Presenting

Walter Knoll III and Art Conforti have been friends for more than 25 years. They met at a Telefl ora "top-sender" trip in 1996. They immediately hit it off that because they are both "techies," from multigeneration fl orist families, and aggressive marketers with ideas and energy. They would always bounce ideas off each other and push each other to new levels. Over the years, they have implemented hundreds of programs, from customer loyalty to charity helping hands, fundraisers, direct-ship baskets and sympathy gifts, etc.—a list too long to name everything! It has always been helpful for peer review of ideas and practices. Walter accepted Art's persistent request to join the web group that Art created with local Sarasota developers Gravity Free. Having Walter on the team opened opportunities to grow without boundaries while the developers were happy to build the ideas created. Dozens of fl orists joined the effort, and they, too, took their businesses to new levels. While Art named his ventures different names, Walter was always with him, challenging his ideas, and together, they created programs that made the industry better. Walter created a program that has been very well received in the last year: group video classes. With COVID, and with people being more isolated, this program allows a group of friends to have shared experiences. Here's how it works: A group signs up for a video class about making a fl oral design such as a bouquet, wreath or a seasonal fl oral novelty. The ingredients—vase, fl orist knife and fl owers—are then shipped to each participant. Then, during a group video meeting, guided by an instructor, each participant makes the design and is able to see how everyone else is doing. The classes are customized for each client, and they create memorable experiences that increase the branding of Walter's business, Walter Knoll Florist in St. Louis, Mo., and allow the participants to have a shared experience. The cost to the clients—$40 to $150 per person—covers Walter's expenses, and he thinks of this primarily as a form of advertising. He has done this for many types of groups—companies, churches, families, friends and more. Many times, it spreads virally, and a group might do it again with different people. Visit the Walter Knoll Florist website, wkf.com, which shows an introduction. Walter Knoll Florist is a family-owned and -operated fl orist located in the St. Louis metro area. Walter Knoll III and his brothers, Chuck and David, along with their wives, all work in the business. They are the fi fth generation. Walter's, Chuck's and David's children all work in the company, as well, and they compose the sixth generation. Success Stories 941-313-8025 | BLOOMERANG.SOLUTIONS | ART@ BLOOMERANG.SOLUTIONS Walter Knoll III, co-owner of Walter Knoll Florist WALTER KNOLL FLORIST

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