Michale Trogdon, AAF, AIFD
The Society of American Florists’ membership includes all segments of the industry — and that community is the heart of SAF. This bi-weekly feature spotlights SAF members sharing inspirational stories, professional insights, and the opportunity to form new industry connections.
Michael Trogdon, AAF, AIFD, grew up on a tobacco farm in North Carolina and had a love for flowers and plants since childhood. He knew early on that he wanted to be a florist. Trogdon had the opportunity to begin working part time as a delivery driver at Burge Flower Shop when he was a floriculture student at a local community college.
“Later on, I bought the shop from the original owners,” Trogdon says. “Now I am in my 45th year working here. It’s the only job I’ve ever had!”
Biggest Challenge
Like many others, Trogdon says that the business’s biggest challenge was working through the early days of the pandemic.
“Keeping everyone safe, with a sometimes-limited staff and a growing number of daily orders made for some challenges unlike any I’d seen before,” he says. “Procurement of supplies and hard goods added to the challenge. Thankfully procurement is better for all of us now.”
Best Business Advice
In 1979, a man in bib overalls paid $2,000 in cash for funeral flowers, leaving Trogdon dumbfounded.
Anita Burge, one of the founders of the store, gave Trogdon a valuable piece of advice after the man left the store.
“Mrs. Burge said, ‘If you learn one thing here, learn this: Don’t ever think you can judge another person’s pocketbook.’ I think of that every day while helping customers with purchases,” Trogdon says.
Secret to Success
Trogdon believes the secret to his success is his team.
“Some of us have worked together over 40 years along with some bright younger people who help us stay current and moving forward,” he says. “We all work together to get the job done.”
Most Successful Strategy
Burge Flower Shop has always sold Christmas decorations, including ornaments, wreaths, arrangements, and more. Over the years, that segment of the business has grown and now they turn their whole showroom into a .
“Our Christmas sales of gift items and decorations continues to grow as people come from other areas to see our displays and buy our merchandise,” he says. “TV and social media marketing have helped bring us new customers for our sort of ‘over the top’ Christmas store in our small town.”
Why SAF?
Trogdon joined SAF after his wholesaler, Billy Hardin of Hardin’s Wholesale Florist Supply in Liberty, North Carolina, encouraged him to attend an SAF convention. Trogdon says he had a wonderful experience there and has enjoyed SAF ever since.
His favorite SAF resource is Floral Management magazine. “It’s clearly an industry leader for accurate, up to date information about the floral industry,” he says. Trogdon also served on SAF’s Retail Council from 2018 to 2020.
“My favorite thing about being an SAF member is the people I’ve met in the process, from all segments of the industry,” he says. “Friendships and relationships have been made with some of the best people I’ve ever met.”
Trogdon was recently featured on SAF’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Do you know a member who should have a chance in the spotlight? Email Stephanie Brady, project manager for SAF.
Stephanie Brady is the project manager for the Society of American Florists.
