Shows
The Business & Pleasure of FlowersBack to Just Us: Confessions, Laughter & A Fishing “Rodeo"Episode 280: It’s just us this time—back to a catch up with Vonda and Lori. We’re catching up on everything from awkward customer service stories to deep confessions (like sitting at the kids’ table… on purpose). Plus, Lori shares the latest with Lenny and his big fishing tournament that wasn’t quite what it seemed. It’s funny, heartfelt, and exactly the breather we all need post-Mother’s Day.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist2025-05-0635 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersSpring Forward: Mother’s Day Strategies from the DirectorsEpisode 273: Vonda and Lori are joined by Flower Clique's other two directors, Kami Martin and Ellie LaFever, in this episode packed with tangible takeaways to help your flower shop thrive this spring. From prepping for Mother’s Day and prom season to tackling pricing concerns and marketing strategies, the team shares expert tips to set you up for success.They dive into everything from how to name products to ensuring high-quality product photography. Plus, they discuss the importance of training employees effectively and avoiding common pitfalls when onboarding new staff.Tune in for a...2025-03-1838 minThe Business & Pleasure of Flowers2025 Trend Predictions: Insights from Ellie LaFeverEpisode 261: Ellie LaFever, PFCI joins Lori and Vonda again in this episode to delve into trend predictions for 2025 sourced from Pinterest. Ellie shares key insights on upcoming trends and the three discuss how some of these trends can impact the floral industry. Join the conversation as they explore the latest trend predictions and give them your "love it" or not. Pantone Color of the YearColor Trend Thursd. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep School2024-12-2338 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersHow to Master Your Customer Experience in 7 DaysEpisode 258: In this episode, Vonda and Lori are joined by Ellie to discuss the powerful connection between exceptional customer experiences and effective sales training. As instructors of SalesPrepSchool, they delve into the highlights and key upgrades of the newly launched SalesPrep 2.0 by Flower Clique. Sales Prep School is a flexible associative learning system tailored specifically to the floral industry, designed to empower teams with the knowledge to excel in sales and customer service. To learn more about SalesPrep 2.0 and see if it's a fit for your business, schedule your course orientation with Lori here. Or, j...2024-12-0334 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersWhy Professional Certification? With Renee Tucci AIFD, CFD, PFCIEpisode 256: Vonda and Lori sit down with special friend, Renee Tucci AIFD CFD PFCI AAF, President Elect of AIFD, to discuss the importance of foundational education in floral design and how it is the key to growing and developing your personal and professional skills. They explore the significance of becoming a Certified Floral Designer (CFD) and a member of the prestigious American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). Lori poses insightful questions to Renee and Vonda, uncovering the motivations behind pursuing these certifications and the path to achieving them.From discussing the advantages, both personal and professional, of o...2024-11-1940 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersDecoding SEO: Expert Insights & Strategies with Ryan FreemanEpisode 255: Vonda and Lori as they sit down with Ryan Freeman, President of Strider and a seasoned expert in the fields of SEO and online marketing. Ryan sheds light on the overwhelming landscape of SEO, cautioning businesses against making quick decisions and falling for fear-driven sales tactics.With a focus on the importance of making informed choices, Ryan answers Lori's questions, talks about why SEO that is business specific is important, and encourages everyone to navigate the digital marketing realm with a reputable company without pressure. Furthermore, he provides valuable insights into recent Google changes and offers p...2024-11-1243 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersBehind the Scenes: Lessons from Working with Top Video and Design TeamsEpisode 252: In this episode, host Lori Wilson PFCI sits down with her co-host Vonda LaFever AIFD PFCI CFD and friend Julie Poeltler AIFD PFCI CFD to discuss their recent collaboration with a top-notch video production and design team. Join them as they reflect on their experience at the Benz Institute on the Texas A&M Campus in College Station.From overcoming challenges to embracing highlights, Julie and Vonda share what they learned from working with these talented teams and how it has impacted their own approach to their profession. Tune in to hear about the wonderful lessons a...2024-10-2229 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersOvercoming Obstacles: Practicing What You PreachEpisode 248: In this episode, Ellie, Lori, and Vonda share their experiences from an 8-day business trip focused on product development for Flower Clique. From photo shoots to creating videos for Sales Prep School, and even hosting an educational show at Bill Doran in Omaha, the trip was filled with challenges and obstacles that seemed almost comical at times.Vonda and Lori have always emphasized the importance of turning obstacles into opportunities, but when faced with obstacles themselves, can they practice what they preach? Join us as we delve into their journey of overcoming hurdles and turning setbacks i...2024-09-2440 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersUnveiling the Art of Exceptional Customer Service with Sam Bowles: RewindEpisode 247: Vonda and Lori are on the road and picked a great rewind for you. It's a rewind from last summer of Episode 185: Join Lori and Ellie as they sit down with our good friend, Sam Bowles, the General Manager and Creative Director of Allen's Flowers in beautiful San Diego, CA. Get ready for an inspiring episode that will leave you motivated and eager to take your floral business to new heights!In this captivating conversation, Sam shares his incredible journey from being a middle-school educator to diving headfirst into the world of flowers. Discover how he e...2024-09-1750 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersHighlights from SAF Convention in MiamiEpisode 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: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Reta...2024-08-1331 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersLeadership Traits That Retain vs. Repel EmployeesEpisode 238: In this episode, Vonda and Lori explore the impact of different leadership traits on employee retention. They discuss five leadership habits to avoid that can drive employees away and undermine your authority. By self-evaluating and identifying these destructive traits, leaders can course-correct and create a more engaging work environment. Additionally, Vonda and Lori share five positive leadership traits that make employees want to stay for the long haul. By embodying these traits, leaders can foster loyalty, trust, and commitment among their team members. Tune in to learn how to become the type of leader that employees never want...2024-07-1641 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersMaximizing Productivity by Understanding Your Personal Productivity CurveEpisode 235: In this episode, Vonda and Lori share their personal experiences and challenges with energy and brain power at the end of the day. They discuss what a personal productivity curve is and why it's important to understand it in order to maximize your productivity during your most productive time of day.They provide valuable tips and strategies to help you identify your most productive time of day and ways to optimize your productivity during that time. They also share an eye-opening fact on email management that can improve your productivity and efficiency.Join Vonda...2024-06-2533 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersAIFD National Symposium: "Emerge" with Ralph Giordano AIFDEpisode 226: Join Vonda and Lori as they chat with Ralph Giordano AIFD, owner of Giordano's Floral Creations in Fort Pierce FL, and one of the "Core 4" AIFD Symposium Coordinators. Ralph shares his excitement for the upcoming AIFD National Symposium "Emerge" to be held in Orlando FL from July 2-6.Listen in to discover exciting details about the schedule of events and what you can expect to gain from attending. As a non-member of AIFD, Lori encourages everyone to attend and shares her thoughts on the takeaways you can expect to gain from your time and investment.2024-04-2326 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersKicking off 2024 with Goals and Word for the YearEpisode 211: In this episode, Vonda and Lori discuss an exciting start to the year 2024. Lori shares some goals and aspirations for the upcoming year, and they both reveal their chosen "word for the year" - a powerful concept that encapsulates their intentions and theme for 2024. Whether you're looking for inspiration or simply interested in hearing about their journey, this episode is packed with insights and a chuckle to help you kick off the year on a positive and purposeful note.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist2024-01-0928 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersReflections of 2023Episode 209: Episode Description: Vonda and Lori identify what they believe are the three most crucial areas for personal and business reflection from 2023 as we transition into 2024. Drawing upon their own experiences, conversations with many in this floral industry and their own insights, Vonda and Lori provide a thoughtful guide for listeners to assess and analyze their own journeys.Tune in as Vonda and Lori share their perspectives and encourage you to actively participate in this reflective journey. Your personal and professional growth awaits as you engage with the reflections of 2023 and set the sta...2023-12-2626 minThe Business & Pleasure of Flowers2024 Trend Predictions and Product Development Insight with EllieEpisode 208: Vonda and Lori welcome back Ellie LaFever, PFCI. Ellie shares her invaluable insights and expertise on the process of creating fresh flower designs for the Flower Clique library of images for member websites. With a focus on the importance of having an open mind, Ellie discusses the key factors to consider when developing new floral products that capture the attention and imagination of customers.As we look toward the future, Ellie also provides intriguing predictions for the floral industry in 2024. Discover what trends she foresees emerging in the coming years and gain a competitive edge in...2023-12-1930 minThe Business & Pleasure of Flowers"The Retention Revolution": Key Takeaways and Tips from the BookEpisode 206: In this episode, Vonda and Lori discuss the book, "The Retention Revolution: 7 Surprising (and Very Human!) Ways to Keep Employees Connected to Your Company" by Erica Keswin. They highlight some of the key points from the book and relate them to their experiences in the floral industry.Listeners can expect to gain a few good tips on how to keep employees engaged and connected to their organization. Join Vonda and Lori as they share their thoughts and insights on the "Retention Revolution."Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal...2023-12-0537 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersThanksgiving Reflections: A Family GatheringEpisode 204: Join us for a heartwarming Thanksgiving episode as we gather together a few special family members of Vonda and Lori to share their heartfelt thoughts on this special holiday.In this episode, we hear from Vonda's granddaughters, Leighton and Campbell Martin, whose youthful energy and enthusiasm add a refreshing perspective to the discussion. We also have the privilege of listening to the wise reflections of Lori's son, Davis Wilson. With his thoughtful insights, Davis reminds us to take a moment to pause and appreciate the blessings and meaningful moments that Thanksgiving offers.A...2023-11-2130 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersDiscovering Personality Tendencies and Strengths in CommunicationEpisode 203: In this episode Vonda and Lori hit the road in Illinois and are joined by Ellie LaFever. They share their experiences at a private meeting of BDC Managers and publicly at the SAF Profit Blast in Chicago, where gave presentations and insights on communication and personality tendencies.They also discuss their team's recent undertaking of a strength-finders assessment within their Flower Clique team. By gaining a deeper understanding of their individual strengths, they hope to better serve others and improve as a team.Join us as we delve into the importance of self-awareness and ho...2023-11-1425 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersThe Bridge Between Eras: Navigating Generational Communication with Cameron Pappas and Ellie LaFeverEpisode 189: In this thought-provoking episode of "The Bridge Between Eras," join your host, Lori Wilson, as she lets Vonda have a day off while she hosts Cameron Pappas and Ellie LaFever. These two Millennials sit down with Lori and delve into the fascinating and ever-relevant topic of generational communication and succession in the business world. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities that arise when different generations collide, and share insightful strategies for fostering effective communication and ensuring a smooth transition of leadership within organizations. Gain valuable insights, learn from real-life examples, and discover actionable takeaways that can help you...2023-08-0851 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersNext Gen Live! Recap with Ellie and LoriEpisode 182: Next Gen Live! is an event held by SAF (Society of American Florists) for floral pros age 45 and under, from all segments of the floral industry. It was held in Miami June 11-13, 2023 and was a huge success! Ellie and Lori attended and enjoyed every bit of it. Vonda interviews Lori and Ellie, who attended and represented Flower Clique, to hear their favorite takeaways. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist2023-06-2035 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersRespect in the Workplace: Why, How and What to AvoidEpisode 179: Respect is defined as admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements. Oftentimes respect is combined with liking a persons' personality and their abilities, when, especially in the workspace, personal feelings should be set aside. Vonda and Lori chat about the What and How of workspace respect and then Lori jumps in as Devil's advocate. 😉Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist2023-05-3032 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersMother's Day Memories from Flower Clique to YouEpisode 176: This week Vonda and Lori welcome back Ellie LaFever and Kami Martin. Lori takes the lead as she asks each to share some last minute tips that you can do today to increase visibility and sales for Mother's Day as well as some personal stories. From the high and lows of memories to personal questions that will give you a bit more insight to the lives and personality of the Flower Clique gals. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist2023-05-0945 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersThe Power of Positive Affirmations and Why They WorkEpisode 169: Lori has always been a big believer in the power of affirmations so you can imagine how excited she was to learn of a study that proved there is science behind the idea that affirmations really do work! Vonda and Lori share a bit about the scientific study, how to create a true affirmations and several examples of self affirmations you might find useful for yourself. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist2023-03-2131 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersThe Journey Continues: Happy Anniversary to Us! (Our Annual Anniversary Episode)Episode 158: It's anniversary time! Flower Clique and our podcast are celebrating three years, heading into year number four! Ellie LaFever and Kami Martin join Vonda and Lori to answer these three questions: –Is it what you thought it would be? –What was your biggest surprise?–What is one thing you hope to achieve in 2023?Join us for some really good reflection and fun insight. ❤️ Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist2023-01-0329 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersBill LaFever: Words of Wisdom on the Economy and Supply Chain & Exciting New ProductsEpisode 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. He also addresses some supply chain issues and shares some of his favorite flowers. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist2022-11-1538 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersFive Tips to Overcome ChallengesEpisode 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: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist2022-11-0830 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersTime to catch up...Whatcha doing? Whatcha learning?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: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist2022-11-0135 minThe Business & Pleasure of Flowers10 Survival Rules for ManagersEpisode 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. Lori Wilson is the Director of Community for Flower Clique and loves to read and research ways to help managers and owners connect with their teams. Our sponsors:Flower CliqueFlower Prep SchoolSales Prep SchoolSympathy Prep SchoolSponsored by: Flower...2022-09-2732 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersA Serious Photo Shoot and SAF Convention in OrlandoEpisode 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. 😊Our sponsors:Flower CliqueFlower Prep SchoolsSponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist2022-09-0632 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersSAF Next Gen Recap with Ellie LaFever and Lori WilsonEpisode 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. Join in to hear why.Our sponsors: Flower CliqueFlower Prep SchoolsSponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist2022-08-0927 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersSAF Next Gen Live! What is it? Join Ellie LaFever, Nicole Palazzo and Derek Woodruff to find out more!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 th...2022-05-3139 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersTrending Subjects: Let's Talk Prom and DeliveryEpisode 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.They share some insight and ideas from Flower Clique members.Pioneer Imports and Wholesale Trend Report~watch it on VideoProm Collection to ShopOur sponsor:Flower CliquePrep Schools: Online education exclusively for floristsSponsored by: Flower C...2022-03-1528 minThe Business & Pleasure of Flowers5 Tips to Resolve Conflict in the WorkplaceEpisode 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.More info about Vonda LaFever AIFD, PFCI and Lori Wilson Director of Customer Success at Flower Clique and The Business and Pleasure of FlowersSponsored by: 2022-03-0825 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersInnovation in the Floral Industry is Possible! Interview with Sahid Nahim Founder of New Bloom SolutionsEpisode 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.Don't miss...2022-02-2223 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersCelebrating the Anniversary of Flower Clique & the Podcast: A Recap of Our JourneyEpisode 106: Vonda and Lori are joined with Kami Martin and Ellie LaFever to celebrate and look back on the past 2 years of Flower Clique. In business, we have a vision of what we want - and set goals based on that vision. This is our story. Lori asks some specific questions about the goals achieved and those missed or shifted, and you might be surprised at the answers. Our sponsors:Flower CliqueFlower Prep SchoolSales Prep SchoolSponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal L...2022-01-0440 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersHoliday Traditions: Poinsettias, Ornaments, an Elf and Perhaps Some GriefEpisode 104: The week before Christmas Vonda and Lori take time to reflect on traditions, both past and present personal favorites, along with the history behind some well know holiday traditions shared by many. Memories can also trigger grief. Lori shares wisdom and advice from her friend and author, Mindy Corporon, which might be helpful to navigate the holidays for some.Our Sponsors:Flower CliqueFlower Prep SchoolSales Prep SchoolSponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist2021-12-2133 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersWho is the Next Generation of Flower Buyers?Episode 103: Do you ever think about the next few generations of flower buyers? We've all heard that the success of the brick and mortar flower shop might be in question. YOU have the opportunity and responsibility to encourage your next generations of customers. Vonda and Lori sit down with Leighton and Campbell Martin, Vonda's granddaughters', to hear about some of the experience they've had with flowers. This episode will put a smile on your face and plant a seed for growth for your upcoming young consumers. Visit Our Sponsors:Flower CliqueFlower Prep Schools...2021-12-1423 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersWhat to Expect for Valentine's Day 2022 from Bill LaFever, President of The Bill Doran CompanyEpisode 101: The Bill Doran Company continues to grow in number of locations to better serve the floral industry. Listen in as Vonda interviews Bill LaFever, President of the Bill Doran Company, about the exciting growth in new markets, recently expanding to Mexico. They also cover the changing and challenging flower availability, the increasing demand for flowers and what to expect for Valentine's Day 2022. Bill Doran CompanyLearn about how Flower Clique can help by doing some of your work for you.Go to Prep School and learn valuable skills for the floral i...2021-11-3039 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersCovid Continues: How are YOU doing?Episode 087: Summer is winding down and Covid numbers are up, which is a cause of concern for all of us. Vonda and Lori discuss the likelihood that it's not going away soon and how compassion and empathy fatigue have set in. In this heartfelt conversation about struggles with vaccines, CDC guidelines, and running a business, Vonda and Lori highlight a few things you can do to continue your success this fall. Join our Facebook page The Business and Pleasure of FlowersOur SponsorsFlower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolSponsored by: 2021-08-2433 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersLessons Learned from Dad: Happy Father's Day!Episode 077: All of us have memories of special times with our Dad. In honor of Father's Day, Vonda and Lori have asked Ellie LaFever to join to share a special memory and one life changing lesson they have learned from their Dad. Reminisce with the gals and you might find yourself with a similar lesson that will be sure to bring a smile to your face.Our sponsors: Flower CliqueFlower Prep SchoolSales Prep SchoolJoin our Facebook GroupSponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep School2021-06-1527 min