Community Corner
For One Ohio Florist, Customer Service And Quality Define Success
The Greenhouse Florist has served the Hudson community since 1975 and celebrates its 25-year partnership with FTD Flowers.
Flowers have been a part of Gregg Lauck’s life as early as high school, when he started working as a florist. Today, Lauck runs The Greenhouse Florist, where he’s been the owner and designer for 26 of the shop’s 45 years in business.
This year, the Hudson, Ohio, shop is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a valued partner of FTD Flowers. But that isn’t the only accolade to celebrate. The Greenhouse has previously been voted best florist in the Akron area by “Akron Life and Leisure Magazine.” It has been named as one of six designated florists for the Republican National Convention; and in 2011, Lauck was named an FTD Master Florist.
While part of The Greenhouse Florist’s success can certainly be attributed to its outstanding service and Lauck’s expertise, the continued support of the Hudson area has a significant impact on this local florist.
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Patch recently interviewed Gregg Lauck about his experience as a local florist and what it means to be part of not only the Hudson community but also the FTD family. Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Patch: Tell us about the history of your flower shop in the Hudson area.
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Lauck: In 1975, the business began as a floral shop with a greenhouse attached to it. It was then moved several times until finally, The Greenhouse moved between First and Main streets, where it stands today. While its location may have changed, the name has not. I’ve been the owner and designer at The Greenhouse for the last 26 years.
Patch: The Greenhouse Florist is celebrating 25 years with FTD. What do you enjoy most about being part of the FTD family?
Lauck: I truly believe that FTD’s data collection system was critical for our growth and expansion as a florist. Cataloguing clients’ personal information helped tremendously with our personalized customer experience.
Patch: What is your experience like being part of the Hudson community?
Lauck: We’re very happy to be a part of the Hudson community and proud of our history of being a loyal business in the area for the last 45 years. We really appreciate our customers and try to show that in our store every day.
Patch: How did you get started in the floral industry, and what's changed the most since you began your career?
Lauck: I worked at a floral shop right out of high school all through college and enjoyed the idea of being creative every day while also running a business. The Greenhouse has changed quite a bit since I became its owner. We’ve expanded our offerings and adjusted our image over the years without losing our commitment to our customers or our quality products.
Patch: Are there any community events that you/your shop play a role in? Can you tell us about them?
Lauck: Christmas at The Greenhouse is always done in a big way. Our storefront window kicks off the season! The community has an annual holiday walk, and Hudson residents can't wait to see what magic awaits them when they enter my shop!
Our flowers are featured in a lot of local weddings. We provide arrangements and work with couples to find the exact styles they’re looking for. I am also regularly on FOX 8 News in Cleveland giving tips and tricks of the trade to local viewers.
Patch: Are there any ways your community inspires you when it comes to your designs?
Lauck: Absolutely! The best reward is hearing a customer rave about my shop and talk about how they love our holiday displays or the arrangements we made for a wedding they were just at. Owning your own business is so much work, so when I hear how much we are loved, it really makes me think that this is all worth it!!
Patch: What would you say has been the secret to The Greenhouse Florist’s success?
Lauck: Customer service, quality product, attention to detail and making sure we have the freshest products available. Our innovative designs are also important and staying true to who we are as a business. An absent owner will not be successful. People associate The Greenhouse with me, Gregg, the owner.