2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers

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In this  2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers episode, we sit down with Frank Biddle, the fearless founder of FBI Flowers and Tradwinds International. With over 30 years of experience in every corner of the floral industry, Frank has seen it all — from the highs and lows of flower importing and exporting to the adventures of running a successful, global operation.

Frank shares some unforgettable, nail-biting stories from his decades in the business and offers insights into how floral pros can thrive in today’s market. Frank is passionate about supporting florists and farmers as the founder of FBI Flowers, which grows, imports, ships, and exports premium flowers with a focus on quality. In 1997, he launched Tradwinds International to bridge the gap between flower buyers and growers, and today, Tradwinds is connected to over 125 farms worldwide.

We also dive into some fun offbeat topics — like the only thing tougher than picking wax flowers, how to build win-win business relationships, and the best volcano to climb if you're into adventure (hint: it's not just about flowers).

Tune in for an inspiring, insightful, and fun conversation with Frank Biddle — the surfing floral pro who’s been making waves in the floral industry for decades!

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On this episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers, Mike and Fern sit down with the Jet Fresh team members who recently traveled to the Netherlands for the 2024
International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF)! Dan, Jimi, Connor, and Anahi joined Mike on this floral adventure, and they're back to share their favorite moments-
from picturesque canals and fragrant lilacs to meeting top breeders and witnessing the famous flower auction. With this year's IFTF shaping up to be the biggest
yet, featuring a record-breaking 150+ growers from 13 countries, tune in as the team recounts how the event is evolving as a major global hub for floriculture.
So grab your favorite cheese, get cozy, and take a trip to The Netherlands with the Fresh Masters.

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In this creatively charged and business-focused episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers, we sit down with Kelsey Thompson CFD, AIFD,  a nationally acclaimed floral designer and owner of Bloom in Algona, Iowa. Winner of the prestigious SAF Sylvia Cup in 2022, Kelsey is known for her love of floral design and marketing. Beyond her design skills, Kelsey has a deep passion for education and frequently speaks on her business and floral design expertise.

Kelsey's journey is one of inspiration and resilience. She originally pursued a career in social work, but her love for flowers led her to a career in floristry. She launched her own business at just 24, armed with an 80-page business plan. Kelsey turned to education, testing for AIFD, and exploring the marketing side of floristry. This ultimately led to her online venture, Petals & Profits, where she provides coaching, consulting, and tools to help florists streamline their marketing and operations.

Kelsey’s popular service, Content Club, offers florists social media templates, flyers, holiday checklists, training reminders, and expert advice for building a strong online presence. Tune in to hear her story, her tips for attracting Google reviews, and how she helps florists redefine selling as serving.

(We won’t judge her unique food combinations—but you’ll have to listen in to find out more!)

https://bloomalgona.com/

https://www.petalsandprofits.com/

https://www.instagram.com/petalsandprofits/

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In this episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers, we are joined by our fabulous friend, Dr. Reverend Rob Gooljar.  Gooljar is the face and hair behind IRIS Blossom, a luxury retail and event florist serving clients in Charlotte, North Carolina, the greater South Florida area, and globally through travel. 

Listen in as we discuss Rob's backstory, his heritage, his path to a PhD in Geology, Island Iris, Greek weddings, and how he turned a creative outlet into an award-winning & multi-published luxury retail & event floral artist, creating bespoke arrangements & event florals in multiple locations and now countries! #IslandIris 

Learn more at: https://www.irisblossomclt.com/

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Get ready to tune in for a good time on this week’s episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers! We’re channeling our excitement as we sit down with the one and only J Schwanke, AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI—the creative mastermind behind J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom. J's hit show airs nationwide on public television, bringing floral magic into over 415 markets across the USA. With six seasons and 81 episodes in rotation, J’s show is quickly becoming a classic, earning him comparisons to TV icons like Bob Ross and Mister Rogers!

Born at a flower convention (yes, really!) and raised in his family’s greenhouses, J’s life has been a floral adventure from the very beginning. In this episode, we dig deep into how Life in Bloom is more than just a show—it’s a celebration of the beauty and joy flowers bring to our lives, and a huge boost for the floral industry. The show even earned him the SAF Marketer of the Year award.  

J also shares all about uBloom.com, where J’s flower fans can enjoy his passion for blooms 24/7 (listen in to see how you can see episodes FREE). With over 90,000 YouTube subscribers and a whopping 11.5 million views, J is spreading his love for flowers far and wide!  J shares how he doesnt do it without his team and especially his creative director (and husband), Kelly—though Kelly prefers to stay out of the spotlight, he’s a driving force behind the success of Life in Bloom.

The 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers crew had an absolute blast chatting with J, and we can’t wait to watch his continued success as he inspires the world—one beautiful flower (and TV screen) at a time!

For more from J Schwanke visit: ubloom.com, https://www.youtube.com/@LifeinBloom

Follow J at j_schwankes_life_in_bloom

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In this episode, we're thrilled to chat with the one and only Donald Yim! From his humble beginnings as a delivery truck driver in his sister's flower shop in Hong Kong to becoming an award-winning designer and educator, Donald shares his incredible journey. With over 35 years of experience, Donald’s story is packed with inspiration, optimism, and practical tips like the importance of being prepared and the power of social media. Tune in as we dive into his fascinating career, his passion for floral education, and why he’s still loving the industry today. We couldn’t agree more with his advice, both professionally and personally!   We also go over how the Fatties can reach out to us and the best way to send us your questions and comments.  

Learn more at https://www.donaldyim.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/DonaldYimAIFD
https://www.facebook.com/donald.yimaifd/

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Ep. 136 - Expo Flor Ecuador 2024 - Live From Quito with Jet Fresh GrowersThis week's episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers takes listeners on an international trip to ExpoFlores Flor Ecuador, where the Jet Fresh Flower Growers team has unveiled a groundbreaking product for the North American floral market. The introduction of VIP Choco and Wax Roses, now cultivated at Jet Fresh's farm in Cotopaxi, Ecuador. 

In this episode, Ryan and the marketing team to delve into the creative process behind the interactive stand that showcased these stunning roses of Jet Fresh Flower Growers. 

Additionally, we feature exclusive interviews with industry luminaries, including Marc and Ed Sassen, Juanita Coloma, Emilia Coloma, Anahi Coloma and more!

Head over to the Jet Fresh Flower Growers instagram to see more about the fantastic week in Ecuador.

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In this week’s episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers, we’re thrilled to welcome Paige Kennicott Jaques of Kennicott Kuts! Join us as Paige takes us on a journey back to 1836, sharing her family’s rich history in the floral industry from the horse and buggy days to today. As an 8th generation floral professional, she reflects on her childhood spent on the farm and in the wholesale house, revealing how she and her growing family continue to embrace this vibrant industry.

We dive into Paige’s experiences in improving farm operations while balancing her role as a young mother. Plus, you won’t want to miss our fun discussion about Chicago pizza! Tune in for an great conversation filled with family legacy, floral passion, and a pizza talk. 

Learn more about Paige's family and their flowers at https://kennicottkuts.com/

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On this week’s 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers episode,  we chat with the enchanting Talia Craig of Petunia’s Floral! Talia shares her unique journey from a successful hairstylist to a floral specialist after a life-changing accident. After a little binge-watching of Bob Ross during Covid she swapped her hair scissors for floral wire and began her floral journey.  Talia found a great appreciation for finding creative balance in her business and focused on creating stunning fairy crowns that have made waves in the floral industry.  

Join us as we chat with Talia about her recent adventures at NY Fashion Week, her delightful mermaid encounters, and the essential Egg & Cheese bagel! Expect plenty of laughs as we discuss her love for butterfly ranunculus, Mermaid Tails and even indulge in some Fern & Mimi karaoke. Prepare for a colorful episode filled with creativity, laughs, and a splash of magic!

Learn more at https://www.petuniasflorals.com/
follow on IG: @petunias.floral

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This week on 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers, we're chatting about the importance of community with special guest Valerie Crisostomo, the founder of Black Girl Florist. Valerie takes us on her professional journey from event management to her growing world of flowers, where she discovered her passion for designing  and created a much-needed community. Despite the challenges, she thrives while nurturing her two beloved "babies" - her floral companies, Pink & Blooms and One Soul Events in Atlanta, Ga.

Mike and the team pick Valerie's brain on how to support up-and-coming florists and she delivers valuable and inspirational advice. This episode is so good, we've invited Valerie to be a guest at Fresh Fest - you won't want to miss it! Tune in. 

https://www.blackgirlflorists.com/
https://www.onesoulevents.com/
https://www.pinkandblooms.com/