Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Morrissey.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Rich Mar Florist was founded in the basement of a townhouse in Allentown, PA on June 25 1955, from humble beginnings the company has grown into one of the top 100 florists in the country. Rich Mar Florist has had many great athletes and racers supporting our growing brand, the company has also done flowers for The US Open, The Breeder’s Cup and numerous Indy Car and NASCAR races throughout the country. My part of the story has really just begun as I came into the business full time in 2003. The ground work was laid by my parents and grandparents who put in so many years of effort before me. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them and to leave the company in great hands for the next 50 years. Because of all that family dedication Rich Mar Florist continues to grow!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to success is never easy. We have faced challenges in seventy-one years of business. Our industry is ever changing and most product is grown outside of the United States, so some days can be logistical nightmares. The most recent large hurdle was COVID. COVID was a time of uncertainty for all of us, after one week of the doors being closed, we re-emerged stronger and better. What we learned during this time was that people need flowers, flowers are a part of all of life’s emotions. What I learned about myself and my family was that we really could do anything, back against the wall or whatever life challenge thrown at us, our hard work ethic and resilience would help us find a way to success.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What sets Rich Mar Florist apart from most local floral shops is our national reach. Through motorsports and athletics we have increased our reach throughout the area and most of the country. Our family has never be afraid of a good challenge, taking on events along the east coast to the Breeder’s Cup in California. Rich Mar has also been represented by world class athletes such as Marco Andretti(Indy Car), Alexander Rossi(2014 Indy500 Winner), Brad Keller(Team USA Baseball) and Two Time NASCAR Champion Kyle Larson. We have also had the pleasure of providing floral arrangement for celebrities such as Elton John, Ozzy Osbourn, Justin Beiber, Barry Manilow and many more.
What were you like growing up?
I personally grew up in the business….spent my summers working for my father during the day and working for the Allentown Ambassadors (minor league baseball team) at night. In 2003, I graduated with honors from Kings’ College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Always feeling destined to return to Rich Mar, I did so immediately upon graduation. My goals 20 plus years ago was to make company different and find new heights. As a lifelong sports fan, I found a great way to blend what our company is very good at(flowers) and what I am most passionate about(athletics). A rare find is our combination in this industry as most people do not see the connection with flowers and sports, however anywhere that there is upgraded seating and hospitality there is flowers!
From growing up in the business to working alongside my father, wife and family…it has been a true joy to watch all our hard work come full circle
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.richmarflorist.com
- Instagram: @richmarflorist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richmarflorist
- LinkedIn: @richmarflorist
- Twitter: @richmarflorist
