References
“People, like diamonds, have a basic market value, but it is only after they have been polished, that the world will pay their real value.”
William Thourlby
Dear John,
Wanted to let you know the Introductory Floral Design course we attended was phenomenal and fun. You are a gifted teacher and a fantastic designer, but most importantly you genuinely care about students learning the floral industry.
The diversity, and quantity of information you shared with us in five days was staggering. I appreciated the fact that floral shop management principles, as well as marketing strategies were integrated with the design techniques. Although intimidating at first, your positive and reassuring critiques of student arrangements was extremely helpful and educational.
Initially when registering for the course, I was very skeptical about the quality of a privately taught floral design course. I’m elated to say all concerns evaporated after the class began. The training we received was top rate; definitely comparable to a college level introductory design.
I highly recommend the South Florida Center For Floral Studies to anyone interested in floral design. Thanks for everything and keep up the good work!
Sincerely
Mary Ann Gowdy, PhD
Teaching Assistant Professor
University of Missouri Columbia
I can not believe it has been a year since I finished the Advance Course at the South Florida Center for Floral Studies. So much has happened since then and I owe a lot of my good fortune to John Klingel. As the director of the school, John provided me with real workable knowledge through his experience in creating a profitable floral business. John has given me a positive experience through studying at the Center that will remain with me forever. He is truly an expert in the floral industry and is able to teach effectively with all types of up to date styles and trends.
This experience has really been life changing to me and my business. John not only provided me with the skills of floral designs but also was able to encourage me, with confidence, to start my own floral design company. He is a great teacher, mentor, and a true friend. Please feel free to contact me through my email below with any further questions or concerns.
Liz McMullen
lmcm@anewleafbyliz.com
anewleafbyliz.com
954-540-1422
I highly recommend John Klingel, AAF, AIFD and PFCI for any floral related educational projects. I have personally known and worked with him for over 20 years on the design circuit. I know that the difference between floral design schools is that John provides one on one for his students. You won’t find his ability to personally adjust the subject matter and challenge to meet the needs of each student at any other school.
Respectfully,
Alan Parkhurst AIFD, PFCI
alanparkhurst@yahoo.com
Dear John,
Well, I’m back at the shop and into the swing of things again. I really enjoyed attending the Basic Floral Design course at the South Florida Center for Floral Studies. Boy, you cover a lot in that time frame. I particularly liked the information about post-harvest care and handling of flowers and the business practices and procedures you gave us. Just when you think you know it all well, no one does.
I have started applying the suggestions you made in my shop and although, my staff initially rejected some of it they have grown to adjust and we are all better professionals for it.
Stay in touch,
Regards,
Sherry Tannozzini
Flowers from the Rainforest
Sunrise, FL
www.blooms4u.com
Dear John:
I hope this message finds you well.
Finally I have a day to re-send the message that I been trying to get to you, specially the pictures of some of the work of the past two weeks and my personal view of the class that I was able to take at the South Florida Center for Floral Studies.
Let me start by saying how lucky I feel to have selected your school and learn from the best!
The curriculum, the knowledge that you past on to all of us, the suggestions and stories and mainly the way you taught the class combined with your personality made it fun, and easy to absorb all that information that on the daily bases I find myself utilizing it and practicing.
It is after all a new business foe me, but I have decided to embrace the challenges that come along.
I’m feeling very confident and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to take the advance course.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me get the confidence that I need to pursue this new venture. I love flowers, I love people and mainly I love to do something that makes me feel productive and happy, and the combination of the flowers with the decor, event services makes me feel just like that!
As I said that last day of school, you will be hearing from me, I thing you are a great person and you are the best of the best.
Thanks,
Best Regards
Kathy Tyrrell
Celebrations Flowers & Wedding Creations
4617 Lake Worth Rd.
Greenacres, Fl 33463
561-968-299
www.celebrationsflowers.net
Dear John,
As a veteran of the gift basket industry, business owner and educator for the gift basket industry I understand the benefits of a solid education. When I decided to expand my business a few years back into event design with an emphasis on florals I wanted to learn as much as possible about floral design. I started my education with an introductory three week floral design course which gave me a basic understanding of the mechanics of floral design. However, it wasn’t until I attended your advanced floral design course that it really came together for me. Then when you announced your first wedding workshop I was thrilled to attend and rightfully so, the course was fantastic!
Your passion for floral design shows in everything you do John and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from someone as experienced and talented as you are. I would highly recommend the South Florida Center for Floral Studies to anyone looking to enter or expand their knowledge of the floral design industry. I wish you continued success with the school and look forward to visiting you during my next trip to sunny South Florida!
Best Wishes,
Karyn LoCicero
Love My Basket
info@LoveMyBasket.com
Hi John,
What a pleasure it was to meet you! I only wish I could have stayed longer to see some of your designs and learn more from you. You were more than generous with your time and advice, and I am really grateful.
I wanted to get a thorough look at your web site and school before I wrote back. Wow!
What a wonderful web site you have made. It is detailed yet simple to understand and navigate. That’s something coming from a techno-probe like me.
The school looks marvelous. I really think renting the space from a wholesaler is the smartest way to go. You have what looks like a great space to work in. Your U-Tube tour is a nice touch…very personal! I also love the U-Tube links to your book. Having a demonstration in the kitchen as opposed to a design table is great, great marketing! You are so clear in your directions and sneak in so much good information as you teach.
Your long distance learning is a wonderful addition to an already full service school. Adding segments such as “Choosing the right school” is a really thoughtful way to inform future students as well as show the assets of your school.
Your biography is impressive without appearing stuffy; a nice reflection of you.
Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I have al lot of contemplating to do as to how I want to proceed. Your advice has been invaluable.
Thanks so much,
Melissa
P.S. If there is anything I can ever do….including building another sled, I’m there for you.
MELISSA SNYDER [melissa073193@msn.com]
Hello John,
I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful, informative, inspirational, educational two weeks!! It was time and money well spent and I appreciate the effort you put into the classroom. I would recommend it to anyone not only for the learning experience but also for anyone who wants to be inspired to go out and be the very best one could be in any field.(There’s another idea for you, Motivational speaking). I also miss the nice weather; it is high 30′s here today!!!!
Take care and keep me informed
Thanks again,
Melanie Hodge
Kim Malphrus Realty
2789 N. Okatie Hwy
Ridgeland, SC 29936
melaniehodge@hargray.com
843-379-4050
843-379-4051 Fax
843-263-6501 Cell
“I made the right choice and I am very happy! It took me quite a while to research the Floral Design programs offered in the national market place. I searched from Portland to Miami and considered on-line and classroom blended study programs. I chose The South Florida Center for Floral Studies lab centered and practical program. I was truly amazed when I found the students attending this class came from around the world, as well as here at home in the USA and the friendships forged, coupled with the networking opportunity with industry suppliers and shop owners, provided me with a priceless experience!
John Klingel the School Director put me at my ease when I visited the school to talk about the training program the school offers. I was thrilled to find the syllabus was structured with an 80% focus on practical building of floral presentations and 20% theory, which thoroughly prepares you for opening your own floral boutique, or, working as a Floral Designer in the world of flowers in any setting.
John is an amazing instructor, fun, competent, people sensitive and with 38 years experience in the world of flowers, he delivers a very comprehensive and thorough hands on syllabus – take it from me – you will not get better prepared for a career in the world of flowers, than with John – call me any time and I can talk you through my experiences – Sallyann Grieshaber – Tel: 941 266 5289”
Quote: Karina Roth-Pfefferle
“Attending floral school has given me a much clearer perspective of the industry. Now that I have purchased a shop I understand the many benefits in attending a state licensed school. The hand-outs on marketing, working with brides and percentages, as they pertain to COGS and business expenses, were of particular interest to me. I can’t imagine anyone going into the flower business without these valuable tools. Also, I take comfort in knowing that I can call my teacher for guidance. The friendship that we created was a wonderful add-on to the rest of the knowledge provided by the school.”
Karina Roth-Pfefferle
Boynton Beach Floral and Gift Baskets
