Ohio Flower Shop Remains A Community Mainstay For 62 Years

For over 100 years, FTD has been a premier provider of beautiful floral arrangements and gorgeous flower bouquets, warming the hearts of customers across the country. In addition to delivering flowers, FTD also partners with locally owned retail florists with an eye for elegance and perfection. So when you purchase flowers from FTD, you’re actually supporting a small business in your very own community. And here, we’re shedding a light on one of those trusted businesses — Keith’s Flower Shop in Mount Gilead, Ohio.

We spoke with Jean Beck, owner and manager of Keith’s Flower Shop, to learn more about their experience as a local florist in the Mount Gilead community, as well as the shop’s 50-year relationship with the FTD family.

Patch: How long have you been working there/owning the shop?

Beck: I took over the business on Dec. 3, 2007. But, I’ve been a florist since 1991.

Patch: Tell us about the history of your flower shop in the Mount Gilead area.

Beck: Keith’s Flower Shop was founded by Keith Sterritt in 1959, and they became an FTD florist in 1961. This is the 50th anniversary of the shop’s affiliation with FTD.

The flower shop was passed down to Keith’s wife, Sylvia, and then to his daughter Maxine and her brother Floyd. I purchased the flower shop in 2007 when Maxine became ill. I used to work in the shop here and there when they needed help. I had stopped in to see how she was doing, because Maxine was ill at the time. Floyd asked if I was interested in purchasing the shop. I just stepped in and began running the flower shop. I opened it on Dec. 3, and then Maxine passed away on Dec. 5.

I had flower arranging experience, I began with dry arrangements — everlastings — that I did in my home, so this was a giant leap when we came to town.

Keith’s caters to the local people of our town. I have people who call and say, “I graduated in the '70s. I can’t believe you're still here.”

Patch: What do you enjoy most about being part of the FTD family?

Beck: What I enjoy most are the people you meet and retail representatives you work with, and the connections I have made over the years. The FTD rep I worked with when I first started now works for a floral wholesaler company.

There are not a lot of businesses here that have been around so long. I also get to meet florists from different states and learn what they are doing and what people want in different parts of the country. I get to compare notes with other florists from across the country. For example, items that are traditional for funerals here aren’t always traditional in other places. I had to send some flowers to a florist out of state for a funeral because people called asking for certain flowers and they didn't carry them.

Patch: What is your experience like being part of the Mount Gilead community?

Beck: I grew up here. Sometimes, when it’s a tragic accident in the community, it makes my job harder, when dealing with the loss of a loved one. And sometimes people come to rely upon you. You gain the trust of your community, too. I recently had someone leave an envelope with $50 and ask to have an arrangement delivered. We’re a small community, and I deliver to the whole county.

I recently did homecoming flowers for a couple’s child and many years ago I did the flowers for their wedding. It goes back to being a trusted part of the community.

We are a small, rural farming community. We have about 3,600 people here in town, and about 11,000 in the county. And the town is growing, but we still have the values of a rural farming community.

At the holidays, my family helps out. And I have friends who also help at the holidays. It takes more people to do the arrangements at holidays like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.

Patch: Are there any community events that your shop plays a role in? Can you tell us about them?

Beck: We have a local county fair, and I sponsor the king and queen bouquets for that. We have a Christmas parade. We will participate in that with a float or a window display.

Usually, anyone who walks in the door with a request, I help with that. It could be a benefit or the school does different fundraisers, churches may need door prizes. Once again, we are a small community and we have a lot of benefits, fundraisers, need for door prizes and donations. We will be providing flowers, gifts or decorations for their event.

Patch: If you had to pick one flower to represent the people of Mount Gilead, Ohio, what would it be and why?

Beck: A sunflower. It's strong and full of life, and it shows happiness.

Patch: What would you say has been the secret to Keith’s Flower Shop’s success?

Beck: I would say the word of mouth. I don’t do a lot of advertising. I’m not a good promoter of myself. It's nice to see on the community’s Facebook page when someone might say, “I need a florist,” and then see Keith’s name pop up. It’s nice to know the community appreciates your work.

Learn more about Keith’s Flower Shop and its partnership with FTD Flowers.