Explore every episode of the podcast The Business & Pleasure of Flowers
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cut Foliage Business: Challenges and Opportunities with David Register from FernTrust | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:31:14 | |
Episode 254: In this episode, hosts Lori and Vonda are joined by special guest David Register, the Executive Vice President at FernTrust, Inc. located in Seville, FL. David provides insights into the cut foliage business, discussing the products they are known for and the impacts of multiple hurricanes on the industry. The conversation also delves into what can be expected for Valentine's Day, the major challenges in production, and two key factors that significantly influence the business but are beyond their control. Labor and productivity costs are addressed, along with potential solutions to navigate these challenges effectively. Join us for an engaging discussion on the dynamics of the cut foliage market and the strategies for success in this ever-evolving industry. Sponsored by: | |||
| The Unseen Challenges of Being a Manager or Leader | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:33:42 | |
Episode 253: Lori provides an insightful look into the less glamorous aspects of being a manager that are rarely discussed. She shares interesting and surprising insights about the challenges that managers experience and often keep to themselves. While there may not be definitive solutions to these issues, Lori and Vonda emphasize the importance of building resilience as a manager. They highlight the need for managers to remain strong in the face of adversity, as these challenges are inevitable and should not be taken personally. If you're a manager, you'll likely find yourself nodding in agreement as Lori and Vonda delve into the lesser-known realities of this role. Sponsored by: | |||
| Quotes That Could Alter Your Mind | 27 Aug 2024 | 00:30:44 | |
Episode 244: Join hosts Lori and Vonda as they delve into a collection of mind-altering quotes by Wayne Dyer. Discover quotes that may resonate with you with a simple "yep" and others that challenge you to truly ponder and potentially transform the way you view certain aspects of life. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the profound impact of words that have the ability to inspire change and growth. Sponsored by: | |||
| Proven Tips to Prep for the Holidays with Ralph Giordano AIFD | 06 Dec 2022 | 00:33:30 | |
Episode 154: Each year the month of December brings the challenge of how to best organize your product, staff and time to be able to meet the demands for Christmas centerpieces and florals right before the holiday. Sponsored by Flower Clique Sponsored by: | |||
| Fresher than Fresh with Ryan Black of Jet Fresh Flowers | 29 Nov 2022 | 00:35:22 | |
Episode 153: Ellie is back for the second episode in our NextGen podcast series, where she interviews NextGen floral professionals & friends under forty. Sponsored by: | |||
| Real-Life Retail Florist: Floristry Education for Today's Professionals | 22 Nov 2022 | 00:32:19 | |
Episode 152: A one-year collaboration in the making between the Flower Clique girls (Vonda, Lori & Ellie) and Abby Chick, floral educator and retail shop owner, is FINALLY REVEALED on today's episode. The details: 14 modules packed with content covering everything from start-up to sales, design to delivery, buying wholesale to business operations, profitability to professional relationships, and more. In addition to over 100 videos, we've created templates and interactive spreadsheets with built-in formulas to get more done, operate profitably, and build the business of your dreams. Listen to the girls chat about how it came to life & all the juicy details. Sponsored by: | |||
| Bill LaFever: Words of Wisdom on the Economy and Supply Chain & Exciting New Products | 15 Nov 2022 | 00:38:56 | |
Episode 151: There's so much buzz about what to expect with flower sales in the looming recession, so Vonda and Lori asked Bill LaFever, president of the Bill Doran Company, to get his professional input. With over 30 wholesale floral locations and years of experience, Bill has some great input and words of advice on the economy. Sponsored by: | |||
| Five Tips to Overcome Challenges | 08 Nov 2022 | 00:30:41 | |
Episode 150: We're surrounded by challenges every day. They are both personal and business related, some bigger than others, but all needing your attention. Vonda and Lori share five tips to overcome the biggest (or smallest) of challenges. Be sure and listen to then end where Lori shares information about Biosphere 2 and what it has to do with you and challenges. Sponsored by: | |||
| Time to catch up...Whatcha doing? Whatcha learning? | 01 Nov 2022 | 00:35:01 | |
Episode 149: It's been a bit since Vonda and Lori had a chance to chat and share with the Cliquers. 😉 It's both personal and business with a few new ideas from Lori on hiring and attrition. Sponsored by: | |||
| Barry Gottlieb on Dogs and the Power of Attitudes | 25 Oct 2022 | 00:31:05 | |
Episode 148: In this episode, Vonda and Lori continue their conversation with Barry Gottlieb. Barry Gottlieb is a trusted business advisor and personal mentor, with a successful practice offering counsel and guidance to both private individuals and corporations. Sponsored by: | |||
| Barry Gottlieb on Making Smart Business Decisions and Living Authentically | 18 Oct 2022 | 00:33:01 | |
Episode 147: Barry Gottlieb is a trusted business advisor and personal mentor, with a successful practice offering counsel and guidance to both private individuals and corporations. Barry's Books: Sponsored by: | |||
| From Flower Child to Fearless NextGen Leader: Nicole Palazzo of City Line Florist | 11 Oct 2022 | 00:44:55 | |
Episode 146: It was only fitting that NextGen's very own, Nicole Palazzo, made her debut in the first episode of our NextGen podcast series, where Ellie interviews NextGen floral professionals & friends under forty. Sponsored by: | |||
| How to Become a Better Leader with Dr. Nicole Price | 04 Oct 2022 | 00:42:09 | |
Episode 145: It's replay day! This is an excellent interview with Dr. Nicole Price, a training leader, keynote speaker in leadership development and CEO of Lively Paradox, believes that that leadership is personal. Her goal is to always balance courage with caring as she helps clients face and overcome the most challenging leadership development obstacles. Lori and Vonda ask questions to help the small business owner better lead in what can be challenging situations. Nicole’s technical background enhances her objective approach to solving process problems, flipping dilemmas, and helping people focus on solutions. She prides herself on helping leaders lead well — while honoring who they are as individuals. Sponsored by: | |||
| Practical Tips to Move the Sustainability Needle in Your Floral Shop | 20 Aug 2024 | 00:41:05 | |
Episode 243: We recap the exciting session at Camp Clique last week and delve into a thought-provoking discussion with industry experts Bill McKinley AIFD from Texas A & M and Abby Chick, shop owner of Blakemore's Flowers in Harrisonburg, VA. Sponsored by: | |||
| 10 Survival Rules for Managers | 27 Sep 2022 | 00:32:46 | |
Episode 144: Being a good manager can be a challenge. Vonda and Lori share ten "survival rules" to help a manager navigate the little things in the day-to- day in your business. They're easy to understand and execute and will be sure to give you a chuckle. Sponsored by: | |||
| We asked: What are you investing in your business now... to move the needle forward? (Live! from SAF 2022) | 20 Sep 2022 | 00:33:09 | |
Episode 143: SAF (Society of American Florists) 2022 Convention in Orlando was a great success! In our last episode (ep. 142) we were joined by Ellie LaFever PFCI for a recap, and what we felt were our most important takeaways. Sponsored by: | |||
| SAF National Convention Recap & Our Takeaways | 13 Sep 2022 | 00:28:24 | |
Episode 142: Society of American Florists just concluded their annual convention in Orlando last week. It was packed with great information... from an industry update from Kate Penn, CEO of the organization, to the announcement of marketer of the year, Jet Fresh Distributors, all of the AAF and PFCI inductees (including two of our own!) and jam-packed days of educational sessions. Vonda, Lori and Ellie share their 3 top takeaways from the conference. Sponsored by: | |||
| A Serious Photo Shoot and SAF Convention in Orlando | 06 Sep 2022 | 00:32:40 | |
Episode 141: Vonda and Lori chat about what's going in in Flower Clique and beyond, from a recent professional photo shoot and all of the work it entails to connecting with others at SAF in Orlando this week. There is a lot happening and Lori will joining in a session and might be a bit starstruck with a special someone. Listen in to find out who. 😊 Sponsored by: | |||
| Retail Business Adjustments & Customer Service with Julie Poeltler AIFD, PFCI, IMF, CAFA | 30 Aug 2022 | 00:28:45 | |
Episode 140: Vonda is joined by her bestie, Julie Poeltler AIFD, PFCI from Julie's Fountain of Flowers in the Iowa City, IA area. With over 40 years of owning her retail shop, Julie shares her thoughts on what's happening in her business and how she has made necessary adjustments. She also talks about the increase of kindness and trust of her customers and how she has built those relationships. Sponsored by: | |||
| The Jet Fresh Guys: How Their Business Took Flight, Building Great Work Culture, & Creating Loyal Employees | 23 Aug 2022 | 00:41:40 | |
Episode 139: In this episode, we sat down with The Jet Fresh guys, Mike, Fern, & Ryan. These guys know a thing or two about how to have fun and work hard at the same time, and they're making some waves in the floral industry right now for the right reasons. Sponsored by: | |||
| A Vulnerable Conversation about Work-Life Balance | 16 Aug 2022 | 00:35:48 | |
Episode 138: The work-like balance is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, however, it is easier said than done! Vonda and Lori discuss some current balance challenges and offer a few realistic tips to help you regain control. Sponsored by: | |||
| SAF Next Gen Recap with Ellie LaFever and Lori Wilson | 09 Aug 2022 | 00:27:44 | |
Episode 137: The Society of American Florists (SAF) Next Gen Conference was held in Miami on July 31 and August 1st and 2nd, and was a BIG hit! Vonda interviews Lori and Ellie to find out what they felt the biggest difference was in this conference over others they have attended, besides the ages of the attendees. The both come away energized and exhausted. Sponsored by: | |||
| What's Next? What Should the Floral Industry Expect Going Forward? | 02 Aug 2022 | 00:21:28 | |
Episode 136: Vonda spend the past weekend in Phoenix, AZ joining many talented designers at the Arizona State Floral Association Convention as they celebrated 70 years. She was there representing Teleflora with a main stage program "What's Next: We've come a long way, but what should be expect going forward?" In the podcast today she shares some of her message. Sponsored by: | |||
| Higher AOV and a Stress-Free Website | Why outsourcing your e-commerce is a game-changer | 26 Jul 2022 | 00:36:55 | |
Episode 135: Many retail shops are experiencing a summer slowdown similar to pre-pandemic times. It's only temporary. When business resumes as usual, the businesses that will thrive are the ones that are creating more efficient systems in place now. In this episode, Vonda and Lori are joined by Kami Martin, Director of One Clique at Flower Clique. We explain the lowdown on what exactly our membership does - and how it's similar to a part-time employee who manages your entire e-commerce and marketing operations. However, not just any employee - an expert with years of experience and expertise in the tech and digital space of retail floristry! Listen to discover how our agency is what every retail florist needs to grow their business and achieve work-life balance. For more information: Flower Clique Schedule an appointment with Kami Sponsored by: | |||
| Highlights from SAF Convention in Miami | 13 Aug 2024 | 00:31:22 | |
Episode 242: In this episode, Vonda interviews Lori about her experience at the Society of America Florist (SAF) Convention in Miami last week. Lori shares her insights and highlights from the convention, from the networking opportunities and meeting up with our Cliquers to her participation as a moderator for a panel discussion, she gives great tips and takeaways. You won't want to miss her story about "that flower feeling"! Whether you attended this year's SAF Convention or not, you won't want to miss Lori's perspective. Sponsored by: | |||
| How to Fix Your Employee Onboarding and Retain a Strong Team | 19 Jul 2022 | 00:28:23 | |
Episode 134: We often are relieved when we find the right hire, only to be disappointed when they leave after a short time. Vonda and Lori share some real life owner issues that many retail businesses are dealing with right now. The good news is they discuss a self check list you can implement right away! Sponsored by: | |||
| We Asked: What's Inspiring You? (Live! from AIFD Symposium 2022) | 12 Jul 2022 | 00:38:07 | |
Episode 133: It was a great week at AIFD National Symposium! Vonda, Lori and Ellie were joined by Julie Poeltler to represent Flower Clique at the Partners Showcase, as well as to reconnect with their floral family. Vonda and Julie also presented on the Main Stage alongside fellow Teleflora Education Specialists for the emotional design program "PULSE". Sponsored by: | |||
| Celebrate our Freedom! | 05 Jul 2022 | 00:27:54 | |
Episode 132: We have so much to be thankful for in our lives and as we have celebrated the independence of America, Vonda and Lori reflect a few that are very important to all of us as well as some you might not be aware of. Did you know that it was only 34 years ago that women were free to get a loan? Join us to celebrate! Sponsored by: | |||
| The Four Most Important Attributes in a Good Boss | 28 Jun 2022 | 00:30:50 | |
Episode 131: Vonda and Lori circle back around and recap some really important points from the past four episodes in our Who's the Boss series. Each leadership role might vary, from a shop leadership changing from one generation to the next or having a partner share in the responsibility, however, each of the shop owners shared the four common attributes. One was being a good listener and not necessarily solving the problem and referenced this video. It's not about the Nail Sponsored by: | |||
| Who's the Boss? Abby Chick, Best Buds Partnership and Blakemore Flowers | 21 Jun 2022 | 00:32:12 | |
Episode 130: Vonda and Lori are joined by returning guest Abby Chick from Blakemore's Flowers in Harrisonburg, VA. Abby shares some great tips for success in managing the relationship with an absentee partner in business. Abby also shares some great gained insight, after 10 years in business, on how to gain respect in being the "boss". Sponsored by: | |||
| Who's the Boss? The Next Generation: Derek and Holly Zschokke from Glassing Florist | 14 Jun 2022 | 00:35:53 | |
Episode 129: Up next in our "Who's the Boss" series are mother and son, Holly Zschokke, 2nd generation owner of Glassing Florist in Inver Grove Heights, MN and Derek Zschokke who will be the 3rd generation. Lori and Vonda have know Derek for over 10 years and have watched and waited for this transition. Both Holly and Derek share important insight on each of their positions in the passing of the ownership role as well as some really good suggestions for anyone making this transition in the future. Sponsored by: | |||
| Who's the Boss? Husband and Wife Team, Beth and Dwain Wilwol Share their Story on Owning a Flower Shop | 07 Jun 2022 | 00:32:35 | |
Episode 128: Our new summer series, Who's the Boss?, starts with a husband and wife team. Beth and Dwain Wilwol have a unique situation, working together everyday in their shop, The Gift Garden, located in Bennington, VT. Vonda and Lori chat with them about the balance of responsibilities and mutual respect needed to own and operate side by side each day (and oftentimes into the early morning hours!). Sponsored by: | |||
| SAF Next Gen Live! What is it? Join Ellie LaFever, Nicole Palazzo and Derek Woodruff to find out more! | 31 May 2022 | 00:39:37 | |
Episode 127: Lori and Ellie sit down with Nicole Palazzo from City Line Florist and Derek Woodruff AAF, AIFD, PFCI to talk about Next Gen, the Society of American Florist group for floral pros age 45 and under. Nicole and Derek share information about the history as well as why it is so important to our industry. This year SAF is hosting the first ever Next Gen Conference in Miami - July 31-August 2. Grow, Connect and Lead is all about connecting with others in all segments of the floral industry including retail, event, wholesale, importer, grower and manufacturers. If you're in the floral industry, or want to choose this for your career path, sign up and join! Sponsored by: | |||
| Leadership is Listening: More Words of Advice from Michael Martin - Teleflora EVP & GM of Sales & Membership | 24 May 2022 | 00:36:18 | |
Episode 126: In the last episode Michael Martin, Teleflora EVP & GM of Sales & Membership shared with Vonda and Lori a bit about himself and his background. Today he shares really important skills necessary to be a great leader as well something meaningful about second chances. There are so many take aways in this episode ~ you don't want to miss it. Sponsored by: | |||
| Behind the mic with Michael Martin, EVP and General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Teleflora | 17 May 2022 | 00:32:58 | |
Episode 125: In this episode Vonda and Lori had the opportunity to chat with Michael Martin, from Teleflora and learn more about his background and leadership style. We often think executives are born leaders, extroverts and think they know all. In part 1 of this casual conversation Michael, he shares some surprising insight on his experience leading the team at Teleflora. Sponsored by: | |||
| Blossoming Against All Odds | 06 Aug 2024 | 00:48:03 | |
Episode 241: Join us for an inspiring interview with Stefani and John Goetz, the couple behind 21 Petals in Lafayette, IN. Stefani, a dedicated assistant principal, and John, a law enforcement professional, share their remarkable journey of starting a flower farm and eventually building a successful flower business. With a child with extraordinary needs, they embraced life's challenges and turned them into opportunities to create something beautiful and life-giving. Discover how this resilient pair navigated unexpected twists in life and used them as stepping stones to realize their dream of owning a flourishing flower shop. Sponsored by: | |||
| Episode 124: Trending...Mother's Day 2022 Aftermath | 10 May 2022 | 00:30:48 | |
Episode 124: Mother's Day 2022 is in the books! Vonda and Lori share experiences of flower shop owners, many of them Flower Clique members. There were some really important take-aways this year that might be good to have in your knowledge bank for the next holiday. We are firm believers that what we learn we should share with one another and a grateful heart can make us happier and the world a better place. Sponsored by: | |||
| Remember When...in the Floral Industry with Katy Miller and Tim Farrell AIFD, AAF, PFCI | 03 May 2022 | 00:33:24 | |
Episode 123: With Mother's Day coming right up, we thought it would be a good time for an episode to reflect on the early days of our careers in the floral industry. Vonda is joined by Katy Miller, who now works for Flower Clique and Tim Farrell AIFD, AAF, PFCI owner of Farrell's Florist and Teleflora Education Team Senior Advisor and Industry Ambassador, to remember when...Join us for laugh or two! Sponsored by: | |||
| Web Recap: SEO Made Easy + Mother's Day Prep Tips from Ryan Freeman | 26 Apr 2022 | 00:44:27 | |
Episode 122: SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a huge topic. What to do and what not to do. The difference between paid and organic search. Do I need to hire an SEO expert or can I do it myself? So many questions. In this webinar recap Ryan Freeman, owner of Strider SEO addresses these questions and more, including some action items you can do before Mother's Day. Sponsored by: | |||
| What are Balloon Buddies and What Do They Have to do With Flowers? | 19 Apr 2022 | 00:34:46 | |
Episode 121: Many flower shops sell a variety of gifts and balloons, in addition to flowers. In episode, Lori speaks with a Flower Clique member, Denise Chresos, owner of The Flower and Balloon Gallery LLC in Indiana, PA who has taken the balloon side of her business to a whole new level! Sponsored by: | |||
| Trending: Bit of a Slowdown, Hiring and What is Employee Branding? | 12 Apr 2022 | 00:33:04 | |
Episode 120: Are you feeling that you can finally catch your breath and business seems to be a bit slower than last year at this time? Do you find it challenging to hire new employees that want to stay with you for the long term? Vonda and Lori cover both of these important subjects currently trending in the floral industry. Sponsored by: | |||
| Tips to Increase Sympathy Sales in Your Floral Business | 05 Apr 2022 | 00:32:14 | |
Episode 119: Vonda and Lori are joined by Audrey Kristoff, Product Manager at Flower Clique, to chat about sympathy sales. We recently hosted a webinar for FC members only and shared facts about trends in the funeral business (available from National Funeral Directors Association website) as well as tips on how to increase sales in your store. In the webinar Ralph Giordano AIFD from Giordano's Floral Creations and Trish Engle from K'nees Florist in Moline, IL, both Flower Clique members, shared their tips that have gained them a major increase in their overall flower sales. Sponsored by: | |||
| Communication: What Every Owner Wishes His Employee Knew...And Vice Versa 😉 | 29 Mar 2022 | 00:34:45 | |
Episode 118: There is often a disconnect between the leadership on the team and the other staff members, which can cause frustration, dissension and even valuable employees to walk away. If only you could read the mind of your employee ~ or if your employees could read your mind! Vonda and Lori share actual stories of what owners thought they communicated clearly and how it was perceived totally different. Sponsored by: | |||
| What is Emotional Labor and Why You Need to Know... | 22 Mar 2022 | 00:28:21 | |
Episode 117: Today's session is a subject that was totally unplanned, however, one that Vonda and Lori feel holds a lesson for most everyone. Life experiences sometime bring us to a place that we need to dig deep into an emotional situation to why we feel so deeply after an uncomfortable conversation. Emotional Labor is real and education and knowledge will help you prepare and not get blindsided! Sponsored by: | |||
| Trending Subjects: Let's Talk Prom and Delivery | 15 Mar 2022 | 00:28:18 | |
Episode 116: Vonda and Lori make it a goal to have their pulse on the floral industry. With their ears to the ground and eyes scrolling through social channels (mostly Lori!), they have found two subjects that have a been getting a lot of chatter. Prom prices and delivery charges. Sponsored by: | |||
| 5 Tips to Resolve Conflict in the Workplace | 08 Mar 2022 | 00:25:04 | |
Episode 115: Today we have a replay of an earlier episode, but it is very relevant coming off of such a busy time in the workplace. Conflict and disagreement in your life and workplace are inevitable. It's not easy, or comfortable to resolve your differences and make peace, but oh, so necessary! Vonda and Lori identify the 5 types of conflict in the workplace and share 5 Tips for resolving those conflicts. Sponsored by: | |||
| Flowers Come From Where?! with Williee Armellini | 30 Jul 2024 | 00:37:06 | |
Episode 240: In this episode, hosts Lori and Ellie chat with Williee Armellini, the artist, musician, writer and owner of the Flowers and Cents website and newsletter. Williee shares some fascinating anecdotes about his personal journey and talks in-depth about his book "Flowers Come from Where?". The book offers insight into the growth and history of the importer and domestic flower industry. As Lori says, Williee is a character, and this episode is a delightful conversation about his many passions and experiences in the world of flowers. Flowers and Cents Sponsored by: | |||
| Valentine's Day Follow-up: Three Areas in your Business to Know & Control to Make a Profit | 01 Mar 2022 | 00:27:35 | |
Episode 114: Lori and Vonda have their pulse on the industry and have been hearing a lot of chatter (post Valentine's Day) about the challenges businesses face. It goes back to what you can control to keep your business of the profitable side. You'll hear those three areas of focus and how it affects your bottom line. Sponsored by: | |||
| Innovation in the Floral Industry is Possible! Interview with Sahid Nahim Founder of New Bloom Solutions | 22 Feb 2022 | 00:23:36 | |
Episode 113: Vonda and Lori are joined by Sahid Nahim, founder of New Bloom Solutions. We discovered that Flower Clique and New Bloom Solutions have several core goals in common, and at the top of the list are the desire to innovate and move the floral industry forward. Transparency and connectivity are key words that both embrace as they work with different aspects of the industry. Listen in an hear a bit of what New Bloom Solutions is all about and a few services that might be a great opportunity for you. Sponsored by: | |||
| Self-Care for Florists: Helpful Tips For You & Your Team | 15 Feb 2022 | 00:14:48 | |
Episode 112: Valentine's Day is a huge holiday in the flower business. It's the single busiest day of the year for the retail florist. Now that Valentine's Day 2022 is in the books, we asked Ellie LaFever, Creative Director at Flower Clique (and our expert on self-care and work-life balance) to share some ideas of what you can do to stay healthy and avoid burnout during busy seasons. Sponsored by: | |||