Society of American Florists New Jersey Profit Blast Official Recap

Our PR Director, Myranda, attended the Society of American Florists' Profit Blast in New Jersey this past week and had a wonderful time. Here is her official recap of the event!

This week, I had the privilege of attending the SAF Profit Blast in Somerset, NJ—a day brimming with inspiration and valuable networking opportunities. The event, sponsored by the incredible teams at DV Flora and Flower Shop Network, showcased the strong and supportive community that drives the floral industry forward. It’s always a delight to reconnect with familiar faces from these organizations. The day kicked off with a Supplier Showcase, offering the perfect setting to meet with other vendors, mingle with new florist friends, and connect with our customers in the area.

Patience Pickner, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, opened the event with her session, Celebrating Life Through Design. She emphasized the profound significance of celebrating life ceremonies and how our floral creations can provide comfort and help honor cherished memories. This interactive session was rich with insights into creative sympathy designs, alternative structures, and current trends in memorial florals. It was an empowering reminder of florists' role during life’s most heartfelt moments. A standout part of the session was using Smithers-Oasis products, including the EcoCentric Line and innovative Designer Planters, as well as foam letters, which Patience highlighted as versatile for funerals and weddings, and baby showers. The Oasis Riser paired with Smithers' event saddle also added an impressive touch to the showcased designs.

The afternoon continued with Derrick Myers, CPA, PFCI, from Crockett, Myers & Associates, who presented Lost in Space: Where Are Your Profits? Derrick expertly navigated the audience through the financial pitfalls that often undermine profitability, sharing practical strategies to control costs and boost the bottom line. He also broke down the six key cost centers: time management, cost of goods sold, labor, delivery, occupancy, and marketing.

The day concluded with Make it Work, presented by Derek Woodruff, AIFD, CFD, CF, PFCI, from Floral Underground. Derek’s dynamic session reminded us of the need for adaptability and creativity in an industry known for its challenges. He inspired attendees to push beyond their comfort zones and innovate despite limited resources or unexpected hurdles. His tips on alternative substitutions and current design trends were a highlight, motivating everyone to tackle whatever came their way. He even highlighted Syndicate Sales mechanics like the Holly Chapple Pillow and Egg and the DIY Floral Grid to help make designing a breeze. 

The SAF Profit Blast offers a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with the floral industry and gather valuable tips to take home. A huge thank you to SAF and the event sponsors for creating such a memorable experience. If you're considering attending an SAF event in the future, be sure to visit their website for more information.