Granum CEO Mark Sedgley reveals the real constraint holding landscapers back and explains how intentional leadership, smart systems, and customer-focused software create scalable growth. He and Rob explore bottlenecks, business rhythms, industry technology, and what the future of the green industry will look like.
00:31 — Intro
Rob welcomes Mark Sedgley and tees up his multi-decade journey leading software companies.
01:35 — Mark’s Origin Story
From helping build MemberClicks to steering SingleOps and acquiring LMN—how Mark ended up leading Granum.
03:05 — Lessons from Early Exits & Integrations
Why Mark realized he wasn’t built to work for someone else, and what he learned rolling up companies across industries.
04:30 — Entering the Green Industry
The call that brought him to SingleOps, falling in love with tree care, and realizing landscape ops needed deeper focus.
05:55 — The Birth of “Granum”
How the SingleOps + LMN + Granius integration led to one mission, one brand—and why “Granum” (meaning seed) matters.
07:18 — The Tech Gap in Landscaping
Only ~40% of the market has adopted software—massive whitespace ahead.
08:35 — The #1 Growth Constraint: Time
Mark explains why lack of perceived time—not talent or capability—is the biggest limiter for landscapers.
09:54 — A Reality Check on Industry Complexity
Landscaping isn’t simple: precision, logistics, people, expectations—Mark breaks down why owners underestimate their own skill.
11:34 — Owners Need to Stop Apologizing
Why landscapers shouldn’t downplay their work—and why Mark is obsessed with giving them time back.
12:47 — Developing Yourself as a Leader
Intentionality, micro-learning, and carving out “development time” even if it’s just 30 minutes a week.
16:32 — The Work-Life Balance Myth
Mark’s spicy take: balance is fake, seasons are real, and chasing equilibrium creates more stress than work.
20:18 — Work as a Meaningful Human Experience
Rob and Mark on why meaningful work matters, and why leaders must choose what kind of environment they create.
22:11 — Why Doing More Doesn’t Scale
The mindset shift needed to move from operator → executor → manager → leader → executive.
23:47 — Case Study: Hidden Creek
How implementing EOS early helped them break through growth ceilings—long before they became a “big” business.
27:06 — What a Bottleneck Actually Is
Mark defines bottlenecks using “The Goal” and real landscape examples (change orders, expectations, communication).
29:02 — How to Work On the Business in 45 Minutes
Mark's five daily 45-minute practices competitor research, sales call reviews, skip-levels, inbox pattern analysis, and product observation.
32:18 — Market → Customer → Delivery Loop
Mark’s simple leadership filter for decision-making and product development.
39:15 — What’s Next for Granum
Massive product investment, AI-powered improvements, better customer journeys, and building software only for green industry pros.
42:23 — Why Choose Granum
Not because it’s perfect but because they’re the most focused, most invested partner in the industry.
45:52 — Events & Growth Opportunities
26+ boot camps, facility tours, industry events, plus partnerships like Techo-Bloc.
46:55 — Recommended Books
The Obstacle Is the Way and The Goal, plus daily journaling and leadership reflections.
48:05 — Connect with Mark
LinkedIn or email: mark@granum.com.