from which financial advice blooms on demand. As he wrestled with his financials, Ward realized that getting accounting help was his golden ticket out of financial chaos.

Meet the Financial Wizard: QuickBooks and the Art of Lawn Maintenance

After connecting with Lynn Bennett, the former Valdosta area director, Ward met David Lewis, a QuickBooks expert from the Brunswick office, who, I’m convinced, was part wizard. Lewis coached Ward in the fine art of financial wizardry, thus transforming his chaos into a finely-tuned machine. “So, you’re saying I can have a grass empire without losing my sanity?” Ward probably exclaimed while looking at his balance sheets.

Growth: The Good, the Bad, and the Surprising

By 2024, Ward’s business had evolved into a confident multi-service operation, kind of like a landscaping Swiss Army knife. Thanks to monthly strategic planning sessions (and maybe some performance-enhancing coffee), Ward began laying down a roadmap for growth—one that didn’t involve mowing the neighbors’ lawns while trying to cut corners. Spoiler alert: he wanted to work smarter, not harder.

Going Beyond Green: Community Contributions and Good Karma

While others bask in their financial success, Ward remains grounded—mostly because he’s busy giving back to the community. Whether it’s sponsoring holiday gifts for families or mentoring local youngsters, he’s the Santa Claus of landscaping, minus the sleigh but with a trailer full of dirt. “Stewart has gone above and beyond the usual entrepreneurial venture,” said Lewis, likely still amazed at how many lives one man can significantly impact—all while ensuring your yard looks fabulous.

A Grateful Heart: The Importance of Support Networks

As Ward reflects on his journey, he acknowledges that he didn’t just kickstart a landscaping empire solely through sheer willpower and organic fertilizers. “The UGA SBDC has been a pivotal support system,” he admits. “Without them, Quality Outdoors might still be a catchy name but with little more than a couple of rusty tools.” And there you have it—proof that navigating the chaos of business is much easier when backed by a vibrant community of support.

For those wandering in the entrepreneurial desert, take heart. With a bit of help, clever planning, and possibly a lawnmower, you too could transform your side hustle into a flourishing business—without losing your marbles in the process!

More on the Web:
UGA SBDC at VSU: https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/business/small-business-development-center/
Valdosta State University College of Science and Mathematics: https://www.valdosta.edu/cosm/