A longtime floral industry leader and the owner of one of Maryland’s largest florists has been named Teleflora’s 2017 recipient of the Tom Butler “Floral Retailer of the Year” Award.
Raimondi’s Florist is a third-generation, family-owned and operated floral business that’s been serving the Baltimore, Maryland community for more than 83 years. Paul Raimondi grew up in his family’s legacy and worked his way to the top, assuming full control of the business in 1985, at which point he expanded the brand into multiple store locations throughout Maryland.
The honorary award recognizes a retail florist and Teleflora member who best embodies the legacy of Teleflora’s former Chairman, Tom Butler. Jack Howard, executive vice president of national accounts at Teleflora, presented the award in Baltimore.
Ten years after Raimondi took control of the family business, he extended their primary product line of designing and delivering professionally-arranged flowers to also include pre-packaged gifts such as fine chocolates, candies, and nuts. Today, their shops also sell fresh baked goods online and in-store, along with serving coffee to complement their customer’s in-store experience. The bridal and sympathy segment of the business also continues to thrive, with its shops now servicing the floral needs at more than 130 funeral homes throughout Maryland.
Raimondi also is a well-known advocate for numerous charities, particularly in the effort to fight against breast cancer.
“Paul Raimondi epitomizes what it is to be a good neighbor,” according to a company press release. “Awarded the ‘Good Neighbor Day’ proclamation from the state of Maryland in the early 1970s, Raimondi’s Florist continues to earn the respect and admiration from the community at large.”