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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 21 Above: Lafayette Florist, Gift Shop & Garden Center Below left: Tanner Wheat, Kayla Wheat and Lori Wheat, AAF Generating Sales and Creating Careers with Multiple Generations At Lafayette Florist, Gift Shop & Garden Center in Lafayette, Colo., the multi- generational family that works together also generates sales together. e business is currently run by third- generation co-owner Lori Wheat, AAF, who is also the chief fi nancial and merchandising offi cer ; her co-owner husband Brian Wheat, AAF, PFCI, who is also the CEO; and Lori's sister, third-generation Sandi Yoshihara- Sniff, AIFD, AAF, who is also the general manager–fl orist. Also currently working in the family business is fourth-generation Tanner Wheat, who acts as Lafayette Florist's garden and greenhouse manager. Explaining the importance of people's roles in the business, Lori shares, " e third generation (young baby boomers) is the stability, the guiding force and the supporters of our business. e goal of this group is to nurture, encourage and guide our younger management team. We help with problem solving, forecasting and money management, and we give our staff the tools to help them build their teams." She adds, " e fourth generation (millennials) has enthusiasm and are open to new opportunities and ideas. We need to invest in them because they will lead our company into the future. e goal of this group is to have a keen focus on our customers, build teams to focus on our customer service goals, create interesting shopping environments and work through omnichannels." Lori points out that the business has three mid- management individuals who are all millennials in their early to mid-30s, each with their own areas of expertise. "Tanner works with all-things plants and plant-related. Jordan Davis is our events coordinator, and handles weddings, sympathy, our sales staff and our website. Jessica Beard is our offi ce manager, and she is in charge of HR, payroll and all things offi ce related. ey work together well, help each other out and give a fresh perspective on attracting new, younger consumers as well as a good work force." "I take pride in building and maintaining chemistry between my employees," Tanner remarks. "We get to watch for trends and react quickly to new ideas. e business continues to evolve, and it's exciting to be part of it. e sky's the limit." Lafayette Florist has been an area- wide resource for a vast variety of plants for decades, but in responding to the houseplant boom of the past few years, Lori informs, "Plant lovers have become collectors; the more the merrier! Plants have become aff ordable choices when decorating and enhancing our living and working environments, enabling us to bring indoors a little piece of nature. So, in January 2020, we remodeled a 5,000-square-foot greenhouse to specifi cally target a younger audience with green plants. e remodel included a section of succulents, orchids, fl oor plants, and lots of varieties of hanging and tabletop houseplants. We also focus on plant accessories—interesting and fun pots and saucers; plant stands; hanging and wall planters; watering cans; water meters; plant foods; and potting soils, including specialty soils for African violets, orchids, succulents and cacti, and outdoor gardening." roughout the pandemic, plants off ered myriad mental and physical health benefi ts, Lori contends. "Plants have fi lled all the needs for a young population who couldn't go out. Plants provide comfort and a refuge from the hectic world, they give us a

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