The Frugal Florist: Do-it-Yourself Flowers on a Budget
After earning an associate's degree in commercial art at Ivy Tech in Evansville, Indiana, John started his career in the floral industry at his hometown florist. Thirty-three years later, he has owned a retail flower shop, as well as taught students from all around the world, presenting design and business programs in most of the fifty states. His current role is now director of the South Florida Center for Floral Studies in West Palm Beach, Florida. (www.centerforfloralstudies.com) Mr. Klingel was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) in 1980, and currently serves as president of AIFD's Southern Regional Chapter. He is also a member of the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF), and Professional Floral Communicators International (PFC-I). His flower shop in Delray Beach, Florida was profiled in Florists' Review for a successful Valentine's Day with no consumer complaints. John has worked in many aspects of the floral industry, including wholesale, first as an in-house designer, display artist, and later in purchasing. He has worked with photographers and completed designs for the FTD counter selection guide. Mr. Klingel has also participated in regularly televised interviews about flowers on the NBC affiliate in West Palm Beach. In addition to winning the prestigious Sylvia Cup at the Society of American Florists Convention in Palm Beach, John is also the recipient of Florida State Designer of the Year and Palm Beach County Designer of the Year. John continues to work in the retail floral industry by doing freelance work in area shops. His background has brought him opportunities to create floral designs for many notables such as Vera Wang, Chris Evert, and Janet Jackson.