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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Thursday, 08 February 2007 |
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Heidi Muller | for NEXTnc
Susan Stockwell creates spectacular floral arrangements for Palmer Flowers and Decorating Gallery in Fort Collins. (If you'd like to be considered for a work space star e-mail Erin Frustaci at
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Susan Stockwell’s career bloomed after taking a floral design class 23 years ago. Stockwell, 42, of Fort Collins brings smiles to people’s faces in the form of bouquets.
“The biggest benefit is the emotional reward,” Stockwell said. “The day I give them a bouquet and they cry or smile because they are overwhelmed by its beauty is what makes my day.”
Stockwell is the wedding and event planner at Palmer Flowers and Decorating Gallery in Fort Collins and has an amazing passion for flowers.
To her, there is something special about seeing the finished product and knowing she made it. It sends goosebumps down the back of her neck.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, the store has been busy. In fact, Valentine’s Day is the single busiest day of the year for the floral industry.
Stockwell said the company will make about 15,000 deliveries that day. Since everything is shipped fresh daily, she recommends going with designer’s choice bouquets because they tend to be a better value.
Still, no rose is without a thorn.
“It is physically demanding and requires a lot of back, a lot of arms, a lot of feet and a lot of standing,” she said. “People don’t realize that it’s a lot of work.”
But in the end, the beautiful colors, sensational smells and bright smiles make it all worth it. And for people like Stockwell, it just comes natural.
“My grandparents worked in a flower shop and my mom loved to garden, so I think it was in my blood already,” she said.
Even though she is around flowers all day, she never gets tired of receiving them. From Gerber daisies to roses and orchids to hydrangeas; she loves all kinds.
“My husband still sends me flowers to my work on Valentine’s Day,” she said.
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VITAL STATS
Name: Susan Stockwell, 42, of Fort Collins
Company: Palmer Flowers and Decorating Gallery, 3710 Mitchell Drive, Fort Collins
Title: Wedding and event planner
How long have you worked there? 23 years
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IN HER WORDS:
What makes the job challenging?
Timing and details of the work we do. This is an important factor with the type of perishable product we carry. Many details have to be included in our venue for holidays, bridal, funeral and events. Many times you have tasks that need to be completed in a short amount of time.
Did you ever think in a million years you’d work here?
No, I didn’t. I took the Floral Design 1 class at Vo-Tech (FCCC). Palmer Flowers was the dream. I wouldn’t be here if my sister did not approach Mrs. Palmer for the job.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you do?
Physical therapy.
What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever done while at work?
Lost a wedding folder in the basement and it took me a week to find it!
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever done to make money?
Cleaning glassware using denture tablets.
What’s the one thing you wish you could do on the job that you can’t right now?
Work on cooler designs.
What’s the biggest payoff in your job?
The smiles and tears on my brides’ faces. The gratification of a room when an event is completed.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
Spend time with my closest friends. Read. Take walks with my dog.
Pets? Family?
I have a dog named Smokey. One sister. My dad is deceased, and my mom is in Illinois. I am married.
Favorite TV shows? Movies? Books?
“House”, “Gilmore Girls” and “CSI NY”.
What Web sites do you have bookmarked?
American Institute of Floral Design, White Flower Farms and CNN.
Where do you play?
Estes Park and the Poudre Canyon.
Go out to eat?
Tres Margaritas, Stonehouse Grille and Cactus Grill.
Favorite spot?
Anywhere in Rocky Mountain National Park. | Only registered users can write comments.
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