Brewster Small Business Spotlight: The Brewster Flower Garden

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this ongoing series on Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business name: The Brewster Flower Garden

Owner: Mark Buzzetto

Website: brewsterflowergarden.com

Address: 14 Main St., Brewster, N.Y. 10509

How did you come up with the name?

I bought the flower shop from someone who had it established ten years earlier. So the name came with the business.

What business are you in?

Flower shop. As of February 2016, I celebrated my 28th year in business!!

Why start a business in this town?

I'm from Mount Kisco and I worked in a flower shop there for over 7 years ( Four Seasons Flower Shop) for my mentor, Frank Yozzo.

What is the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

One challenge for an independent flower shop is the continuing change in competition, for example the grocery and hardware stores selling flowers and plants. That's why shopping at my store is all about service and the guarantee of freshness and quality and personal connections that you earn through the years. Another challenge is always the rise and fall of the economy. You have to be smart on the buying end of a business like this to survive.

What has been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

One of my proudest achievements is when I got an award for Entrepreneurial Spirit Award in 2010 from The Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. I have always tried to give the same service to each customer regardless of the size of the order, 3 blooms or a wedding for 350 people.
To be honest I am proud to be able to provide services to many local organizations across our area.

What makes it worthwhile?

My love of this business and my satisfied customers. The thank you notes I receive whether its for a wedding or a quick grab and go bouquet for the home, or delivering what is needed at a time of loss.
That makes it all worthwhile.