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In this fresh episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking About Flowers, we’re joined by Amanda Jedlinksky from the Society of American Florists. Amanda brought along some special guests to talk about the upcoming Next Gen Live event in Dallas this February.

On this Next Gen episode, we’re excited to feature Jenny Thomasson, the current Next Gen Rising Star, Erin Bruno of McNamara Florist (who might as well be an honorary co-host by now!), and future Dr. Laura Walsh from Smithers Oasis. These incredible women will be sharing insights on the hot topics they’ll be covering on stage at Next Gen.

Jenny also gives us a sneak peek into what attendees can expect at Dr. Delphinium, one of the largest and most stylish flower shops in the U.S., known for its high-end Euro flair. The Next Gen crew will get a behind-the-scenes tour, including the designer center, production area, and upscale front of the store. Plus, Jenny teases that the Creative Cartel will be gathering beforehand to create trend-forward displays.

Laura, who is pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Change, reflects on how many of the skills she’s learning are already second nature to Next Gen professionals—like using digital tools, adaptability, and teamwork to drive change. She’s eager to share practical takeaways that can help transform the floral industry.

Erin’s session focuses on the art of managing “up, down, and all around”—how to develop and mentor your team while promoting leadership growth across the board. And Ryan gives a quick preview of his Ai session, which he promises to help florist!

The conversation was so good that Amanda even convinced Mike to join the podcast—though she promised they wouldn’t be carding at the door. The Early Bird special ends January 20, so be sure to visit safnow.org to sign up or register your team for Next Gen Live.

Jenny Thomasson AIFD PFCI EMC AAF: https://www.instagram.com/jennyt.floristry/?hl=en

Erin Bruno AAF: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinadavidson/

Laura Walsh: Laura Walsh AAF, PFCI IG: oasisfloralproductsnamerica

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On this fast-paced episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers, we welcome the newest member of the Fresh Sales Team, Belkis Hernandez! From being a loyal Fatty Listener to stepping into her new role at Jet Fresh Flowers, Belkis shares her journey from “Assistant to the Assistant” to fast-tracking her way in the flower world. She learned the ropes from one of the pioneers of the Fresh Cut flower industry, with valuable tips like “count the blooms, not the stems”—a lesson every flower salesperson should know.

In this episode, we dive into the high-speed world of mass-market flower sales, and Belkis reveals why she jumped at the chance to join the Jet Fresh Team. Spoiler: Fern was more than ready to bring her on board! We also get a taste of Belkis' passion for flowers (her excitement is contagious!) and talk about all the things that make this industry both fast and fun.

But it wouldn’t be a 2 Fat Guys episode without a little food humor—watch out for Joel’s unique cookie-eating habits, which may just call for a visit from the Fatty Police! True crime against Cookies.

Whether you’re a weekly listener or just tuning in for the first time, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and a whole lot of flower career talk. Belkis will talk faster than you can pronounce “Roas,” so tune in and try to keep up!

You can contact Belkis at [email protected]

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Happy 2025, Fatties! We’re kicking off the New Year with an episode packed with CB radio lingo, New Year’s resolutions, and some exciting updates from Jet Fresh. Fern and Joel are taking a well-deserved vacation, but Ryan and Mimi are holding down the fort with a special guest, Mike!

Mike fills us in on the latest news about the big Jet Fresh move and the upcoming Valentine’s Day rush – it's a busy season ahead! Plus, Pinky makes a surprise appearance to share his personal and professional resolutions for the year.

It’s a short episode to start the year, but don’t worry – we’ve got a whole lineup of incredible guests and fresh flower talk coming your way in 2025.

Tune in, enjoy, and don’t forget to reach out to us at [email protected]

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Ring in the New Year with the Fern, Mike, Ryan, and Joel (and Mimi, in spirit from her vacation!) as they revisit the biggest blooms, boldest personalities, and most unforgettable moments from 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers in 2023! From "Chrysanthe-MANIA" with Deliflor Americas (Ep. 102) to the fearless pioneering of FBI Flowers' Frank Biddle (Ep. 142), and the expansive flower knowledge of FLWR PSTL (Ep. 122), we're serving up a bouquet of highlights. We'll journey from Manhattan to Miami with Calma's Elizabeth Jaime (Ep. 107), get a lesson in branding with Christina Yan of Bellevue Floral Co. (Ep. 113), and celebrate the family legacy of the Armellini clan (Ep. 117). Get ready for laughs, insights, and a whole lot of floral inspiration as we celebrate another year of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers!

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In this fun "Holiday Hangout" episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers, Mike, Fern, Mimi, Ryan, and Joel sit down with Jet Fresh team members to see what things are like around the holidays at Jet Fresh.  The first guest is making her podcast debut, Jesselynn Correa, Jet Fresh's sales representative for over 8 years.  Later, we're joined by fan-favorite Jimi "The Tulip" and lastly, a quick pop-in from Celine Bray.  Throughout the guests, you will hear about holiday traditions, company parties, gift requests, and more!  Also discussed in this episode is our company holiday gift, "The Rose Buds."  And hear what the fans and team have to say about them.
We suggest to enjoy this listen while holiday shopping, wrapping gifts, or cooking!

We hope you have a very happy holiday season! 
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

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We've got a fun surprise on this week’s episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers! A mystery Secret Santa sent us a tasty treat, and you won’t want to miss our reactions as we taste-test it, courtesy of one of our favorite "Fatties." After that, we dive into an amazing conversation with one of the best-dressed gentlemen in the floral industry, Mr. Jackie Lacey.

Jackie shares his incredible journey from accountant to floral entrepreneur, owning three shops by age 26—across three different markets! He explains how running shops with distinct target audiences has helped shape his approach as a floral educator. Jackie also reveals the top 5 challenges he sees in the industry and stresses the importance of mastering mechanics and costs to sustain long-term success. With plenty of practical advice, like the importance of walking through your shop daily to understand what customers experience and how small changes (like adding an extra carnation to every arrangement) can cost you big over time, Jackie’s insights are both valuable and eye-opening. 

Plus, we discuss Pantone’s Color of the Year, a topic Jackie is passionate about (look at his stylish outfits!). It’s a fun, laughter-filled episode packed with lessons and insights—tune in now!

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In this holiday season opener of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers, we’re thrilled to welcome John Marks, a true next-gen entrepreneur who has turned his passion for creating into a thriving enterprise. From selling wreaths and candies to launching his own ribbon line and TV show, John’s journey is a testament to the power of organic growth, hard work, and staying true to oneself.

Known for his signature “Hey y’all!” videos, John has used social media to educate, connect, and open doors in the floral industry. He may say his success came “little by little,” but it’s clear that his authenticity and dedication have built him a brand that’s now recognized nationwide.

In this episode, John shares his unique perspective on success—he doesn’t believe there’s a secret formula, but he knows that looking at things from a different angle can make all the difference. Whether you’re a florist, entrepreneur, or someone who simply enjoys a good success story, this conversation is packed with insights, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.

Join us as we kick off the holiday season with an incredible story of growth, perseverance, and staying true to what you love. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!

Learn more at https://john-mark-enterprises.myshopify.com/

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It's giving...Thanks.  Our 2024 Thanksgiving special episode is now served.  Whether you're working or eating, listen in as the Fatty Gang discusses hot Thanksgiving topics.  Ryan is back from Japan and gives us a quick insight on his trip to Japan, we discuss what the f* happened to the Fall flower season and more. 

Be sure to email us [email protected] and share your Thanksgiving thoughts, or make suggestions for future episodes, guests and topics!

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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.