Stuart Sheppard, the founder and president of GWT Outdoors, brings his strategic outlook to the company and is not afraid to tactically take risks that pay off. Within one year of the company’s inception in 2016, GWT Outdoors became the number one dealer for Renson Outdoor products in America - a trend he hopes to continue and exceed each year. Stuart is constantly in search of new outdoor living products that complement the company’s vision, and views each decision from the clients’ perspective, which has helped him achieve success in the business. His goal is to make GWT Outdoors a brand name in South Florida and the greater New York City area, and ultimately become a leader in the industry.
The concept of GWT Outdoors was born when Stuart was introduced to the Renson Outdoor pergola while selling interior shading projects at Greenwich Window Treatments, a Greenwich, Connecticut-based company he founded in 2009. Understanding the value, benefits and technology of these new and innovative outdoor solutions, propelled him to start offering them to customers in the tri-state area in 2016. Five years later, he opened a state-of-the-art, experiential showroom in Naples, Florida where the products were a natural fit year-round.
Prior to founding GWT Outdoors and Greenwich Window Treatments, Stuart had a successful 15-year career in the world of finance working with investment firms such as Lehman Brothers and Prudential Securities. He was born in New York City, raised in Westchester County and currently resides in sunny Naples. When he is not working, Stuart indulges in the Florida weather and enjoys playing golf, fishing and boating.