2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers

By popular demand, we're thrilled to welcome back the delightful and insightful Lori Wilson! Lori, who serves as the Director of Customer Success at Flower Clique, wowed audiences with her compelling presentation on leading with empathy at SAF Next Gen. Her impactful talk left attendees moved to tears, bursts of laughter, and deep introspection about their own levels of empathy. Using movie and show clips she demonstrated real-life scenarios that moved the Next Geners. In this episode, Lori engages in a candid conversation with the 2 Fat Guys Team, delving into the real-world challenges leaders encounter daily in the business. Mike even calls in for Lori’s advice.   Tune in to discover why the mere thought of working on a spreadsheet gives Lori nightmares, which team she passionately roots for, and where you can catch her next speaking engagement.Don't miss out on Lori's recommended read, "Spark the Heart" by Nicole C. Price, available on Amazon.Learn more about Lori and the Flower Clique here.

Welcome to 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers, this week we left out the bad and ugly and we bring you a pretty and entertaining.  In this hilarious episode, we sit down with the enthusiastic and very pretty Tyler Keeno of TK Floral Design, a guy who not only succeeding in the industry but is also eager to share his knowledge with others.We first met Tyler on the Intrigue Tour and were instantly captivated by his drive and friendliness, not to mention how photogenic he is.  From an aspiring Broadway singer to coordinating & designing over 96 luxury events in just one year.  Tyler and his partner Randy have built a successful high-end business in Hudson Valley, NY, but they don't keep all their secrets to themselves - they also teach others how to achieve the same level of success.When Tyler isn't traveling as part of the Intrigue Teaches Team or orchestrating multiple gorgeous events, he offers a unique One-on-one workshop where he helps professionals elevate their floral game while keeping their brand in mind. His passion for flowers is infectious, and he sees it as his way to give back to the industry.  In this episode, we talk about topics such as the importance of representation, TK Floral Designs plans, and a surprise guest pop-in: Sarah Campbell. With only a week apart we reunited them and it did not disappoint. Together, they spill the tea on the Intrigue Tour, have a brainstorming session, sing their love for Hippy Psychedelic Roses, and even blush over a few NSFW jokes about a certain smelly tree. Join us as we discover how Fern converted Sarah into a Gerbera fan, and Sarah converted Mike into a floral designer. Tune in to 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers for a fun podcast that will have you falling in love with our industry all over again.Learn more at https://tkfloraldesigns.com/

Fatties, guess who’s back from their Euro Trip? Yup, Mike is back! On this week's educational episode of 2 Fat Guy Talking Flowers, we sit down with the remarkable Sam Bowles AAF., General Manager and Creative Director of Allen’s Flowers & Plants. Sam shares his journey into the floral industry, starting from a part-time gig in Louisville, moving to Manhattan, and finally landing a career in sunny San Diego.  Discover how Sam, hailing from a lineage of educators, pivoted from earning a master's degree in Education to becoming a rising star in the floral industry.  We often see him on stage sharing his knowledge of floral sales and marketing and he gives us a few tips today. Through anecdotes of teaching, managing, and industry involvement, Sam shares valuable lessons on why fostering a positive mindset is important.  Listen into the conversation as we explore everything from piñatas to sports banter, all while Sam infuses his infectious positivity. And, just like a seasoned educator, Sam enlightens Mike with a lesson or two on the subtle language of emojis.  Text messages from Mike will never be the same.  Learn more at https://www.allensflowers.com/

Happy National Self-Care Day! Today's harmonious rendezvous couldn't have come at a more fitting moment. Tune in to this special episode of "2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers," where we're graced by the melodious presence of Vanessa Leite from That Flower Feeling. That Flower Feeling orchestrates a collective movement within the industry, encouraging consumers to embrace a regular bouquet habit. Their tune is simple: the more flowers adorning homes, the merrier. Vanessa, serving as the Community Engagement & Development Specialist, specializes in rallying support for the cause.As we sing the praises of this floral initiative, we listen to Vanessa's journey into the industry, with over 20 years of nonprofit management, her passion for karaoke, and the necessity of weekly blooms in her self-care regimen.From its very inception, Jet Fresh Flowers has been a steadfast advocate and participant in That Flower Feeling, from wrapping our truck to showcasing the initiative on our website (add link https://jetfreshflowers.com/explore/that-flower-feeling/). Recently, Mimi has joined the Development Committee, while Ryan has lent his expertise to the Marketing Committee. Listen closely as the team brainstorms some strategies to elevate flower sales. Joel suggests tuning into the gamer and younger demographic, while Fern orchestrates a business plan to supply flowers in Pro shops, aiming to keep spouses out of mischief.We're serenaded by Vanessa's enchanting voice, which undoubtedly serves as a potent instrument in spreading That Flower Feeling. How will you celebrate National Self-Care Day? Share your finest That Flower Feeling ideas with us, and we'll send over some exclusive That Flower Feeling.Learn more at ThatFlowerFeeling.org

Welcome to another episode of the 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers podcast! This week, we're without our head coach, Mike, but fear not, as we've brought in two of the funniest guys from Jet Fresh Flowers to keep the laughs coming. Join us as we sit down with Dan Reilly, our Operations Manager, and Jason Yannizze, our Warehouse Manager.In this special episode, Dan and Jason take center stage to share their journey into the Jet Fresh family. We talk about their experiences and the pivotal roles they play within the company.Listen in as Dan recounts his recent trip to SAF Congressional Action Day, where he took on Capitol Hill to advocate for the floral industry. Plus, get the inside scoop on Jason and Dan's adventure to visit one of our floral partners.But it's not all business! We also lighten the mood with tales from the Waffle House.  We hear essential picks on restaurant menus and a daring challenge: the Hot Dog candy cane challenge. Trust us, just tune in for our reactions, and maybe think twice before attempting it yourself.

Join us on this “hot off the presses” episode as we jump into the colorful world of Elizabeth Jaime, owner of CALMA, a Miami-based floral studio, and FLOWERING author! From her roots in the editorial print scene of New York to finding her CALMA style in the tropical scene of Miami, Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from paper to petals.A Miami native through and through, Elizabeth's passion for her hometown shines through in her unique floral arrangements, where she collaborates closely with clients to transform inspiration into reality. Discover how she found her niche by realizing she wasn't her client, paving the way for a successful business model.  Eager to share Elizabeth transformed information she collected and created: Flowering, A fresh, contemporary flower-arranging book with foundational tips, flower recipes, and bountiful photography that will teach and inspire irreverent arrangements.Buckle up as we zoom through topics ranging from her love of vintage cars, and the hustle and bustle of New York City to the intricate process of getting a book published. We discuss going viral to navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media, Elizabeth shares insights on harnessing the power of platforms like TikTok while discussing the buzz around current legislation. What would the 2 Fat Guys do if “The TikTok” gets banned?Preorder Elizabeth's captivating book, available at Dale Zine and Amazon Or create a TikTok about the 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers Podcast, Tag us and you can WIN a FREE Autographed copy of the book.  Calma : https://www.calma-miami.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@calma_floral?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/calma_floral/JF: https://www.tiktok.com/@jetfreshflowersUse the hashtag #2FatGuysTalkingFlowers

Join us this week on 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers as we get into the fascinating journey of Ahmed Nzibo, President of United Selections. With Fern out we have Joel step up as the voice of the podcast.  Ahmed talks about growing up in the world of diplomacy, Ahmed's path took an unexpected turn when he pursued higher education at American University, majoring in Philosophy and Finance. From there, he made the pivotal decision to return to Kenya and immerse himself in the realm of breeding.In this insightful episode, Ahmed reflects on how his experiences of living in different countries shaped his perspective and honed his skills. He shares how the unique blend of hotel living and navigating different time zones influenced his understanding of the importance of timing and location in both life and business.Ahmed also credits his mother for instilling in him the invaluable traits of taking calculated risks and placing trust in the process—a gift he carries with him as he navigates the dynamic world of breeding.Tune in as Ahmed Nzibo offers profound insights into his journey, highlighting the pivotal moments that led him to where he is today and the lessons learned along the way.

Welcome to Episode 105 of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers!Join us as we chat with Lisa Gonzalez from Holland Orchids Guatemala about their premium "SUPER" Cymbidium Orchids grown in the highlands of Guatemala. Discover how their team of professional growers utilizes cutting-edge technology to produce top-quality blooms with vibrant colors and long-lasting freshness.With 75 varieties to choose from, Holland Orchids offers flowers for every season and occasion. Tune in to learn more about the beauty of these exquisite orchids and the dedication behind their cultivation, on this fun episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers!Also in this episode, we learn all about Lisa's family and their other ventures in Guatemala as well as Mike's journey to visit their farm, the Fat Guys' views on helicopters and heights, and much more! All while drinking a very special bottle of Lisa's father's famous rum, Ron Zacapa. Learn more about Lisa and her family's Guatemalan Orchids at https://www.hollandorchids.com/

On this week’s episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers we have the oh-so-elegant and CIVILIZED Tina Porcher!  Tina, a cherished member of the Jet Fresh Flowers crew, dishes out the deets on her journey from Jet Fresh vendor extraordinaire to our stellar sales rockstar.Get ready for a blast from the past as Tina spills the beans on the floral world's secrets! From early floral conventions to the wild days of sales sans computers, this episode is full of LOVE & HIP-HOP! Yep, you heard it right, folks—hip-hop courtesy of our very own MC Fresh Fern! 🎤🌿 Tune in to Fern's epic rap skills and tell us if you think he should swap his sales hat for a rapper's crown! There's more! Our special surprise guest, Celine Bray, joins Tina for an exclusive chat about their recent farm escapades. Discover how Jet Fresh Flower Growers farm has blossomed since their last visit over six years ago! 

Mr. Ace Berry, AIFD, PCFI is doing Epic S@*t, including being our awesome guest on the 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers Podcast!From gracing the screens of HBO's hit show, Full Bloom, to rocking it as co-host alongside Fern, Ace is the epitome of floral finesse. But hey, he's not just about strutting his stuff on TV; this guy is a full-blown floral design virtuoso. When he's not jet-setting across the globe, you can catch him hosting workshops and speaking gigs, spreading his floral wisdom.As the mastermind behind Fulshear Floral Design in Houston, Texas, Ace doesn't just stop at creating breathtaking arrangements; he's on a mission to empower the next generation of floral enthusiasts. His passion for sharing the secrets of the trade knows no bounds, and he's all about nurturing budding talent in the floral industry. Modern. Fun. One of a kind. Ace Berry loves to add his unique twist on floral design. After all – floristry is art and art should be personal and fun!Ace spills the beans about his latest ink and some killer partnerships, including his exciting collaboration goals with the New York Botanical Gardens. Yup, you heard it right! He's diving headfirst into the Orchid Dinner scene, and you better believe it's going to be legendary.Don't miss out on a single moment of his floral escapades! Follow his journey on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/aceinfullbloom/ (https://www.instagram.com/aceinfullbloom/)@fulshearfloraldesign (https://www.instagram.com/fulshearfloraldesign/?hl=en)https://aceinfullbloom.com (https://aceinfullbloom.com)

This week on 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers we were thrilled to welcome none other than the Floral Batman and Superman themselves... okay, maybe not the Caped Crusaders, but close enough! In our new studio, we had David and JD from Deliflor Americas, the heroes behind revolutionizing the world of Chrysanthemums. Deliflor stands as the foremost Chrysanthemum breeder globally, boasting over 400 varieties under their brand and a plethora (to be read in Fern’s voice) of accolades. Listen to how they became the powerhouse duo shaking up the floral industry. Plus, stick around for some “Gentlemen Confessions” that had all the guys laughing and Mimi blushing—don't forget those headphones, this might be a NSFW episode! For all the scoop on their latest and greatest varieties such as the soon to be famous Ballias & Margriets, visit www.delifloramericas.com

Rev up your listening engines, Fatties, because, on this week's episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers, we're hitting the podcast track with a true floral champion! 🎙️🏁 Join us as we zoom into the world of floral marketing with Erin Bruno, the Marketing Director of McNamara Florist in Indiana.  We chat about her experiences of transitioning from a Madmen-like Agency, managing multiple clients, to overseeing marketing strategies for a McNamara with multiple locations.Erin wears many hats in her position, and she generously imparts valuable marketing advice garnered from her diverse roles within the company. From handling challenging customer interactions to navigating the ever-evolving social media platforms like Instagram, Erin shares insightful techniques that you don’t want to miss. Erin also shares her floral holiday treats and traditions as well as her involvement in Industry organizations like SAF’s NextGen.  Be sure to check out Erin on McNamara’s Instagram! mcnamaraflorist (https://www.instagram.com/mcnamaraflorist/)

This episode is Video!  Fly on over to our Youtube channel to watch!The 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers crew celebrates their monumental 100th episode in this special video podcast! Yes, that's right – now you can catch your favorite flower podcast hosts on YouTube as we mark this incredible milestone with a show dedicated to our Fatty Fans.Tune in for a feast of special messages from devoted fans and even celebrities,making this episode a truly star-studded affair. Experience the excitement ofan award show, complete with heartfelt acceptance speeches, and test the 2 FatGuys' knowledge in a Jeopardy-style trivia that delves into the depths of theirpodcast history and facts.That’s not all – gain exclusive insights into Ryan's burning questions and be thefirst to witness the debut of our brand-new debate segment. Watch, listen, or doboth, but don't miss out on the fun! Share the love and let the 2 Fat Guys knowif you enjoyed this special format and let us know what part you liked themost.  

On this episode of  "2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers"! We pulled out our pencils and paper to speak to the brilliant Dr. Terril Nell, AAF. The Professor shared insights into his remarkable academic journey and his significant role in the American Floral Endowment (AFE). From a small pouch of seeds grew an extraordinary career that benefited the entire floral and horticultural industry.   In this honest and educational episode, we tackle the nitty-gritty of flower care and handling, discussing everything from battling botrytis to dealing with hygiene and other challenges in our business. Dr. Nell's expertise adds a touch of brilliance to the conversation, making it both informative and entertaining.  For more information on the American Floral Endowment visit: https://endowment.org (https://endowment.org/)

This week on a Fresh episode of #2FatGuysTalkingFlowers Podcast, we're thrilled to have some special guests from Petal Production – Raffi, Eddie, Lauren, and Brittney. The Petal Production team joins us for a lively conversation about flowers, Ecuador, and ghosts.Get ready to join in on the adventure as our guests take us through their incredible journey in Ecuador. From picturesque sightseeing to educational visits to Rosaprima, Agrogana, and of course Jet Fresh Growers Farm. Mike and the JFFG ladies play the perfect hosts, offering insights into the fascinating farm side of the floral industry. The team gained a deeper understanding of the intricate process behind bringing these beautiful flowers to life. But it's not all flowers and waterfalls – our guests also spill the beans on their spooky encounter at the haunted hotel they called home during their stay. A huge thank you to the Petal Production team members for sharing their adventures with us. To learn more about Petal Productions visit: https://www.petalproductions.com/Petal Production is an event design & production company that specialize in crafting extraordinary and luxury experiences in North America.  

On Episode 97 of #2FatGuysTalkingFlowers,  Fern, Ryan, Mimi, and Joel welcome Jazmin Albarran from Seed Your Future.  Seed Your Future is the movement to promote horticulture careers with plants, flowers, and all things GREEN. Although we missed Mike, we were treated to a wealth of information about how the organization is making a significant impact by promoting and inspiring individuals to pursue careers in the Horticulture and Floral Industry. We discussed how many companies and individuals have been matched up, and all the tools the organization provides.  From quizzes to scholarships, the website is filled with information.  Fern issued a Fatty challenge: He wants all of our listeners to partake in Green Career Week, this March.  During Green Career Week, participating businesses and organizations will connect with local schools, colleges, and universities to showcase the various career paths in our industry.  Visit the schools and take the opportunity between Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day to promote all things flowers.  Together we can give the industry a louder voice.We discussed the age-old question of "How old is old?" while emphasizing the importance of networking and fostering a connection between generations.  Ryan reminded everyone that SAF NextGen is a great place to network and engage with other floral pros. Don’t forget to Register for SAF NEXT GEN, the room cut-off is February 3.  Here are some links that Jazmin shared.  Be sure to take the quiz and send us your results to ______ email.The Quizhttps://www.wearebloom.org/ (https://www.wearebloom.org/) Career profiles, scholarships, internships, and Where to Study Map https://www.seedyourfuture.org/students (https://www.seedyourfuture.org/students)Free Professional Development Training for high school science educators https://www.seedyourfuture.org/educator_training (https://www.seedyourfuture.org/educator_training)Green Career Week toolkit https://www.seedyourfuture.org/green-career-week (https://www.seedyourfuture.org/green-career-week)

Welcome back Fatties.  Tune in to the first episode of 2024, featuring the dynamic duo, Mike and Fern, alongside Mimi and Joel. We've upgraded our podcast setup for the new year, but our opinions on Valentine's Day remain as bold as ever.In this episode, we delve into the complex love/hate relationship with Valentine'sDay. With a staggering 250 million stems preparing for the grand floralholiday, discover why Mike advocates for spreading our energy beyond just oneday. We spill the tea on juicy rumors, delve into the significance of customer experiences, and offer some expert tips for your Valentine's Day flower preparations.Join us for a funny and informative episode on 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers – your go-to podcast for the good and badof the flower industry.  

3-2-1- Happy NEW YEAR! We are popping bottles and clinking glasses for this New Year’s Episode.  Join us as we speak to Pablo, a second-gen grower turned marketing maestro, who shares his journey from the classrooms of NYU to the vibrant landscapes of Colombia.  Pablo Bazzani is the General Manager of Plazoleta Flowers https://laplazoleta.com (https://laplazoleta.com) in Colombia, where he is responsible for leading and supervising financial, production, sales, and flower logistics. Before this role, he gained experience as Marketing Manager for Perfection Group.  The Perfection Group is made up of several growers who follow protocols and branding to cultivate and supply high-quality Alstroemeria, Snapdragons, and more.  Pablo talks to us about flower grades, how to remove nets, and Dry C Technology.  Pablo and La Plazoletta had an amazing year which did not go unnoticed, with awards from all the big shows.  We ended the episode talking about global  New Year's traditions, and just for good measure, settled the legendary Big Hot Dog Debate once and for all.Thank you to all our loyal listeners, we wish you all a healthy and prosperous 2024.

The Fatty Gang is all together for the holidays to bring you this special episode of #2FatGuysTalkingFlowers.  We asked Santa for a special guest for this episode, and Santa Dean came down the chimney!  Dean Rule, the Executive President, as well as, grower, breeder, and botanist, with Conectiflor in Ecuador brought a sack full of presents in the form of knowledge to the show!  Listen in as he talks all things breeding, growing flowers in Ecuador, naming new varieties, and so much more! Stay tuned to the end, for some holiday-themed questions, and be sure to send us your messages, questions, comments, and guest requests to 2FatGuys@jetfreshflowers.comLearn more about Dean, and Conectiflor at: https://www.conectiflor.com/

🌸 Join us on #2FatGuysTalkingFlowers as we chat with Kelsea Olivia, Founder of East Olivia, a NYC-based creative agency helping revolutionize the floral industry. Listen in as we dive into the vibrant world of color-enhanced flowers, Art Basel, and "Blazy Susans" with the wild-hearted entrepreneur.💐 Discover East Olivia's commitment to making beauty accessible for all, from large-scale installations to their unique Forever Floral arrangements. Kelsea, a visual storyteller, leads her women-led agency in crafting unforgettable floral works that foster genuine connections. Explore Kelsea's empowering journey, sunrise adventures at the flower market with her French Bulldog, and the magic of bespoke arrangements inspired by positive influences. Don't miss this fun episode!Explore more at: East Olivia | Shop the magic: Shop East Olivia 🎙️✨