Mary Taylor
OpenSprouts – MICRO Fall 2024
Published January 15, 2025
As part of our ‘Meet Our Founders’ series today, we introduce Mary Taylor, CEO and Founder of OpenSprouts based in Rolesville, NC. OpenSprouts streamlines landscaping by providing automated estimates, optimizing service routes, and supporting design decisions, enhancing efficiency and client satisfaction.
Q: What problem are you trying to solve and what influenced you to start your company?
A: The idea for OpenSprouts came when I moved into my first home in a new neighborhood with plain green lawns and minimal landscaping. I wanted a sustainable, low-maintenance landscape but quickly discovered how challenging it was to select the right plants for my environment while balancing a busy schedule.
I thought there had to be an easier way. Through interviewing landscapers, I learned about the challenges they face in creating landscape plans—balancing profitability, speed, and environmental sustainability.
OpenSprouts aims to solve this by helping landscapers create fast, accurate estimates, ensuring they maintain profitability and impress their clients. Our vision is to eventually automate landscape design itself, making it easier for landscapers to create stunning, sustainable plans that benefit both their clients and the planet.
Q: What does the road ahead look like for your company?
A: The road ahead for OpenSprouts is focused on making sustainable and xeriscaping practices more accessible to homeowners while helping landscaping businesses thrive. We aim to develop tools that enable landscapers to scale their operations, manage teams more efficiently, and deliver exceptional results for their clients.
For homeowners, we want to encourage landscapes that support biodiversity, reduce water usage, and lower carbon emissions—turning yards into meaningful carbon sinks. By bridging the gap between environmental sustainability and business growth, OpenSprouts seeks to revolutionize the landscaping industry and create a greener, more sustainable future for everyone.
Q: How will your NC IDEA grant funds advance your company?
A: The NC IDEA grant has given us both the confidence and the resources to grow OpenSprouts. The mentorship program is invaluable, connecting us with experienced entrepreneurs who provide guidance through the challenges of building a business. Being part of a community of other founders also allows us to learn and grow together.
The funding enables us to travel to meet our customers in person, better understand their challenges, and attend industry events to immerse ourselves in the landscaping sector’s needs. This grant is helping us uncover new opportunities and solve real problems in the industry.
Q: What other passions do you have besides your business?
A: Beyond my business, I’m passionate about learning how technology is used to solve problems worldwide. I’m inspired by innovative solutions and love exploring how they make a difference.
I also have a deep love for plants—I care for over 100 in my home! Each plant’s unique needs, from light and water to soil balance, fascinates me. Creating an environment where they can thrive reminds me of how people, too, flourish when they’re in the right environment.
While visiting the Triangle area, Mary recommends:
- If you’re visiting Raleigh, I highly recommend Brewery Bhavana in downtown. It’s perfect for a tapas-style meal with dishes that are easy to share, paired with excellent microbrews. The warm, inviting interior is beautifully designed, and during the holidays, their Christmas decor adds a festive touch. Plus, they offer unique floral arrangements you won’t find anywhere else. Just be sure to make a reservation—it’s a popular spot!
Support OpenSprouts and Mary by:
- To support OpenSprouts, you can connect us with landscapers who may struggle with delivering fast, accurate estimates to their customers. We’d love to talk to them, learn about their challenges, and give them the chance to test our beta product.
- Stay up to date with us by following our social media channels:
YouTube: @opensprouts
Instagram: @opensprouts
X (formerly Twitter): @opensprouts
You can also visit our website at www.opensprouts.com. - Lastly, we’d appreciate any introductions to industry experts, potential partners, or organizations interested in landscaping technology innovation. Your support helps us grow and make a bigger impact!