Fall 2008

The Sweet Smell of Success By Lin Grensing Pophal

Foxgloves & Ivy Floral Design Studio

Foxgloves & Ivy’s biggest advantage, says Hammack, “is our reputation for outstanding and unique product—fresh and giftware—and our commitment to our customers.”

“I don’t believe in saying ‘no’ to a customer—ever. If it is within our power to get them what they request, we will do it or at least find out where they can find it.”

Challenges

“The most immediate challenge we face is pricing,” says Hammack. “Our industry relies heavily upon transportation of product, both incoming and of course from our end, delivery to our clients. Rising fuel prices are affecting many sectors of the floriculture industry.”
Other challenges include the general attitude of Americans toward fresh flowers, he says. “The United States is the only country where flowers are considered a luxury, instead of a staple.”

Owner: Larry Hammack
Location: Atlanta, GA
Websites: Foxgloves.biz; FoxglovesWeddings.com
Staff: Five, including Hammack—and two “shop cats,” Bamboo and Violet.
Opened: 1997

Lin Grensing Pophal

Lin Grensing-Pophal is a freelance business journalist in Chippewa Falls, WI. She writes about marketing and business management issues for national and trade publications and is the author of Marketing With the End in Mind (IABC, 2005).