Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel George.
Hi Samuel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my business in 1982 while working a full time job at Methodist medical center during the day and then doing flowers in the afternoon and evenings at my first store on Main street in Clinton. At that time with a partner. Mostly doing weddings on the weekends where I always took my suit on Saturdays to direct the wedding as well. I went full time at my store shortly after due to increased business. In 1985 I opened my own store by myself in Oak Ridge. The business grew and I relocated back to Clinton by 1990 when I purchased an old historic home carrying more extensive lines of home decor and gifts. Then later in mid 90’s bought the old historic post office where we are now located and have been for 30 years. Offering plants flowers gifts home decor and also doing some home interior decor. Having lived in 15+ homes in the area and renovating all of them the experience resulted in clients asking for those services. By the year 2000 the business had grown to over 3 times the national average of florist across the US. Staff of course grew and I wasn’t sure if it was yesterday today or tomorrow! We made relationships with client’s planner’s venues and people that brought in Fund raiser parties and galas as well as Christmas installations as well as everyday flowers delivering throughout a wide delivery span. Today we continue to be busy even in the age of online buying and grocery stores which I believe is due to clients loving our personal approach. I assist clients who are building a new home, renovating or just a room refresh while sometimes simultaneously flipping a home or 2 along the way. I also back in 2000 entered into a partnership in a restaurant here in Clinton with 4 other men who decided we needed another option. That restaurant is Harrisons and is located at the I-75 Clinton exit. Needless to say the days are full and long keeping up with many projects.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would have to say that I feel lucky along the way even through the downturn in 07,08,09 and the covid epidemic we stayed busy and kept staff employed. There were hurdles and slow times, but something always came along.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am proud of my employees, many of which have worked for me for 30+ years. They are creative resilient folks who work hard and still maintain a love and passion for their craft. They work with customers to create what that customer needs and say it in flowers. We all here are very intent on trying to meet the needs of a single bouquet or a whole wedding or event that involves many hours of planning ordering and facilitating the process.
We are known for many things here and sometimes I think the public only knows us for that one thing they need. We may be doing 3 weddings, 4 funerals, a party and delivering everyday flowers while also hosting an open house here in the store. It all has to work out and on time every day!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We very much still love a personal connection with clients whether that be in person or on the phone. Having said that we do many jobs through emails. Since we are creating these flowers it is extremely hard to sit in front of a computer for more than a few minutes. When it is a big event or wedding we do mostly in person meetings either here in our store or meeting remotely. We are open M-F 9-5 and Sat 9-1
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SamuelFranklin.com
- Instagram: Samuelfranklinfloral
- Facebook: Sam Franklin and Samuel Franklin
