07/25/2026
Some thoughts on our changing hands.
Our initial hot for group has, I guess, decided otherwise. I wasn’t given the courtesy of a reply. Probably for the best. Not great business behavior. So I guess you’re stuck with us a little while longer, and I toss the net a bit further. I want more than anything a replacement with good people skills. You all deserve no less. I hope such a thing still exists. The search will continue.
I think way back to when we set up shop. So like, yet unlike times now. Pretty scary and uncertain was the general consensus in the late 70’s and my initial group of customers and our area in general, was much more blue collar than our base today. Another crisis over oil and Iran, crippling inflation, odd or even day lines to buy insanely expensive gas.. Equally insane mortgage rates in the mid teens (anyone remember the ARM?) I had one of those once. And I was too young and dumb to be afraid of it. It was actually a good move as the rate came down to below prime in the end, while the “safe” fixed rate version stayed insanely high.
Open an extremely discretionary business in the midst of all that? Only a fool would do that, right? Wrong, at least (happily) in my case. Uncertain financial times just thin out those who insist on absolute safety, financially speaking. I can tell you I’ve had with some pretty extensive experience in the financial gyrations department. Safety is a myth. This business has weathered some of the most financially devastating times in our country’s history and lived to tell about it. In a location that was then, truly, in the middle of nowhere. Many of our competitors and suppliers did not.
How can I possibly hope to replace myself or Jon when our experience is so extensive? {it’s because we’re old)
One could easily seamlessly move in if they have the ability to listen carefully to what their customers actually want or the initiative to research what they are seeing and “obsessing over” on those little pocket computers we all carry around. And be open to exploring new styles in design. We’ve had to reinvent ourselves multiple times over the years to stay fresh and interesting. It’s part of the job. Artistic talent is just one facet of a successful floral business. Good business practices and ability to think on your feet and problem solve are equally important and create loyalty equally well.
I’m absolutely no stranger to unfair resistance to a host of perceived “issues”, too young, too “country”, too “fancy”, too old… There’s not a lot you can do to alter someone’s preconceived notions about you or your business, other than prove them wrong if they’re worth the effort. Most are. Some (very few, honestly) live to be dissatisfied. There’s not a lot you can do with those but suggest they find a business that’s a better fit.
My point at long last is the “shoes to fill” issue is not really a valid excuse. If you’re not ready to stick your neck out and assume some risk you are much like most folks, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If it were easy we’d all be our own boss.
If you’re seeing this, intrigued, and are not familiar with the business and wish to know more, exploring this page and the hashtag above are a good place to start. And again, if you know someone who might be interested, please make sure they see this and have them reach out.
Have a great weekend,
Ted
Edit: the hashtag works very nicely on Instagram if you have an account there.
