Progress: Dwight Stewart and Associates

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Though he grew up in Florence, Dwight Stewart has adopted Summerton as his home.

He chose Manning for his business, Dwight L. Stewart Jr. and Associates LLC, a forest management firm that handles properties for income, hunting or almost any objective one can think of, Stewart said.

"With trees being South Carolina's No. 1 valued agricultural crop, it is important that landowners manage their timber properly in order to realize the full potential of their investment," Stewart said. "Whether you own five acres or 50,000, we can help you."

Stewart founded the business on his own after working as a consulting forester for Bartow Shaw and Associates in Sumter. He started in the industry in 1970 with Georgia Pacific in Alcolu after receiving a bachelor of science degree in forestry from Clemson.

"I started my business because I simply wanted to be my own boss," Stewart said. "It's challenging at times and thrilling at times. it is satisfying to formulate a plan and see it work."

He said his firm plants "hundreds of acres each year for landowners."

"We maintain up-to-date information on cost-share programs that are available as well," he said. "We also offer Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Using MapInfo software, we can provide you with some spectacular maps showing you your property."

He said it is most fun to "see the results of hard work and planning," but that steady capital can be a main challenge for a small business such as his.

"I think that cash flow is the most difficult aspect of a small business," he said.

A typical day for Stewart begins at 5 a.m., he said.

"I walk out and get the newspapers and enjoy a quiet moment in the early morning," he said. "I then head to the office to meet the challenges of the day and see if I can stick to my plan of work."

Stewart said he enjoys Clarendon County for both his business prospects and the "rural nature" it provides.

"I like the rural nature of Clarendon County and the opportunities for outdoor activity," Stewart said. "Of course, my opinion is that folks who live in rural areas are among the best. I like the pace of life and the lack of traffic and the sense of community."

He said the state's lush forests should keep his business thriving for years to come. He said he has no plans to retire so long as he is able to work.

"In South Carolina, we grow more trees than we cut," he said. "The forest industry is among the largest in the state, and I am proud to be a part of that."

An avid bicyclist, Clarendon's pristine beauty is an equal pleasure for Stewart.

"I enjoy bicycle riding," he said. "And being with my family. Sherry and I have three children and seven grandchildren, ranging from 9-months to 7-years-old. We really have a big time with the grandchildren."

He said Clarendon's rural setting can be a hindrance, however. Stewart also serves as Clarendon County Council chairman and knows all too well the struggles of finding revenue to cover the county's expenses.

"Like most rural counties, we lack a strong tax base," he said. "Yet, we need the same services as more urban areas. The challenge is to find ways to fund government."

As for his business, he said though he started out on his own, he does have "significant" help.

"Ward Gatlin and Patsy Lowder have worked with me since 1986," he said. "They are a major part of our success as a business and are also good friends. Robbie Giddens has worked with us on a part-time basis and has also been a great asset."

And, of course, Stewart said he could not have been as successful as he has been without his wife, Sherry, by his side.

"Sherry is a wonderful partner and anything that I have accomplished has been with her help and support," he said.