To the entrepreneurs, the risk-takers, the movers and shakers. We see you.

Bulldog 100 celebrates the top 100 fastest-growing organizations owned or operated by UGA alumni. This year, five College of Environment and Design alumni have had their businesses recognized for their achievements.

• Charles Button, BLA ’10 (Backyard Escape Inc.)

• Sam Brown, BLA ’03 (Fiddleheads Garden Center)

• Michael Kidd, MLA ’01 (Root Design Studio)

• Bob Smith, BLA ’87 (Smith Planning Group)

• Jon Williams, BLA ’96 (W&A Engineering)

Backyard Escape Inc.

LOCATION:
Atlanta, GA

WEBSITE:
backyardescapeinc.com

HONOREE(S):
Charles Button (BLA ’10)

Backyard Escape is a full-service custom design build company with a specialization in pools, unique garden landscapes, designer stone patios with (or without) pergolas, home barbecue centers and more.

Fiddleheads Garden Center

LOCATION:
Dalton, GA

WEBSITE:
fiddleheadsdalton.com

HONOREE(S):
Sam Brown (BLA ’03)

Fiddleheads Garden Center serves and empowers customers in being successful plant growers while supporting our local community through local suppliers, organizations and nonprofits. Fiddleheads aims to educate and inspire so the company can help everyone make the local area more joyful, welcoming and beautiful.

Root Design Studio

LOCATION:
Tucker, GA

WEBSITE
rootdstudio.com

HONOREE(S):
Michael Kidd (MLA ’01)

Root Design Studio is a boutique landscape architecture firm located in Atlanta, serving a diverse clientele in both the public and private sectors. Providing a full range of services from master planning through construction administration, Root Design has the expertise to deliver high-quality site development solutions.

Smith Planning Group

LOCATION:
Watkinsville, GA

WEBSITE
smithplanninggroup.com

HONOREE(S):
Bob Smith (BLA ’87)
Ed Lane (BSAE ’05)

Smith Planning Group is a land planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture and land surveying firm. Its mission is to create beautiful places of lasting value for the communities it serves.

W&A Engineering

LOCATION:
Athens, GA

WEBSITE
waengineering.com

HONOREE(S):
Jon Williams (BLA ’96)

W&A Engineering is a multidisciplinary engineering firm with offices throughout the Southeast. It is the trusted partner of community leaders and developers and uses a mix of creative and analytical engineering and deep experience.

The Bulldog 100 embody the best of what the University of Georgia stands for. These alumni are leading the way in business and building better communities.

They are the entrepreneurs, the risk-takers, the movers and shakers. They are the hard-workers, culture-shapers, and tech innovators. They are the committed, and they demonstrate the value of a degree from the birthplace of public higher education in America.

Every year, we celebrate these Dawgs on top by recognizing the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UGA alumni. Ranked by third-party analyst, Warren Averett, nominees must meet high standards to be considered.

This annual event is an opportunity to applaud outstanding achievements, broaden networks and inspire each other in our shared commitment.

Whenever communities are looking for stronger leaders, and whenever the world cries out for those who will bring better solutions, we are there to answer the call to service.

Leading and serving. That’s our commitment.

#BULLDOG100 #alumni #alwaysadawg