This November, we welcomed J.P. Varvarigos, owner of Wellington Florist in Wellington, Florida, as our guest speaker for Details University Live. A respected leader in the floral industry, J.P. shared his journey of managing a third-generation flower shop, offered tips for business growth, and discussed the importance of participating in industry organizations and initiatives. If you couldn’t join us live, here’s a recap of what you missed!
J.P. grew up immersed in the floral world, helping out at his parents’ shop as a child. After studying at the Culinary Institute of America and working in hospitality, he found his way back to the family business during a busy Mother’s Day weekend in 2003—and hasn’t looked back since.
Wellington Florist is a full-service flower shop delivering across Palm Beach County and beyond, covering an impressive 11,000 square miles. Their offerings include:
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The shop operates with a team of 35 employees, four expansive flower coolers, and six delivery vehicles. Each week, they order 200 cases of fresh flowers, ensuring the coolers are always brimming with vibrant blooms for events and daily orders.
Under J.P.’s leadership, Wellington Florist has adopted customer-centric policies, including:
Additionally, J.P. invests in his team by covering CFD certifications, providing benefits, and encouraging professional growth through industry event participation.
Wellington Florist is deeply rooted in their community, projected to donate $90,000 worth of flowers this year alone. Whether supporting nonprofits or collaborating with local businesses for events like Petal It Forward, they continuously demonstrate the power of giving back. Their efforts recently earned them the Small Business of the Year award—a well-deserved recognition.
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J.P. is highly active in the floral industry, serving as Vice President of the Florida State Florists Association and as a longtime member of the Society of American Florists. He advocates for joining local and national associations, emphasizing the benefits of networking, shared learning, and fostering collaboration to elevate the entire industry.
J.P. also created the playful Facebook group Roast Me. Flower Shop Edition, where florists share their work for lighthearted critiques. This community is all about fun and camaraderie, offering a fresh way to connect with fellow florists.
We’re incredibly grateful to J.P. for joining us this month and sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. His insights are valuable for any business owner looking to enhance their operations, connect with their community, and thrive in the floral industry.
Click below to watch the full November Details University Live session and learn more from J.P.!
About J.P. Varvarigos
John "J.P." Varvarigos is a 3rd Generation Florist and owner of Wellington Florist. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, J.P. attributes much of his success in the flower business to his background in hospitality. After helping his parents with a busy Mother’s Day Holiday over 20 years ago, he discovered he had a natural talent for design and quickly learned all aspects of the business. What was supposed to be a temporary job turned into a successful career as a top florist in Florida. JP took over day-to-day operations as the general manager of Wellington Florist in 2010 and expanded the shop in 2014 and 2023. J.P. is an executive board member of the Florida State Florist’s Association, where he mentors young florists and promotes education in the field.