When reviewing nominations for an honor such as consideration for Best Places, judges sometimes can be overwhelmed by the depth and breadth of a single person’s impact. Anna Gordon’s story left them nearly breathless with the compelling story assembled by one of her employees who never even spilled the beans until Flowers by Anna landed in the winner’s circle at Moody on the Market. The business acumen, the artisanal talent, the nurturing, caring attitude, and track record of the young Buchanan business woman and her team of employees is clearly on display through the narrative you can read below. When the three key words that best describe a business are fun, rewarding, and creative, chances are there’s a line out the door whenever the hiring sign is posted. Learn more about Anna’s super powers of the power to make people smile and the ability to create beautiful things as you wend your way through another great story of one of our 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest all detailed below.
What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Flowers by Anna
Who are the owner(s) and/or principals in this company?
Anna Gordon
Business Contact Information
Anna Gordon
4796 Niles Buchanan Rd, Buchanan, MI 49107
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
8
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
Flowers by Anna is a premier floral and gift shop in Southwest Michigan. Located in Buchanan, Flowers by Anna provides gorgeous flowers for events such as weddings, funerals, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and each day throughout the year. The gift shop brings tons of variety and quality to a small town with local shopping benefits. Aside from the flowers and gifts, Flowers by Anna is plugged into the community, gives back, donates to various causes, and hosts open houses to bring the community together.
In your own words, why do you think this company deserves to be declared to be one of the 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest?
Flowers by Anna is an amazing place to work because the owner, Anna Gordon, genuinely cares for her team members as individuals and encourages us to grow as designers. Although her team is small, Anna takes great care in providing for each employee and taking a vested interest in our lives and well-being.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
At Flowers by Anna, team members are encouraged to use their creativity and artistic ability to advance her mission of bringing joy to each person who steps into the shop. Flowers by Anna gives back to the community through various sponsorships and donations. The storefront also creates a space for people to shop local and still find amazing products and services. Who says you have to drive to Mishawaka to find quality gifts? Her team is proud to be a part of Anna’s presence in the community and bring smiles to the faces of those we interact with.
Let’s pretend you’re writing a review for Yelp! or Trip Advisor. Give us your best recommendation for the nominated company that would make the rest of us wish we worked there, too.
Anna never misses an opportunity to make her team feel valued and appreciated. Whether it’s a team-building Kayak Trip in the summer or our annual Christmas Party, she always ensures that each of her employees knows how much they mean to her and her business.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
- Fun 2. Rewarding 3. Creative
As a Best Places to Work company “Super Hero,” what are the two most magical “Super Powers” this company seems to have on a day-to-day basis? (i.e., Ability to read minds, fly, invisibility, etc) And why?
Super Power One: The Power to Make People Smile – Who doesn’t love getting flowers delivered to your front door?
Super Power Two: The Ability to Create Beautiful Things – A creative and artistic outlet is one of the best ways to work!
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? Anna organizes events throughout the year to show appreciation to her team. Last summer, she planned a Kayak trip and always hosts the most fun Christmas Party with games and laughter. She gives back to her team through purchasing lunch from time to time and shows how much she values our contributions through words of affirmation and kind gestures. These things go a long way and make her team members feel so much value!
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? Anna regularly teaches her team members with a patient and hands-on approach. She takes time to keep creativity flowing and ideas fresh. There isn’t a time when she isn’t willing to offer feedback and constructive criticism to her team to make them better designers.
C] Keep communications open? Anna is only a text away for her team. She is easy to talk to and often asks for feedback for herself as well! She truly cares about her team and the camaraderie that we share.
Explain a specific “wow!” moment in this company’s history that is virtually “Hall of Fame” or “Best Practices” worthy, as an example to other companies in the region.
Anna has been named Leader Publications Best Florist and Best Gift Shop several times. This is a true testament to her service to the community and the products she provides.
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard, but also for playing hard.
A] How does the nominated company honor or reward success? Anna recognizes her team members’ hard work through kind texts, gestures, gifts, lunch, and outings.
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? Anna does not miss an opportunity to allow for team building activities. Whether it’s dinner out together or a fun team photo shoot, the Flowers by Anna team loves to spend time together at work and outside of work.
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? Flowers by Anna hosts quarterly open houses. Her recent spring open house boasted local food trucks, locally sourced coffee, snacks, discounts, and activities. In addition, Flowers by Anna donates and sponsors various needs in the community.
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? Anna makes sure to highlight the BIG moments in life. Work, marriages, children, and other life events are often recognized and celebrated. Our team doesn’t just “work” together, we celebrate one another’s successes and cheer each other on.
Write a brief, but compelling, recruitment ad telling people about why they should come and work there, too.
Are you looking to tap into your creativity at work? Does helping people and bringing smiles to their faces sound like a rewarding way to spend your time? Do you love to have fun at work with an awesome team? If so, Flowers by Anna is looking to hire YOU! Join our fabulous team today!
What one thing is special about your nominated company that most people in the community have no idea actually happens there, but should be shouted from the rooftops because it’s that cool?
Anna truly cares about the people in the community. She often donates to people in need. She also regularly gives floral arrangements to senior care facilities and local businesses. Anna also makes a point to incorporate and promote other local products/businesses within her shop. She really values supporting other local businesses and lifting one another up; especially after this tough year.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
- Convenient scheduling and hours.
- Opportunity to learn and grow in a hands-on environment.
- Team Members receive a shopping discount in the store… it can be a problem for some of us because our shop just has THE cutest stuff! 🙂
If this is your company and you win, write the best headline ever for your company newsletter describing your successful selection to the list, and be as specific as you can about how you would celebrate the win if money were no object.
Flowers by Anna Team Named Best Place to Work: Creates Beautiful Moments for Customers as well as Team Members
The Flowers by Anna Team Heads to Mexico for Team Building as they Celebrate being Named Moody on the Market’s “Best Place to Work”
Tell us anything else you want about this company that you suddenly realize we haven’t asked you about, but you’re sure will be the thing that puts you squarely into the winner’s circle! (Wait a minute! Can you put a square in a circle?)
On behalf of the entire Flowers by Anna Team, we truly love and appreciate the guidance and leadership that Anna provides. The environment in our shop is positive and uplifting. We enjoy going to work and creating a local gem for the community to visit.
