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In this episode of Fresh Bunch, we sit down with Adam Havrilla, Creative Director of Elite Flower; accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD); Chairperson of Professional Floral Communicators – International(PFCI); and an Illinois Certified Floral Designer with more than 20 years of experience in professional floral artistry.

Known for his original, artistic designs and commitment to excellence, Adam has earned numerous industry accolades, including twice winning the coveted Iron Designer title at the International Floriculture Expo.

But this conversation goes far beyond awards. We discuss the PFCI application process and everything it entails — including Mike and Mimi applying to earn those respected letters after their names.

As PFCI Chairperson for the second year, Adam shares why more floral professionals should pursue PFCI, how the 100+ member network is advancing the industry through collaboration and shared knowledge, and why education and involvement are essential to keeping floristry thriving.

Adam also explains how mastering classic techniques — yes, even corsages — builds the foundation for stronger, more innovative designers. He discusses why understanding traditional methods makes you more confident and capable in modern floral work, and how authenticity has become one of the most powerful tools in today’s industry.

This episode is a reminder that honoring the past strengthens the future. Fueling your passion and not putting your goals on the back burner are essential to long-term success. Let’s continue elevating our profession together… and maybe even make tuberoses a little more accessible along the way.

For More infomation please visit:

https://safnow.org/awards-certifications/pfci/

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Happy Valentine’s Eve, Freshies ❤️

This week on The Fresh Bunch, News Anchor Mimi is back reporting live from Jet Fresh Cash & Carry, chatting with local Miami floral pros about the real story behind Valentine’s Day. We’re talking about how V-Day steals birthday thunder for florists, why burgundies and darker, moodier tones are dominating this year’s designs, and how to to work with the VIP Choco Wax Roses from Jet Fresh Growers.

We also get into the surprising truth: most florists love Mother’s Day way more than Valentine’s. (Sorry, Cupid.)

Head Coach Mike opens up in a full-on Valentine therapy session, sharing his honest feelings about the floral holiday — the pressure, the gratitude, and the sweet relief of February 15th. No jokes this week… just appreciation for the customers, the team, and making it through one of the biggest days in flowers.

It’s real, it’s reflective, and it’s all love from the Fresh Bunch.

See you on the other side of Valentine’s

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The Fresh Bunch is officially in full V-Day Countdown mode. The Freshies are gearing up for Valentine’s Day, and Mike introduces Fun & Fresh—a two-week, daily activity series created to ease the holiday stress and keep the energy high for customers and employees alike. Ryan, Joel, Jimi, and Mimi walk through the full schedule for both weeks, plus we hear directly from Fresh customers along the way. From singing in the Cash & Carry and custom knife engraving, to a LIVE DJ, professional headshots in the cooler, and caricature portraits that are way better than the recent ChatGPT ones flooding your feed. There’s something new every day. The Fresh Crew is treated to meals & massages. The crew also dives into some debates: floral knives vs. shears, what other tools you can (or shouldn’t) cut stems with, and the age-old question—what exactly is a glizzy? And yes… Jimi’s jokes are back. No, they still haven’t improved.

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Snow Days & School Days: SAF Next Gen 2026 Edition

This week on The Fresh Bunch, we’re talking all things winter and NEXT GEN with SAF President Lori Wheat, AAF, third-generation owner of Lafayette Florist in Colorado, and Eileen Weber, AAF, second-generation florist and co-owner of Lake Forest Flowers in Illinois—both speakers at the upcoming SAF Next Gen Conference in Raleigh, NC.

These floral pros kick off the podcast with real-world tips for delivering flowers in snowy, cold conditions—from protecting product in freezing temperatures to keeping designs looking great from shop to doorstep. Drawing from experience, Lori and Eileen offer practical advice every florist can use when winter weather tries to derail delivery day. It’s the kind of insight you only get from people who’ve been there and done that.

Mike, Lori, Eileen, Ryan, and the crew dive into why Next Gen matters, who the conference is built for, and what’s on the schedule—practical sessions on leadership, communication, marketing, pricing, AI tools, and navigating today’s workplace challenges. They also preview a lineup of speakers who truly understand the realities of modern floral businesses, along with hands-on learning, networking, and a behind-the-scenes visit to NC State University, including tours of its floriculture research facilities and post-harvest care labs.

Ryan also reveals the theme for Monday night’s happy hour: SAF University—where everyone’s enrolled, no one’s checking IDs, and the only prerequisite is a love for flowers (and maybe a drink in hand). Rep your favorite University or school.

If you’re looking to grow your people, your business, and your perspective on the floral industry, this episode is a must-listen. Casey, Ryan and Joel will be there repping JF HIGHER FLORAL LEARNING. NEXT GEN LIVE is February 22–24 in Raleigh, NC—check it out below:

https://safnow.org/next-gen-live/

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On this episode of The Fresh Bunch, we’re excited to welcome the incredible team from Choice Farms for a high-energy conversation centered around WFFSA and the future of the floral industry. We’re joined by Freddy Melero, Director of Sales and Procurement at Choice Farms and current President of WFFSA (Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association), who shares how stepping into this role has been an inspiring opportunity to help shape the industry alongside a passionate and dedicated community. We’re also joined by Jena Gizerskiy of Choice Farms, a member of the WFFSA Marketing Board, who brings her perspective on marketing, engagement, and building meaningful value for members.

Throughout the episode, we explore how both Freddy and Jena became involved with WFFSA, what the organization stands for, and how it supports wholesale florists and suppliers in an ever-evolving industry. We dive into some of the biggest challenges facing the floral world today and how WFFSA helps its members navigate change, growth, and opportunity. The conversation also highlights what attendees can expect from the upcoming WFFSA Conference in Miami, including key takeaways and what’s new and different this year.

We go beyond Miami to discuss future WFFSA events, the organization’s broader calendar. Freddy and Jena also share insights on major industry trends, including the rise of larger flower buying groups, what those shifts mean for wholesalers, and how WFFSA continues to position itself as a relevant, valuable, and forward-thinking organization. The episode wraps with a powerful look at why joining WFFSA matters and what the vision is for the association in the years ahead.

Whether you’re already part of the WFFSA community or just discovering it, this episode is a must-listen and a reminder that when it comes to our industry, the CHOICE is WFFSA.

To learn more about WFFSA visit: https://wffsa.org/

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WELCOME TO EPISODE 200 OF THE FRESH BUNCH PODCAST!

This is a massive milestone for us, and just like our 100th episode, we’re celebrating with a special video podcast you can finally watch on YouTube!

Episode 200 is all about the rebrand, the listeners, and the incredible flower community that has supported The Fresh Bunch this year. This episode is dedicated to YOU — our Freshies

Join Mike, Ryan, Mimi, Joel, Jimi, and Sid as we sit around the table for laughs, chaos, and pure celebration. We invited a few Freshies to come through and Roast the Hosts (definitely NOT PG), tested everyone with Podcast Trivia, shared our podcast stats, and—of course—ragged on Jimi’s horrible dad jokes.

However you tune in, don’t miss this special episode marking 200 episodes of The Fresh Bunch Podcast.

Let us know in the comments or email:
• What was your favorite moment?
• Who won the roast?

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for our one listener in Bonair, we appreciate you!

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As we gear up for the release of our 200th episode (Releasing on Jan 15, 2026), we thought it would be fun to go back in time to 2024 and re-play our 100th celebration episode.

A lot has changed in these past 100 episodes, and we're extremely grateful you're still listening. WE hope you enjoy this blast from the past, and look forward to sharing our 200th episode next week!

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Happy New Year, Freshies!!! On this special 2026 New Year's episode of The Fresh Bunch, Jimi the Tulip, Mimi, and Ryan ring in the New Year with the help of a few of our favorite Freshies. Starting with Holly Haverman of Kennedy Flowers, on her 2nd year designing at the Rose Bowl Parade. Then we called in the big guns for some 2026 fresh perspective from Lori Wilson of the Flower Clique, and author and motivational speaker, Barry "The Goat" Gottlieb. Plus, wisdom from Cameron "Positive Pappy" Papas of Norton's Florist, and a brief 2026 trends report from Juliana Bustilo of Ora Agency. We wind the episode down with Jet Fresh's top 10 products and rose varieties of 2026, and a final farewell to 2025 with Mike.

Enjoy and Happy New Year!