Who's your favorite "pro" in the flower biz?

[Taylors_Flowers]

We've been finding a lot of new "pros" through FB and Twitter that we are following that we were unfamiliar with.

Just curious - who's your favorite "pro" of the floral biz?

Mine, personally , is J Schwanke! Love him on uBloom!

Who's yours?

 

[emilymoonflower]

Mine, personally , is J Schwanke! Love him on uBloom!

Who's yours?[/QUOTE]
I second that! uBloom is flower porn but I love it. Did you see his video on the cascading wedding bouquet with yellow dendrobium orchids ?
I'd never sell that in this market in a million years but I'd love to make one!
Emily
Oops! Yellow dendros were in the armature arrangement - coffee has not kicked in yet!

 

[anytimeflowers]

Gotta say, I like J! There are many that I admire, I just can't ever remember their names, lol.

But I most enjoy J simply because I'm most familiar with him, I was actually a paid subscriber with JTV.

 

[Taylors_Flowers]

I was a paid subcriber to J too!! Now I love being able to watch him on uBloom. I even "conversed" with him on Facebook the other day -- he's like a celebrity to me! I probably made a fool of myself!

I also like Kevin Ylvisaker - he's done shows at our wholesaler several times.

 

[duanermb]

My Wife! Buffie from Dragonfly Flowers!

 

[lori042499]

I don't really have a fav...but I admire many...

I loved working with Kevin Yvislaker, very talented sp?
I love what Hitomi does...
J is very entertaining and talented

 

[RWK]

No question............hands down.........and not just because of CHR........but my favorite floral pro would be Phil Rulloda.........followed closely by a florida florist.........Debra De La Flor.

Two fabulous presenters, both dynamic, informative, and just plain out fun to watch.

Those would be my favorites on the national stage...........locally though...........one choice........a very entertaining, fun, raucus young man named Andrew Stinson.

One other gentlemen falls into my floral faves - for business and marketing - Jeff Corbin.

 

[OB1]

Tough question. I guess it depends on what qualities you need at the time. There are so many great designers that to choose one would be a dis-service to the others.
But for me, amazing designer, entertaining presenter, motivating teacher, encyclopedic knowledge, and compassionate humanity, I guess I would pick Els Hazenburg, from Aalsmere Holland. I think I have learned more from her than just about anyone in the industry. But then, If I wanted to bore you I could list 50 more who are also great, and who have taught me more more, and more.

 

[Doug Munro]

Over the years I have been fortunate to meet and watch many talented floral artists. When I was in the wholesale industry years ago I would have said my favorite was Frankie Shelton, in fact we used her in a number of our shows and she always filled every seat. Tons of energy and an encyclopedia of floral knowledge.

In today's world I would say without a doubt Debra De La Flor, I am probably biased here as we have used Deborah for a number of our own show. But the bottom line is she is a dynamo and always someone attendees look forward to seeing.

 

[Rhonda]

holy cow, I've seen way too many to pick a fav from our own CHR and hubby, Hitomi, Michael Polycrones, Debra, Frankie, Bert Ford, Rene, Jeff Corbin (just last fall), Carol Caggiano (super gal), Joyce M, Gregor Lersch, James Miller and Talmage McLaurin, - many "little" dynamos, many "tips N tricks" all the way through to "cleaning the bench" (Cathy LOL).......... We are very lucky to have such talented personas some individuals specific to their design style....some doing it all. It is an advantage for any designer, beginner to "old lady" to take advantage of every opportunity to see them perform.

 

[shannonlovesflowers]

Hitomi Gillium and Sharon McGukin, I LOVE them. I want to be them when I grow up. Plus I think Sharon looks and sounds like Scarlet O'Hara.

 

[RWK]

I should add one more favorite - This lady has earned the right to be considered not just a floral pro, but a true floral diva extraordinaire as far as I am concerned. This lady ranks up there with such luminaries as Eulalah Overmeyer, C. Michael Polychrones, Rocky Pollitz just to name a few. I'm talking about Frankie Shelton AIFD.

 

[Taylors_Flowers]

Thank you everyone for all your input!!

I am looking forward to learning more about your faves by researching them!

 

[Mikey the Flower Guy]

the ladies AND gentlemen, that are the front line workers (that's YOU) are my favourites!!..sure there are great designers.....but, the day to day florists ARE the true competitors!

 

[herndonflorist]

Michael Polychrones and David Shover! Not only both wonderful designers, but also the first people to offer their help. Sure do miss Michael!

 

[Eric S]

Everyone that continues to support flowerchat.

 

[robinwood]

Hi Joanne,
I'm planning a trip to Amsterdam in April. Of course, I'll go to Aalsmeer .. any other tips on finding flower related fun? I'm thinking of trying to find a class .. any pointers? First trip to Holland.
Thanks,
Robin

 

[VJD]

I just saw Rene Van Rems for the first time at the Conn Florist Expo - he is full of info and inspritation! (and cute, too)

Plus, James Del Prince comes to mind....

And everyone should see Frankie Shelton at least once in their life!

 

[Victoria]

Love Rene.

There are so many who are terrific. I would have loved to see Carol Bice in action. She's one of ours... as are Phil and Cathy. Oh and Joan... I love her work, and Joanne (OB1)... yes so many.

V

 

[theRKF]

Hmm... in no particular order:

Phil Rulloda (I haven't seen him design much, but he's an awesome guy to spend an evening with! And I hear he's got some talent <jk>)
CHR - For being a top-notch designer, business owner, SEO and industry activist - and so much more
Albert Graves
Hitomi
Gregor Lersch
J Schwanke - because even I want to design with flowers after hearing his presentation