The Dirt - August Issue

I hope this update finds you relishing the last weeks of summer and flat out ignoring the other “S” word that will be upon all of us soon enough.

The crew here is finishing up most of the infrastructure work we take on at this time of year. Robin and Gabe have done an amazing job with the Design Studio, and the attention right now is on lighting and finishing touches. Again, this space is meant to welcome you in and encourage you to get creative with products and arrangements that will work best for you and your consumers. If anyone can find the best lighting for that, it’s Robin and Gabe.

Several of us remain in travel mode. Marco Rivera’s Sales Team has been out and about all summer visiting face-to-face with clients and gaining a greater understanding of how we work together so everyone wins. He’s gained all kinds of ideas and insights from your generous, thoughtful conversations, and I can’t wait to see how that translates into fall projects and programs.

Aaron Motola, April Harrell, Todd Thornton, and myself traveled northern California this week to meet with our seed hybridizer and gauge our progress toward the natural red and white Sunflowers we are working hard to secure. It's a long process and our team remains determined and focus to keep improving vase life and colors of our signature sunflowers.

On Saturday, May 5, the Dos Gringos Team set a new record for the largest sales volume in a single day. This also was the day that “I’ll Have Another” won the 2012 Kentucky Derby, so we’ll celebrate in style at the Del Mar Race Track with “DG Day at the Races” on Aug. 17.

When we return to work the following Monday, our fall focus takes center stage. The autumn months are an ideal showcase for Dos Gringos’ quality and expertise. We’ve got the product, the design and the drive to make this season shine. To that end, we’re forecasting for Sunflowers from mid-November through mid-January, and we’re putting the finishing touches on fall crops and harvest schedules to ensure we meet all of our commitments. Later in August we’ll start booking deadlines for “Just Add Roses” for Valentine’s Day.

Summer’s not summer without family time, right? July and August include some fun milestones for my crew, and we always take advantage of the opportunity to get together. We were fortunate to celebrate my Mom’s 70th birthday in July with a long weekend in Denver. Annie and Jack were blown away by Uncle D’s downtown bachelor pad and how hip he is compared to their own Mom and Dad. Sigh.

This month brings Jack’s 6th birthday and a one-week stay for Annie and Jack at “Camp Grandma & Grandpa” in Moline, Illinois to round out the summer.

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The Dirt - July Issue

 
As I mentioned in June, “Road Work Ahead” is our theme for the summer.

While some of us are boarding planes to build the partnerships critical to our business, others are refreshing and retooling our Fresh Flower Factory in Vista, California to ensure we’re ready for the busy and exciting fall harvest.

Marco and his team have filled their calendars with client visits in no less than 18 states through the end of August.  They’ll touch down and touch base in cities from Sacramento to Denver, St. Louis to Miami, Pittsburgh to Baltimore, and several other sites in between.

The goal is to listen, to understand and to make the necessary plans and investments that provide what you need to succeed.  We’ve got results from a consumer research project that we did in May that we think you’ll find interesting and informative.  We hope they’ll spark some great discussion and help us work in tandem to develop action plans for the second half of 2012.  Together we can offer the industry and the end user products and programs they won’t find anywhere else.

 

Meanwhile, back in Vista…a summer “refresh” continues on virtually all of our processes and procedures.  Equipment is being upgraded and service is being done on hardware and software alike to ensure we’re always up to snuff and state of the art.

Perhaps most exciting is what’s up downstairs.  Robin Mooney and Gabe Gill are spending most of their summer on what we’ve dubbed, at least unofficially, our “Idea Lab.”  The dream is to create a space on our lower level that invites and inspires our clients to touch and feel everything we offer, to visit at length with our design and our production team, and – this is the best part, I think – to let your imagination run wild.  What ideas do you have? What would you try if there was no risk?  What are your customers asking for that you haven’t been able to deliver?  Let’s talk about it and try “stuff” together.

Together let’s plant and nurture the seed that becomes the next “big thing.” 

 

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The Dirt - June Issue

For years I’ve opened the June issue of our newsletter by sharing our excitement for the annual SuperFloral/IFE Show in Miami. I’d give a sneak peek at our plans and products, remind you to come see us, even invite you to a party we planned just so we could reconnect and catch up. Good times, great memories.

Not this year.

Make no mistake… we still love a good time as much as the next team – and you know we love the personal relationships we’ve forged over the years. But in true Dos Gringos style, we’ve decided to mess with the status quo in favor of our clients. We’ve determined that the time and resources typically put toward SuperFloral are better spent on trips to see and visit with Y-O-U.

That's right, you can run but you can't hide. We're coming to see you in person. Well, as many of you as humanly possible. And we won’t be empty-handed. We'll be bringing the results of a consumer study DG commissioned to help all of us learn more about consumer behaviors and preferences within the floral industry. The information is interesting and insightful and could have a great impact on how we work together in the future.

 
While the cat’s away, the mice will not play. As I hit the road, my team is working on a number of summer projects. Marco Rivera is knee-deep in planning for several client-specific shows we’ve been invited to. Aaron Motola is in fall planting mode, buying seed and getting the ground ready for the autumn harvest.

It’s not too early to be thinking about October! Let us know your product hopes and dreams before it’s too late. Gabe Gill is always cooking up ways to make the plant work better and faster at the highest quality standards. Mark Young continues his work on our forecast program, and Robin is rocking some brand new bouquet designs for 2013.

I do have one piece of bad news this month. After 36 years of giving her heart and soul to the floral industry, Charlotte Russeth is retiring. A great asset to this team and a beloved member of the family, Charlotte wants to hang out with her husband, visit family scattered around the globe, and take advantage of the infinite outdoor activities in her home state of Colorado. Hard to argue with that, right?

Charlotte has the last word in an interview below. Please join me in wishing her a fond farewell and a wonderful retirement. There’s no one like her. 

“The floral industry is a very small world,” notes Charlotte. “After several years it becomes a second family. I’ve met wonderful people – lifelong friends – and had the chance to learn every aspect of this industry. Store level, management, merchandising, category management, buyer, logistics. You name it, I’ve done it. My six years with Dos Gringos brought me full circle and allowed me to see the grower’s side of the story and be DG’s feet on the street. There’s great satisfaction in that.”

What did you enjoy most about Dos Gringos?
I wanted to work for a west coast grower. The products are unique and special. When you add the innovation that DG promotes, you’ve really got something. “Just Adds” took roses from a cost-prohibitive item to a commodity available to everyone. Cup of Sunshine and Half Palettes were fun to promote and sell. The personality and passion at DG are second to none. They’re not afraid to jump out from the crowd and put resources into something innovative.

How does DG maintain the momentum you created?
Bouquets and Consumer Bunch programs. Mass markets need more of these. Dos Gringos has thoughtfully and purposely expanded its product line, and Robin has a great eye for design. People will look to her for direction and inspiration. With quality, processes, and people, DG is set up for success in bouquets and Consumer Bunches.

Biggest challenge:
Education. Americans don’t consume flowers the way Europeans do. Building these numbers requires a lot of education about the value and the beauty of flowers. California flowers and foliage are interesting and gorgeous, but we need to spread them across the country; we need to get them all the way to the East Coast consistently and at high quality. We’ve got to spread the word. Ranunculus is great, but stores aren’t used to it. We’ve got to change that.

What about Suns?
No one does them better than DG. Once we started shipping them in a “sell” stage, it changed the way the industry looks at Sunflowers. With all the variety and color DG offers, this item will be hot for years.

Who we gonna call?
Jenny Butterfass will take over my responsibilities. The great news is that she’s right with the team, in Vista, CA. It doesn’t get more hands-on than that. She’ll do a terrific job, and I urge you to reach out to her.

Retirement sounds heavenly. Anything about it that worries you?
I’m worried about missing my peeps and being able to “turn off” my drive for customer service and quality. I’ve always prided myself on excellent customer service, which often meant being tied to the computer 10 hours a day. Now as I take advantage of kayaking, biking, hiking, snow shoeing and rafting, being away from deadlines and responsibilities will take some getting used to. I’ll miss the day-to-contact I had with like-minded professionals.

 In the Community
Donated Sunflowers, which were sold by the foundation, contributed $2500 in scholorship money to the students chosen by Chelsea’s Light Foundation and for the family of a local athlete who passed away suddenly.

Staff Appreciation!
Jason personally serves lunch to Teammates at the Staff Appreciation Luncheon where a good time and good food was had by all!   

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The Dirt - May Issue

 

HOLA!

I imagine you’re as busy as we are right now in preparation for Mother’s Day. Interest in Sunflower bouquets and bunches is leading the charge – a little higher than expected, actually – and we’re thrilled and doing everything in our power to deliver as close to 100% as possible. Recent rain and May gray has made life around here a little more interesting, but that’s the way we like it! From now until May 13 all hands are on deck to make sure your order is filled with the quantity and quality you expect and we demand. Please contact me directly if that’s not the case.

MAKING IT EASY

We’re always looking for ways to make flower-friendly holidays better and easier for our clients, andthis spring is no exception. Aaron Motola, Marco Rivera and their teams worked hard in recent weeks on significant enhancements to our popular “Just Add” program. I’m pleased to introduce our new “Just Add Enhanced” selection.

STRAIGHT TO THE SOURCE

We went straight to the source for this one, visiting several grocery stores and speaking with many floral managers in an attempt to understand what happens with “Just Add” bunches from the time they arrive at a back dock until they leave the store with a satisfied consumer. Then Aaron Motola spent 40 hours working in the store to better understand the department’s needs. Lastly, we went a step further and invited one of these in-store designers to the Dos Gringos Design Center to work with us on recipes. How’s that for teamwork!

 

PROTECTING OUR PRODUCTS

We identified and immediately put in place some packing modifications that protect the product better and reduce waste. And we bulked up the contents, adding Leather Leaf and more filler greens to rim a vase and ensure a “complete” look for higher-priced arrangements. “Just Add Enhanced” is a time saver at the store level and a great value for our valuable floral managers. I can’t wait to see what we come up with next as we continue to reach out and partner with each other. 

 




DESIGN MATTERS!

Robin Mooney, our designer guru, has been equally busy making her creative mark on our products. She’s worked shoulder-to-shoulder with our Business Development Managers to learn what’s really capturing attention and to ensure we offer a diverse selection with something for everyone. The summer collection is all about color – the brighter, the better! And there are several new twists, including Bear Grass loops, color enhancement, and glitter. Nice. From botanical to summer shimmer, Robin has it covered – including red hot 4th of July bouquets that are sure to make sparks fly! 

 

 

VIDEO TUTORIALS

On the client education front, please check out our new “Even a Gringo Can Do It” tutorials on our you tube channel. The team and I are sharing all we know about flowers and greens to help you make the most of every product and gain customers for life!

 





MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Dos Gringos is pleased to provide tours for the UCSD Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s Out and About Group.  This picture is of our third tour group.  Joan Saunders conducts the tour and Suzy Long does a bouquet presentation.  Research has shown that during memory loss, people retain emotional connections longer.  UCSD advises us that the groups really benefit by these tours and remain enthusiastic for a week or so following their visit.

  

CELEBRATING CINCO!

Hopefully everyone had an awesome Cinco de Mayo because we sure did. Our team at Dos Gringos celebrated with the traditional dish of Chicken Tinga which was a huge hit. 
   

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The Dirt - April Issue

Hola! 

Spring is ‘round the corner – and so are several new products from Dos Gringos! Diversification is the name of our game right now. More and more clients want a one-stop shop that “gets” them and can help them win the day with on-trend, fun and interesting items and one-of-a-kind designs. Rest assured that our Sunflowers will continue to rock & roll as we work with the best breeders and plant in ideal locations. The difference you’ll see – by design, of course – is that we’ve got much more to offer outside of Suns. There are many new flower lines up for discussion. Stay tuned! Client response to our January survey is driving a lot of this research and development, and we’re always looking for more. If you didn’t have the time to give us your input, we’re still listening!

Spring Variety
It’s always hectic around here as we make the transition from Easter to Administrative Professionals’ Day to Mother’s Day. People are eager to get in on the colors and textures of spring, and we are thrilled to deliver. That means we need our cutters sharp, our hard good inventory in shape, and our crops on time. A recent upgrade to our email server has helped ensure we have the capacity to meet increased demand for Sunflower-themed bouquets and for the terrific Ranunculus we’re enjoying this season. Waxflower is winding down and won’t make it to Mother’s Day. No worries; we’ve got plenty of interesting alternatives!

Right on the Mooney

Robin Mooney has finished the designs and recipes for Spring and Summer 2013 bouquets; she's working with the team now to snap all the photos and put the finishing touches on marketing sheets.

She shared some positive feedback she received on the spring line in particular and tells me that clients are very enthusiastic about pastel- and spring colored Daisy-themed bouquets and about the Iris, Sunflowers and Gerbera Daisies that just scream spring.

How's that for something to look forward to?

Our Very Own Ambassador...

Quality Control training continues in our distribution and assembly areas as well as on our farms. We have hired our first-ever Dos Gringos Ambassador to Mexico and look forward to the help he’ll offer Todd Thornton in visiting our farms to make sure our high standards are being met and best practices for quality and freshness are in place.

Always Improving!

The team and I are well aware that you need us to keep costs as low as possible. I assure you we’re working on it. We’re discussing and developing a plant redesign for higher throughput and productivity that lead to lower costs. Marco Rivera is leading our Business Development Managers through some intense, product-specific training so they can offer you greater intelligence and insight about what we’re offering, what you’re buying, and how you can make the most cost-effective decisions for your business.

 

Since sizeable challenges have never stopped us in the past, we decided to face the opportunity head-on in 2012 with a seasoned, successful industry rep. Business Development Manager Cindy Hamner joined our family in January and has already achieved “Road Warrior” status, logging thousands of miles in her car and on airplanes to get us closer to this business and to bring a regional perspective back to our headquarters in Vista.


From her home in Virginia, Cindy is meeting our clients and prospective clients one by one and looking at the product mix with new eyes. The goal, of course, is to provide a selection that works for you, that “Wows” your customers, and that’s priced appropriately.


Welcome, Cindy! Glad to have you “on the job.”


What’s up out east?
Outside of spring and summer, very little is locally grown out here. Offerings during the fall and winter are typically from South America, and they have a very traditional look and feel. That leaves customers craving something different, but it has to be cost-effective. It’s a delicate balance.


Greatest Opportunity:
DG can deliver variety and quality that’s born in the USA. The greens are silkier, the Suns are bigger, and the choices are many. Our message is great; we just need to share it face-to-face.


Early Successes:
For Valentine’s Day we were able to introduce California consumer bunches to a Midwest retailer and get them up and running for sale. Incremental Sunflower promotions are very hot for June and July on the East Coast and in Texas!


Client Response:
People want a seat at the table and a say in the process. The clients I’ve met with really appreciate the effort to connect what they’re doing with what we’re doing. It’s truly a collaborative approach, and that excites and energizes folks.


The DG Advantage:
The sales team and service level are amazing! Everyone cares about the company and its objectives; they deliver on promises and hold themselves accountable. I love the creative environment and the fact that they don’t take no for an answer. They find a way to make just about anything work!


The Cindy Hamner Advantage:
I was a category manager for a retail chain for years, and I’ve spent a good deal of my career in sales. I understand the challenges and stresses of retail in general. I “get” margin and shrink, and I’m all about making improvements that can be profitable for everyone.


On a personal note:
I am officially a “Skating Mom,” driving all over the place to support my not-yet-16-year-old daughter in competitive figure skating. I hope they don’t make a show about us. Outside of the car, I’ve been a gardener my whole life, and I’m an avid runner.


You can contact Cindy at: cindy.hamner@dosgringos.net.

Congratulations!
to our Plant Supervisor, Raul Meza and his beautiful bride Adela.  May you enjoy a long and happy life together.









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