November 1, 2001

In 1995, Henry and Alice DeJong purchased a small wholesale flower distributor located in Dunnville, Ontario.  The company had a small delivery route in the areas of Meadville, Pennsylvania, Cleveland and Youngstown Ohio, and all the small towns in between.  The route had been struggling to break even; however, Henry and Alice felt that if they could provide flower shops with consistent quality fresh Canadian grown flowers and predictability of delivery, they could be competitive.  During the first year they concentrated on quality, courtesy and consistent service.  The formula worked.  Profitability was achieved and the DeJong's decided to expand to a second route.  The following year, business was so good they decided to establish a warehouse in Erie, Pennsylvania.  Today, the company is expanding to its eighth route and sales have increased tenfold since 1995.

One of the difficulties facing the company has been getting financing because it operates in leased premises, holds no inventory and leases its delivery fleet.  Grand Erie Business Centre Inc. is the Community Futures Development Corporation responsible for administering Industry Canada’s small-business support programs in Dunnville.  The DeJong’s made contact with Wayne Knox, General Manager of Grand Erie.  After reviewing their business plan, a loan application was developed and presented to Grand Erie’s board.  Financing arrangements have been fashioned that are acceptable to both parties to facilitate the growth of the business.  Employees are all Dunnville-based and the business continues to operate from the Lundy Business Complex.  The site includes a call center, a cooler warehouse and distribution facility.

When Henry is asked what the secret of his success is, he replies, “Providing high-quality products at good value and delivering consistent reliable service to our customers.”  He also says, “We really appreciate the support of Grand Erie Business Centre and Wayne Knox in helping to make us successful.”