Glassing Florist: A Mainstay in Inver Grove Heights

Plenty of businesses have come and gone over the years, but a few, including Glassing Florist, have become staples in the Inver Grove Heights business community.

Founded in 1940 by Fred and Bernice Glassing, the flower shop is now owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Bruce and Holly (Glassing) Zschokke and their son, Derek. Bruce and Holly took over the business in 1990, when they bought it from Holly's parents.

A total of 11 employees currently work at the shop, which is located on Babcock Trail.

The focus of the business is simple, said Derek Zchokke, a 1996 Simley High School graduate who joined the family business in 2001 after getting a degree in Business Administration from Clearwater Christian College in Clearwater, Fla.

"We focus on retail cut flower arrangements," he said.

Flowers may be their business, but what has kept them successful over the years, the owners say, is the customer service they provide. The Zchokkes understand that customers call on them during important moments in their lives, like birthdays, weddings, Mother's Day or other special occasions.

And it also means being there during the tough times, such as when they are called on to provide flower arrangements for funerals. On a Friday afternoon in April, however, the workers at the store were preparing for the Easter rush and for the upcoming prom season.

"This is where I grew up, so it's special to us to be able to serve people we've known our whole lives," said Derek Zschokke. "We've been involved with people in the best of times and in the worst of times. It's always tough when we are called on to help with arrangements for a funeral, but it's an honor for us to help provide support in those important times in people's lives."

Being a part of a family-owned and operated business, especially one with such a longstanding family history, has challenges like any other business, Derek said. But it’s never been a problem for this family.

"We all get along quite well, so that has really helped us make it work," he said. "There is flexibility allowed in a family business that there isn't in other businesses, but at the same time, there are demands put on family members that maybe aren't put on other employees in a business. But we work well together."

Editor's Note: Each month, Inver Grove Heights Patch will ask the owners of a well-established, local business what makes them successful and publish their answers in "Secrets to Success."