It is “Team Member Thursday”, and this week we are introducing Mark Olson who joined the Sarasota team at the end of 2020 as a Spray Technician.  We caught up with Mark this week to learn a little about his journey in the green industry:

How long have you been in the green industry? I grew up in Sarasota where I began mowing lawns and working on golf courses in the mid 1970’s.

How did you get into landscaping?  A golf course superintendent I was working for suggested I go to the same college that he graduated from so I did graduating with a degree in golf course management.  I spent 30 years working in the golf course industry as a superintendent and I also had the opportunity to be a fertilizer and chemical salesman.

What do you like about the green industry? Maintaining the properties and striving to improve the quality of the landscape.

What designations or certifications have you obtained or would you like to obtain?   I am Best Management Practices certified, and I have a Limited Commercial Fertilizer license and I am a Certified Pest Control Operator (CPCO) specializing in Lawn & Ornamentals, Termites, GHP, and WDO.

What interesting hobbies do you have?  I enjoy watching football, swimming in my pool during the summer months, and relaxing in the hot tub during the fall and winter.

What is your mantra or catch phrase? Why?  People aren’t perfect – only God is.  Strive for progress not perfection.

What is your favorite place to visit?  After years of traveling through the southeast I find that I rather enjoy being a homebody.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? Green Grass and High Tides Forever by the Outlaws.

If you were able to give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?  Listen to mom – about EVERYTHING!