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, a freshman at the ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ, is no stranger to innovation and entrepreneurship. Originally from Austin, Texas, Walter's journey to CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ is built on a foundation of impactful ventures and a commitment to sustainable business practices.

Walter's entrepreneurial journey began in high school with the launch of an electric landscaping company, Electric Lawn The idea took root during a hike with a friend, where the noise of traditional landscaping equipment sparked a conversation about creating quieter, more eco-friendly alternatives.

This initial experience served as a crash course in business, from building a brand to managing operations in Austin's intense summer heat. Realizing the need to scale beyond hands-on labor, Walter and his team transitioned into artificial turf installations, addressing Texas' drought-related water restrictions.

Scaling a Sustainable Vision

The shift to artificial turf installation proved to be a turning point. With ticket prices increasing from project to project, Walter and his team had the resources to expand. They hired salespeople and subcontracted crews, scaling operations to New Braunfels and San Antonio. The results were impressive: over 50,000 square feet of turf installed, saving more than 3 million gallons of water annually.

This experience also provided Walter with invaluable lessons in leadership, organizational strategy, and scaling a business.

Venturing into Software

Eager to explore the high-margin world of software, Walter turned his attention to solving operational bottlenecks within his own business. His innovation was LawnIQ, a tool that revolutionized the quoting process for service businesses. By leveraging smartphone scanning technology, LawnIQ allows salespeople to create instant, detailed 3D models of project sites, significantly shortening the sales cycle.

Walter also developed Subber, an Uber-style marketplace for subcontracted crews. While primarily used within his business, Subber streamlined scheduling and project allocation by connecting crews with available jobs in real time.

A Freshman with Big Plans

Now at CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ, Walter is eager to build on his entrepreneurial foundation. The Deming Center for Entrepreneurship has already recognized his talents, referring him for his impressive placement at the Sustainability Hackathon. Walter sees his time at CU as an opportunity to refine his skills, explore new business ideas, and connect with like-minded innovators.

Walter’s story is a testament to the power of sustainable thinking and entrepreneurial creativity. As he embarks on his journey at CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ, it’s clear that this freshman is just getting started.

Walter Richard’s decision to join CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ was driven by the university’s strong business program and abundant opportunities for hands-on learning. As a member of the Honors Program, Walter has already begun making an impact by assembling a group dedicated to enhancing the program’s curriculum and hosting engaging events.

Beyond academics, Walter is deeply connected to ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ’s emphasis on sustainability and outdoor activities. His passion for skiing, mountain biking, and hiking aligns with the university’s proximity to the mountains and its focus on environmental stewardship. Walter has also joined the Sustainable Business Club’s executive board, finding inspiration in the club’s active membership and its potential to drive change.

CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ’s Sustainability Hackathon

One of Walter’s standout experiences at CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ was participating in the CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Sustainability Hackathon. Initially hesitant about the time commitment, Walter’s passion for sustainability drew him back to the event. His team worked on a groundbreaking thermal energy battery concept designed to address the issue of curtailed energy: renewable energy that goes unused due to mismatched supply and demand. By using heat pumps to store excess energy as heat in insulated water tanks, the system could later convert the stored heat back into electricity during peak demand times.

Collaborating with mechanical engineers gave Walter valuable insights into different problem-solving approaches and underscored the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork—a skill he believes every business major should master.

The project earned Walter and his team a grant from a climate tech incubator, enabling them to further develop their idea. The experience not only solidified his interest in the energy sector but also set his sights on launching an energy-focused venture during his time at CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ.

The Future of Sustainability and Entrepreneurship

With plans to create a world-changing energy company, Walter is positioning himself as a future leader in sustainable innovation. His journey at CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ is just beginning, but his drive, creativity, and commitment to making an impact ensure that his entrepreneurial story is far from over.

Looking ahead, Walter envisions a future where sustainability is at the core of every business. He plans to focus on energy solutions, leveraging the growing momentum in renewable energy, AI, and government subsidies. After tackling energy, Walter aims to pivot to water scarcity, exploring solutions like desalination; a field closely tied to energy advancements. His long-term vision includes creating impactful, scalable solutions that address the world’s most pressing environmental issues.

Redefining Entrepreneurship

Walter’s personal definition of entrepreneurship is rooted in problem-solving. Quoting Richard Branson, he believes that entrepreneurs are individuals who identify and address challenges, regardless of scale. For Walter, entrepreneurship is about creating value and solving significant problems. His ultimate goal? To make a meaningful impact on the world while inspiring others to do the same.