web1_Jessica-Cronauer.jpg

Behind the Scenes with … Jessica Cronauer

web1_IMG_7524.jpg

Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre seeks project proposals

Tom Ansilio <a href="https://www.timesleader.com/news/709828/flower-tent-operator-steps-up-to-help-restore-wb-womans-garden" target="_blank">made headlines this weekend for a charitable </a><a href="https://www.timesleader.com/news/709828/flower-tent-operator-steps-up-to-help-restore-wb-womans-garden" target="_blank">act</a>, but his story goes back much farther.Ansilio, founder of Flower Tent, <a href="https://www.timesleader.com/news/709828/flower-tent-operator-steps-up-to-help-restore-wb-womans-garden" target="_blank">offered to provide complimentary plants from his Blackman Street location to replenish the ruined garden of Wilkes-Barre resident Sharon </a><a href="https://www.timesleader.com/news/709828/flower-tent-operator-steps-up-to-help-restore-wb-womans-garden" target="_blank">Butczynski</a>, which was mistakenly cleared by city officials.What you may not know is that <a href="https://www.flowertent.com/" target="_blank">his business</a> has been around for more than a quarter-century, and has spread well beyond Northeastern Pennsylvania through a successful franchise program.Q: I understand you started Flower Tent in 1992 with a single location in Wyoming? Tell me a little about how you got into the business.A: I needed money and my father suggested it to me because I was trying to get a new business started. I was in the food processing-business, and my dad said &#8220;I used to sell flowers for Easter,&#8221; so why don&#8217;t I get into that. &#8220;Put some money in your pocket and start selling Easter flowers.&#8221;I did well that week of Easter. I told my dad I&#8217;m going to the next town over and open up another stand and sell flowers for Mother&#8217;s Day. That season I told my dad I love the flower business and I&#8217;m going to open up ten more.The following year I brought my brother into the business and we grew from there.Q: You started to grow pretty quickly. How big is Flower Tent now and how many locations are there?A: We have over 100 locations spanning eight states. Our headquarters is still in Wyoming, Pa.Q: This is a franchise business right?A: Yes, and a lot of homework and legwork was involved. We started franchising a few years ago. I just got back from helping set up a franchise in Denver. We are also working on the paperwork for a franchise in San Diego.Q: How important has the support of family been to you in developing the business?A: You need the support of your family in friends in order to do anything.Q: What is your busiest time of year?A: Mother&#8217;s Day weekend.Q: Do you have any advice for young entrepreneurs?A: My best advice is to just stick with it. Times may seem tough but the good days always outweigh the bad.Q: Any other thoughts on why this industry has been a good one for you?A: No matter if it&#8217;s a good economy or a bad economy, flowers still sell. The only thing that hurts this business is bad weather. <style>
.neFileBlock {
	margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
	margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
	border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
	padding-bottom: 5px;
	padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
	font-size: 85%;
}
</style>
<div class='neFileBlock'>
<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_The-FlowerTent-4.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Tom Ansilio </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_The-FlowerTent-4.jpg</photo0><caption0>Tom Ansilio </caption0><photoCredit0>Tony Callaio | For Times Leader </photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta>By Dan Stokesttlnews@www.timesleader.com</bylineMeta></div>

Biz Q&A: Flower Tent founder recalls fast franchise growth