Website URL: www.viviano.com
Twitter: @VivianosFlowers
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/vivianoflowershop

Where do you work/what is your position? I work for Viviano Flower Shop, Inc., a third-generation family-owned business. I am CEO.

How long have you been in the business? My grandfather founded Viviano Flower Shop in 1937. I have been managing the business with my family since 1984.

What do you love about it? I enjoy the satisfaction that comes from hearing how we help people celebrate special occasions or the memories of loved ones. Flowers beautifully express feelings and wishes, and we get to be a part of that. Not everyone gets up, goes to work every day, and makes a product that makes so many people happy. We have the opportunity to make people happy. It’s wonderful!

How long have you been a NACE member? I have been a member since September 2005.

How has NACE helped you along your journey? I have especially enjoyed developing professional friendships with my fellow NACE members. I think it’s very important to have personal contacts with people who provide complementary products and services. That connection is both helpful and enjoyable.

What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do? I would start by investigating how long they’ve been in business and what their professional reputation is. Are they known for producing quality arrangements? Are they known for delivering on their promises? Are they known for being helpful and responsible? No matter what project you are doing, you want to work with people who have experience and are committed to excellence in every facet of their operations. It will make the whole experience so much more relaxed and enjoyable.

What are 10 things (can be fun, unique, etc.) people might not know about you and/or your company?
1: My grandfather’s first cash register was a cigar box.
2: My grandfather sometimes rode Detroit buses to deliver floral arrangements.
3: My grandfather had no experience in floral design when he opened for business—only a hidden talent and a desire to succeed.
4: Almost all of my 33 first cousins have worked at the flower shop at one time or another.
5: My three siblings are all in the business with me.
6: The domed retail area of our St. Clair Shores location was once a greenhouse on the grounds of the Emery L. Ford estate in Grosse Pointe.
7: My brother Peter, President of our business, has a horticultural degree from Michigan State University and is an expert on rose varieties (and flowers in general).
8: We have been the official florist of the North American International Auto Show since 1991.
9: My brother Frank, Vice-President of our business, is also a lawyer.
10: We travel throughout the US to decorate events for our clients. The farthest we have traveled to decorate an event was Hawaii.