About Us

Our Story

GWT Outdoors was born when founder, Stuart Sheppard, was introduced to the Renson Outdoors 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. Within one year of the company’s inception, GWT Outdoors became the number one dealer for Renson Outdoor products in America.

Five years later, he opened a state-of-the-art, experiential showroom in Naples, Florida where the products were a natural fit year-round.

Team

Stuart Sheppard

Owner

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.

Ryan Schildwachter

Chief Operating Officer/ Senior Project Manager

Ryan Schildwachter, Chief Operating Officer for GWT Outdoors, brings more than 20 years of experience in architectural and millwork design to the company. His construction, management and overall design understanding helps him lead with a project-based perspective - a vital asset to this business. Ryan enjoys this innovative and new world of outdoor living solutions and is continuously looking to enhance GWT Outdoors’ product offering. He hopes to develop and expand the company’s position within their niche market but understands that the ‘devil is in the details’. His key to professional success is properly setting and managing expectations.

Ryan started working at GWT Outdoors in 2020, after meeting with the company’s Founder, Stuart Sheppard, who introduced him to the Renson Outdoor pergolas. At the time, Ryan had been employed at a former GWT installation partner in Westchester County and was sent to the Renson Outdoor manufacturing plant in Belgium for training. He has been a Production Manager, Operations Manager and Project Manager for many high end residential and commercial projects throughout New York City, the Burroughs, Westchester and Southern Fairfield counties in Connecticut. Prior to that, Ryan was self-employed for many years making custom furniture and millwork.

Jason Wyatt

Jason Wyatt Director of Business Development

Jason Wyatt, Director of Business Development for GWT Outdoors, believes his solid grasp of this new niche retail space and sales expertise distinguishes him, and provides the company with a strong foothold in the industry. He is proud to have contributed to GWT Outdoors’ achievement as the number one sales provider for Renson Outdoor products in America, and hopes to assist the company in becoming the most reputable high end, luxury outdoor living products retailer in the country. Jason believes one should be flexible and embrace change. He notes that “if you’re comfortable, you’re not paying attention.”

Jason joined GWT Outdoors in 2017 when his lifelong friend and GWT Outdoors founder, Stuart Sheppard, contacted him for his unique sales skills. After his first sale with the company, Jason was captivated when he saw the client’s reaction. He knew he was now on the cutting edge of a new industry.

A tenacious and seasoned salesman, Jason came to GWT Outdoors with over 30 years of selling experience. Prior to joining the company, he worked in financial and technical sales with various companies in the Northeast and in Southwest Florida. Jason started his sales career at the young age of 16, selling home improvement products door to door.

Born in Suffren, NY, Jason now resides in Naples, FL with his family. When he’s not working, you can find him coaching lacrosse or watching his son and daughter play. He is currently the president of the Collier County Youth Lacrosse Association.