2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers Ryan
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- Society & Culture
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Join Mike Black and Fernando "The Fern Show" Ortega as they dive into the floral industry's hot topics. Always bringing you the good, the bad, and the ugly about flowers. Each episode is filled with flower topics, jokes, and knowledgeable guests. This podcast is always entertaining and sometimes educational. The goal is to enjoy a conversation and meet the people behind the flowers.
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Ep. 110 - Classrooms, Career Moves, and Piñatas with Sam Bowles, AAF of Allen’s Flowers & Plants
Fatties, guess who’s back from their Euro Trip? Yup, Mike is back! On this week's educational episode of 2 Fat Guy Talking Flowers, we sit down with the remarkable Sam Bowles AAF., General Manager and Creative Director of Allen’s Flowers & Plants. Sam shares his journey into the floral industry, starting from a part-time gig in Louisville, moving to Manhattan, and finally landing a career in sunny San Diego.
Discover how Sam, hailing from a lineage of educators, pivoted from earning a master's degree in Education to becoming a rising star in the floral industry. We often see him on stage sharing his knowledge of floral sales and marketing and he gives us a few tips today. Through anecdotes of teaching, managing, and industry involvement, Sam shares valuable lessons on why fostering a positive mindset is important.
Listen into the conversation as we explore everything from piñatas to sports banter, all while Sam infuses his infectious positivity. And, just like a seasoned educator, Sam enlightens Mike with a lesson or two on the subtle language of emojis. Text messages from Mike will never be the same.
Learn more at https://www.allensflowers.com/ -
Ep. 109 - A Symphony of Self-Care with Vanessa Leite of That Flower Feeling
Happy National Self-Care Day! Today's harmonious rendezvous couldn't have come at a more fitting moment. Tune in to this special episode of "2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers," where we're graced by the melodious presence of Vanessa Leite from That Flower Feeling. That Flower Feeling orchestrates a collective movement within the industry, encouraging consumers to embrace a regular bouquet habit. Their tune is simple: the more flowers adorning homes, the merrier. Vanessa, serving as the Community Engagement & Development Specialist, specializes in rallying support for the cause.
As we sing the praises of this floral initiative, we listen to Vanessa's journey into the industry, with over 20 years of nonprofit management, her passion for karaoke, and the necessity of weekly blooms in her self-care regimen.
From its very inception, Jet Fresh Flowers has been a steadfast advocate and participant in That Flower Feeling, from wrapping our truck to showcasing the initiative on our website (add link https://jetfreshflowers.com/explore/that-flower-feeling/). Recently, Mimi has joined the Development Committee, while Ryan has lent his expertise to the Marketing Committee. Listen closely as the team brainstorms some strategies to elevate flower sales. Joel suggests tuning into the gamer and younger demographic, while Fern orchestrates a business plan to supply flowers in Pro shops, aiming to keep spouses out of mischief.
We're serenaded by Vanessa's enchanting voice, which undoubtedly serves as a potent instrument in spreading That Flower Feeling. How will you celebrate National Self-Care Day? Share your finest That Flower Feeling ideas with us, and we'll send over some exclusive That Flower Feeling.
Learn more at ThatFlowerFeeling.org -
Ep. 108 - From Hockey Pucks to Flower Trucks with Dan Reilly & Jason Yannizze
Welcome to another episode of the 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers podcast! This week, we're without our head coach, Mike, but fear not, as we've brought in two of the funniest guys from Jet Fresh Flowers to keep the laughs coming. Join us as we sit down with Dan Reilly, our Operations Manager, and Jason Yannizze, our Warehouse Manager.
In this special episode, Dan and Jason take center stage to share their journey into the Jet Fresh family. We talk about their experiences and the pivotal roles they play within the company.
Listen in as Dan recounts his recent trip to SAF Congressional Action Day, where he took on Capitol Hill to advocate for the floral industry. Plus, get the inside scoop on Jason and Dan's adventure to visit one of our floral partners.
But it's not all business! We also lighten the mood with tales from the Waffle House. We hear essential picks on restaurant menus and a daring challenge: the Hot Dog candy cane challenge. Trust us, just tune in for our reactions, and maybe think twice before attempting it yourself. -
Ep. 107 - FLOWERING with Calma from Manhattan to Miami - Elizabeth Jaime
Join us on this “hot off the presses” episode as we jump into the colorful world of Elizabeth Jaime, owner of CALMA, a Miami-based floral studio, and FLOWERING author! From her roots in the editorial print scene of New York to finding her CALMA style in the tropical scene of Miami, Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from paper to petals.
A Miami native through and through, Elizabeth's passion for her hometown shines through in her unique floral arrangements, where she collaborates closely with clients to transform inspiration into reality. Discover how she found her niche by realizing she wasn't her client, paving the way for a successful business model. Eager to share Elizabeth transformed information she collected and created: Flowering, A fresh, contemporary flower-arranging book with foundational tips, flower recipes, and bountiful photography that will teach and inspire irreverent arrangements.
Buckle up as we zoom through topics ranging from her love of vintage cars, and the hustle and bustle of New York City to the intricate process of getting a book published. We discuss going viral to navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media, Elizabeth shares insights on harnessing the power of platforms like TikTok while discussing the buzz around current legislation. What would the 2 Fat Guys do if “The TikTok” gets banned?
Preorder Elizabeth's captivating book, available at Dale Zine and Amazon
Or create a TikTok about the 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers Podcast, Tag us and you can WIN a FREE Autographed copy of the book.
Calma : https://www.calma-miami.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@calma_floral?lang=en
https://www.instagram.com/calma_floral/
JF: https://www.tiktok.com/@jetfreshflowers
Use the hashtag #2FatGuysTalkingFlowers -
Ep. 106 - Diplomatic Roots to Breeding Success: A Journey with Ahmed Nzibo
Join us this week on 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers as we get into the fascinating journey of Ahmed Nzibo, President of United Selections. With Fern out we have Joel step up as the voice of the podcast. Ahmed talks about growing up in the world of diplomacy, Ahmed's path took an unexpected turn when he pursued higher education at American University, majoring in Philosophy and Finance. From there, he made the pivotal decision to return to Kenya and immerse himself in the realm of breeding.
In this insightful episode, Ahmed reflects on how his experiences of living in different countries shaped his perspective and honed his skills. He shares how the unique blend of hotel living and navigating different time zones influenced his understanding of the importance of timing and location in both life and business.
Ahmed also credits his mother for instilling in him the invaluable traits of taking calculated risks and placing trust in the process—a gift he carries with him as he navigates the dynamic world of breeding.
Tune in as Ahmed Nzibo offers profound insights into his journey, highlighting the pivotal moments that led him to where he is today and the lessons learned along the way. -
Ep. 105 - Drinking Ron Zacapa with Lisa Gonzalez of Holland Orchids Guatemala
Welcome to Episode 105 of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers!
Join us as we chat with Lisa Gonzalez from Holland Orchids Guatemala about their premium "SUPER" Cymbidium Orchids grown in the highlands of Guatemala. Discover how their team of professional growers utilizes cutting-edge technology to produce top-quality blooms with vibrant colors and long-lasting freshness.
With 75 varieties to choose from, Holland Orchids offers flowers for every season and occasion. Tune in to learn more about the beauty of these exquisite orchids and the dedication behind their cultivation, on this fun episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers!
Also in this episode, we learn all about Lisa's family and their other ventures in Guatemala as well as Mike's journey to visit their farm, the Fat Guys' views on helicopters and heights, and much more! All while drinking a very special bottle of Lisa's father's famous rum, Ron Zacapa.
Learn more about Lisa and her family's Guatemalan Orchids at https://www.hollandorchids.com/
Customer Reviews
The freshest podcast in the land!
Absolutely love listening to the Jet Fresh Family every Friday on my way into work. They are so relevant to what is going on in the floral industry. Mike was brought up in the industry at the ny flower market and now heads up jet fresh flowers in Miami. They have guests pretty much every episode from whatever segment in the industry and just talk and banter. It’s a large industry, but small all the same time. These guys are real deal. You’ll hear stories about the beginnings of some of the legends and stories of newbies everything from Chrysal to seed your future, next gen, saf, what was REALLY going on during the pandemic with growers, freight, wholesalers, airlines, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and all are current. I think they are up to 78 episodes.
If you are in the floral industry this is a must listen! You will laugh, and you’ll cry. It’s honest, funny, call it like you see it, heartwarming and inspiring.
This is my favorite podcast!!
Love you wonderful floral humans!!!!
Xx
Tracy
Come a long way
Fernando you found your fit!! So proud of you and your journey. This podcast is awesome! To both you and Mike thank you for keeping our industry alive and cheerful!!!
Fresh to Deaf
This podcast has been a freaking gold mind!!! Like a crash MBA course in the floral industry. I still work part-time at Costco in Charlotte, NC area so I’ve been able to watch as Sunshine took over our floral Merch. And yes a few retail florist come in and buy 2-3 times a week. But I really think there is untapped niche market sitting between traditional wholesalers and super markets. Love those pink green sprays.