From a $30 push mower to a thriving, full-service landscaping company, Griffin Thomas has spent more than a decade building TopLine Lawncare and Landscaping one yard, one crew and one lesson at a time. With guidance from the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC), Thomas turned a major expansion opportunity into a strong foundation for long-term growth—a move that fueled his company’s rapid growth and earned him the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2026 Georgia Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Based in Carrollton, TopLine Lawncare and Landscaping serves commercial and residential customers in west Georgia. The company provides comprehensive lawncare, landscaping and landscape design services, supporting projects from routine maintenance to full design-build installations. What began as a teenage side hustle has evolved into a growing business with multiple crews, expanding markets and a clear vision for the future.
Thomas’ journey into landscaping started early. At 14, he began helping a neighbor maintain his farm, learning the value of hard work and responsibility.
“I learned my work ethic from Mr. Brock, and when he passed away, I wanted to continue earning money doing good, honest work,” said Thomas.
At 15, Thomas bought his first piece of equipment—a $30 push mower at a yard sale—and began mowing lawns for families and friends. By his senior year of high school, he had purchased a larger mower and was cutting grass daily after school.
After graduating, Thomas was balancing college coursework with a growing customer list. As demand increased, so did the complexity of the business. Thomas hired employees, expanded into small landscaping projects, and eventually faced a decision.
“I really didn’t have time to do both,” said Thomas. “I found myself trying to juggle school and work and not having enough time in the day.”
Thomas decided to focus exclusively on his business. Over time, TopLine expanded from basic lawn maintenance into landscaping, hardscapes, irrigation and design-build services.
“I’ve had some good mentors along the way, but a lot of it’s been self-taught and trial and error,” said Thomas. “Some people might be intimidated by that, but I guess you really just need to love what you do.”
As the business grew, Thomas identified a new opportunity—a centrally located building that would support expansion, improve efficiency and provide needed office space. However, he was unfamiliar with the commercial loan process and financial projections required to move forward. That’s when he was referred to the UGA SBDC.
Troy Vollenweider, area director of the UGA SBDC at the University of West Georgia, worked closely with Thomas to develop a business plan and financial projections to support the purchase. Vollenweider helped Thomas better understand the commercial lending process and available loan options.
For Thomas, the UGA SBDC’s guidance changed his approach to financial management.
“When you learn how to look at your financials, you’re able to manage cash flow better and project where you’re going to be,” said Thomas. “I wasn’t really doing that before, but now it’s something I review monthly. That’s been the biggest takeaway for me.”
With support from the UGA SBDC, Thomas was able to obtain commercial financing through First Bank, utilizing the Georgia Cities Foundation and the State Small Business Credit Initiative loan programs.
The new facility, located in downtown Carrollton, has been transformative. The business used to operate out of a barn used primarily for equipment storage but now has dedicated office space to support structured meetings, improved communication and more intentional business operations.
The new location has also increased TopLine’s visibility and brand recognition, supported workforce recruitment and contributed to measurable growth. Since moving into the facility, TopLine has added three new crews—one installation and two maintenance—and up to eight employees. Year-to-date revenue is up 24% compared to the previous year, and higher visibility has helped the company secure major contracts, including work with the city of Carrollton.
“Through our work with Troy and the UGA SBDC, we have experienced significant operational growth. We’ve been able to invest in new trucks and equipment to support that expansion. Whether it was a quick phone call or sitting down for hours going over charts, Troy and the UGA SBDC made it happen when deadlines mattered."
Most recently, Thomas was named this year’s SBA Georgia Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to see that effort acknowledged,” said Thomas. “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and the journey that brought me here.”
