By Kristen Fisher

Newswise — The University of Virginia Darden School of Business Institute for Business in Society and Virginia Community Capital (VCC) announced BWS Landscaping as the winner of the 2018 Tayloe Murphy Resilience Award during the 2018 Learning Exchange in Richmond, Virginia.

The Taylor Murphy Resilience Awards began in 2010 with a mission to recognize Virginia businesses that demonstrated sustained vitality in communities facing challenging economic conditions. The awards spotlight successful Virginia businesses that are beating the odds in economically challenged communities through demonstrated economic growth, job creation and community leadership over the past three years.

Founded in 2011, BWS Landscaping offers quality landscaping, hardscapes and lawn care services in Richmond. BWS’ mission is to impact and improve the lives of their team members, clients and community, while enhancing landscapes. They believe that it does not matter what industry you are in if you follow through with what you have promised, communicate efficiently and deliver a high quality service, it will lead to success. BWS has shown continued growth since their founding and is committed to sourcing 100 percent of their materials locally.

BWS owner, Brad Swortzel, said he is passionate about reducing barriers for other entrepreneurs in low-income areas. He has partnered with UnBoundRVA, an entrepreneurship development program aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty, and has served as a mentor to many small businesses working with UnBoundRVA.

For receiving the 2018 resilience award, BWS Landscaping representatives will receive a full scholarship to attend a Darden Executive Education program to help grow and advance their businesses.

Additional 2018 award finalists included: The Auto Care ClinicFiscal Fitness Tax & Financial ServicesNimbus Massage and Top Guard Security.

About the University of Virginia Darden School of Business

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business delivers the world’s best business education experience to prepare entrepreneurial, global and responsible leaders through its MBA, Ph.D. and Executive Education programs. Darden’s top-ranked faculty is renowned for teaching excellence and advances practical business knowledge through research. Darden was established in 1955 at the University of Virginia, a top public university founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 in Charlottesville, Virginia.