Hands On TEAM BUILDER


Lighten the Holiday Load


> Lori Wheat, AAF, owner of Lafayette Florist, Gift Shop & Garden Center in Lafayette, Colorado, and the Society of American Florists’ pres- ident-elect, prefers to avoid adver- tising for seasonal positions. “When it comes time to hire extra help, our best resource is our current staff,” says Wheat. “Sons, daughters, spouses, and


partners — they are the best by far,” contends Wheat. For example, the shop’s office manager asks her husband to deliver during the holi- days. He also helps during the busy garden season. Another great source of temporary


work, according to Wheat, is your black book of past employees. “A former employee who now works at a medical office requests two days off during Valentine’s and two days off during Mother’s Day to help,” explains the store owner. “She’s experienced, so we can put her in design production as well as in sales for the last-min- ute rush. She even helps with large wedding installations. Both of her sons have worked for us during their school years. She’s been a great resource.” Although Wheat’s temp workers


tend to be friends and family, she knows that the gigs still need perks to ensure interest. She uses the following selling points to sweeten the deal: ■


Reimbursement for use of vehicle and fuel


■ An hourly wage ■


Complimentary box lunch from local food trucks


■ A 40% off product voucher When orders start piling up in


advance of a major industry holiday, Lafayette relies on the power of word of mouth to attain just the right amount of extra help. “Anyone who signs up gets to spend some extra time with their loved ones while being paid. Plus, we ensure it’s a guaranteed fun day!” says Wheat of the win-win arrangement.


The magazine of the Society of American Florists (SAF) 11


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