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VSU Alumnus Turns Side Hustle into Award-Winning Business

Stewart Ward is a 2021 graduate of Valdosta State University and the owner and founder of Quality Outdoors. (Source: Quality Outdoors)

VALDOSTA, Ga. - When Stewart Ward graduated from Valdosta State University (VSU) in 2021 with a degree in biology and a minor in entrepreneurship – his next steps were unexpected. He knew he wanted to take a different path than many of his peers. Leaning on his entrepreneurial savvy and support from the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC), Ward turned his part-time lawn maintenance job into a full-time landscaping enterprise.

Just five years later, that college side hustle has grown into a multi-million dollar business serving clients across Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and South Carolina. Quality Outdoors designs and builds custom outdoor spaces—everything from landscaping and hardscapes to outdoor kitchens and lighting—for residential and commercial clients.

His success was recently recognized through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s awarding him the 2025 Georgia Young Entrepreneur Small Business of the Year.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Ward first connected with the UGA SBDC in 2021, seeking help to better understand QuickBooks and gain more control over Quality Outdoors’ finances.

The UGA SBDC’s presence in the Valdosta area is made possible through a partnership with VSU’s Harley Langdale, Jr. College of Business Administration. The UGA SBDC at VSU provides no-cost confidential consulting and low-cost training programs to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. The local UGA SBDC office is staffed by two full-time VSU business consultants.

Ward first connected with the Valdosta office to work through his finances and accounting in QuickBooks.

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

Lynn Bennett, the former Valdosta area director, introduced Ward to David Lewis, a QuickBooks expert out of the Brunswick office. Lewis became a key advisor for Quality Outdoors.

By 2024, Ward’s business had grown into a multi-service operation, and he was ready to scale more strategically. He began monthly strategic planning sessions to guide him in building a roadmap for sustainable growth.

“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.”

Growth and Community Impact

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.”

Today, Ward leads a team of 13 employees, manages a fleet of three trucks, and oversees projects ranging from residential landscaping to large-scale commercial installations. Since launching the company full-time in 2020, annual sales have increased by more than 1,500%.

Beyond business growth, Ward is known for 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.

“His achievements are remarkable,” said Lewis. “Stewart has gone above and beyond the usual entrepreneurial venture, creating a business that greatly benefits the community.”

Reflecting on his journey, Ward is quick to acknowledge the support that has helped him succeed.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the UGA SBDC,” said Ward. “I’m very appreciative of their assistance. It has been very impactful in the growth and success of Quality Outdoors. It made my ideas come to life.”

More on the Web:

UGA SBDC at VSU: /colleges/business/small-business-development-center/

Valdosta State University College of Science and Mathematics: /cosm/