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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Thirty four years ago Pam March opened her business, Every Blooming Thing, with only five $20 bills and a lot of enthusiasm. Today, four trucks and two stores later, she continues to earn her business every day. She was one of the first to run a business in a renovated home, opening her shop in a beautiful antique house built in 1883 on 7th East in Salt Lake City.
Sometimes the kind of loyalty you get when associated with a small business goes un-noticed. Under Every Blooming Thing's open policy, they decided to weather the economic storm as a team. This meant not reducing staff or salaries but being flexible with hours. It was this tactic and openness that kept this three-decade plus business going.
Working this closely with your fellow employees keeps life in perspective and it's important to management that any task they ask of their employees they've done themselves or would gladly do. Pam feels like it's the impact of small business in America that pulls us through challenging times. I'm sure this is one of the reasons Utah has averaged an annual economic expansion of 3.5 percent over 5 years and ranked first for competitive environment.
When you think about it, many personal occasions are marked with flowers. The staff of Every Blooming Thing becomes a part of a family's life at emotional high points and for that moment, they are a caring family member. The birth of a child, a daughter's wedding, your anniversary and the passing of a loved one are all such occasions.
One of Pam's favorite quotes is that people do business with people. The person you work with at a company represents that company, but it is ultimately about the individual you interact with. This philosophy has helped her foster many long-term relationships with clients, and in fact, she's now serving the second and third generation from some of her original clientele.
Being a vibrant part of the small business community is important to the employees of Every Blooming Thing.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
