The Fresh Bunch

Jet Fresh Flowers

The Fresh Bunch (formerly '2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers') is your all-access pass into the wild and wonderful world of flowers. Hosted by Michael Black, Mimi Pacheco, Ryan Black, and producer, Joel, keeping us sounding fresh—we bring you unfiltered conversations about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the floral industry’s trends, challenges, and characters. From flower fails to petal-powered success stories, each episode blends laughs, insights, and special guests from all corners of the flower world. It’s part podcast, part therapy, and all fresh—welcome to The Fresh Bunch - a Jet Fresh Flowers podcast.

  1. 4D AGO

    Ep. 206 - Tulip Tech & Tulip Love with Bloomia’s Werner Jansen & Bill Prescott

    Send a text This week on The Fresh Bunch, we’re Talking Tulips with the incredible team from Bloomia. With Ryan, Joel, and Casey away at SAF NEXT GEN, Mimi jumps on the 1’s & 2’s and does her best to keep the tech running, while Mike and Jimi the Tulip help deliver an episode packed with energy, insight, and big floral news. We’re joined by Werner Jansen;CEO of Bloomia and Bill Prescott,Sales Manager, one of the largest producers of fresh-cut flowers in North America, specializing in tulips and a touch of peony magic. With more than 80 years of innovation, commitment, and persistence behind their growth, Bloomia produces high-quality, year-round tulips from their state-of-the-art hydroponic farm in King George, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. Using premium bulbs sourced from around the world, they bring classic tulip varieties to consumers across the United States. In this episode, we dive into the technology powering modern tulip production, the role AI is beginning to play in floriculture, and the exciting announcement of Bloomia’s first-ever Tulip Fest designed to connect their community directly with the beauty of tulips. Werner also shares a bold vision and wish for all of us,  where flowers are part of our insurance benefits — and honestly, we’d all sign up for that prescription. It’s a conversation full of innovation, community, and serious tulip love, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.

    55 min
  2. FEB 20

    Ep. 205 - Adam Havrilla on Collaboration, Craft & Elevating Floral Professionals with PFCI

    Send a text In this episode of Fresh Bunch, we sit down with Adam Havrilla, Creative Director of Elite Flower; accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD); Chairperson of Professional Floral Communicators – International(PFCI); and an Illinois Certified Floral Designer with more than 20 years of experience in professional floral artistry. Known for his original, artistic designs and commitment to excellence, Adam has earned numerous industry accolades, including twice winning the coveted Iron Designer title at the International Floriculture Expo. But this conversation goes far beyond awards. We discuss the PFCI application process and everything it entails — including Mike and Mimi applying to earn those respected letters after their names. As PFCI Chairperson for the second year, Adam shares why more floral professionals should pursue PFCI, how the 100+ member network is advancing the industry through collaboration and shared knowledge, and why education and involvement are essential to keeping floristry thriving. Adam also explains how mastering classic techniques — yes, even corsages — builds the foundation for stronger, more innovative designers. He discusses why understanding traditional methods makes you more confident and capable in modern floral work, and how authenticity has become one of the most powerful tools in today’s industry. This episode is a reminder that honoring the past strengthens the future. Fueling your passion and not putting your goals on the back burner are essential to long-term success. Let’s continue elevating our profession together… and maybe even make tuberoses a little more accessible along the way. For More infomation please visit: https://safnow.org/awards-certifications/pfci/

    58 min
  3. JAN 30

    Ep. 202 - Snow Days & School Days: SAF Next Gen 2026 Edition

    Send a text Snow Days & School Days: SAF Next Gen 2026 Edition This week on The Fresh Bunch, we’re talking all things winter and NEXT GEN with SAF President Lori Wheat, AAF, third-generation owner of Lafayette Florist in Colorado, and Eileen Weber, AAF, second-generation florist and co-owner of Lake Forest Flowers in Illinois—both speakers at the upcoming SAF Next Gen Conference in Raleigh, NC. These floral pros kick off the podcast with real-world tips for delivering flowers in snowy, cold conditions—from protecting product in freezing temperatures to keeping designs looking great from shop to doorstep. Drawing from experience, Lori and Eileen offer practical advice every florist can use when winter weather tries to derail delivery day. It’s the kind of insight you only get from people who’ve been there and done that. Mike, Lori, Eileen, Ryan, and the crew dive into why Next Gen matters, who the conference is built for, and what’s on the schedule—practical sessions on leadership, communication, marketing, pricing, AI tools, and navigating today’s workplace challenges. They also preview a lineup of speakers who truly understand the realities of modern floral businesses, along with hands-on learning, networking, and a behind-the-scenes visit to NC State University, including tours of its floriculture research facilities and post-harvest care labs. Ryan also reveals the theme for Monday night’s happy hour: SAF University—where everyone’s enrolled, no one’s checking IDs, and the only prerequisite is a love for flowers (and maybe a drink in hand). Rep your favorite University or school. If you’re looking to grow your people, your business, and your perspective on the floral industry, this episode is a must-listen. Casey, Ryan and Joel will be there repping JF HIGHER FLORAL LEARNING.  NEXT GEN LIVE is February 22–24 in Raleigh, NC—check it out below: https://safnow.org/next-gen-live/

    55 min
  4. JAN 23

    Ep. 201 - The Choice Is WFFSA with Freddy & Jena

    Send a text  On this episode of The Fresh Bunch, we’re excited to welcome the incredible team from Choice Farms for a high-energy conversation centered around WFFSA and the future of the floral industry. We’re joined by Freddy Melero, Director of Sales and Procurement at Choice Farms and current President of WFFSA (Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association), who shares how stepping into this role has been an inspiring opportunity to help shape the industry alongside a passionate and dedicated community. We’re also joined by Jena Gizerskiy of Choice Farms, a member of the WFFSA Marketing Board, who brings her perspective on marketing, engagement, and building meaningful value for members. Throughout the episode, we explore how both Freddy and Jena became involved with WFFSA, what the organization stands for, and how it supports wholesale florists and suppliers in an ever-evolving industry. We dive into some of the biggest challenges facing the floral world today and how WFFSA helps its members navigate change, growth, and opportunity. The conversation also highlights what attendees can expect from the upcoming WFFSA Conference in Miami, including key takeaways and what’s new and different this year. We go beyond Miami to discuss future WFFSA events, the organization’s broader calendar.  Freddy and Jena also share insights on major industry trends, including the rise of larger flower buying groups, what those shifts mean for wholesalers, and how WFFSA continues to position itself as a relevant, valuable, and forward-thinking organization. The episode wraps with a powerful look at why joining WFFSA matters and what the vision is for the association in the years ahead. Whether you’re already part of the WFFSA community or just discovering it, this episode is a must-listen and a reminder that when it comes to our industry, the CHOICE is WFFSA. To learn more about WFFSA visit: https://wffsa.org/

    1h 6m
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Fresh Bunch (formerly '2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers') is your all-access pass into the wild and wonderful world of flowers. Hosted by Michael Black, Mimi Pacheco, Ryan Black, and producer, Joel, keeping us sounding fresh—we bring you unfiltered conversations about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the floral industry’s trends, challenges, and characters. From flower fails to petal-powered success stories, each episode blends laughs, insights, and special guests from all corners of the flower world. It’s part podcast, part therapy, and all fresh—welcome to The Fresh Bunch - a Jet Fresh Flowers podcast.

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