The National Association of Landscape Professional’s (NALP) National Collegiate Landscape Competition, held at Mississippi State University March 16-19, wasn’t only about recognizing the student competitors. The association also named the 2016 Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Outstanding Educator of the Year.

Rudy Larsen, owner and CEO of Lawn Butler in Utah, received the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, which recognizes an outstanding entrepreneur under age 40. Since graduating high school in 2006, he’s built a portfolio of seven companies with 160 full time employees. The companies, seven of which Larsen owns, exceed annual combined revenues of $8 million.

Tim Schauwecker, Ph.D, was given the Outstanding Educator of the Year award by the NALP Foundation. Schauwecker is an associate professor of the Department of Landscape Architecture at Mississippi State University. He joined the department in 2005 as a faculty member and coordinator of the school’s Landscape Contracting Management program. His research focuses on water management and ecosystem services.

The Outstanding Educator of the Year Award, developed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals Foundation, recognizes professors who have made significant contributions to landscape industry education.