Imagine earning consistent, predictable income — even during slow months. That’s the reality for Bob Aykens, AAF, of Appleton, Wisconsin. Approximately 25% of annual revenue at his family business, Memorial Florists & Greenhouses, comes from its offshoot: Interior Plantscape of Wisconsin, which his father founded in the 1970s.
“My dad has always preached diversification, and he’s never been wrong on any of it,” he says in the January/February issue of Floral Management. “It’s easy to make money four months out of the year, but then the other eight can be a toss-up.” Beautifying — and refreshing — offices, private homes and public spaces keeps cash flowing even when traditional floral sales are stagnant.
With services like plant maintenance rentals, living walls and even “color changes” at businesses to match holidays or seasons, the possibilities for creative and profitable plant services are endless.
Check out “Planting Profits” in the January/February issue of Floral Management to learn how florists scale their plant services while managing costs and staff, the tools and skills essential to ensure high-quality service, how to handle potential pitfalls (like pests or maintenance mishaps) and more.
Katie Vincent is the senior contributing editor for the Society of American Florists.
