Spotlight: Glenrose Floral
by Nora m. Davis (HBCA) 
—DEC 2010
Owner Jeff Kakach with Corporate Accounts Manager Penny Bernett
Glenrose Floral opened in Hopkins in 1975 at 10th Avenue South & Mainstreet. In 1997 they moved to their current location at 725 Mainstreet. I spent some time in the shop before the start of my interview with owner Jeff Kakach and found a variety of flowers and plants, a complete line of Hallmark cards, gift items, and even chocolates!
I asked Jeff how he happened to choose the floral industry as a career. “I started in the grocery business, and eventually headed to South Dakota to operate a store,” Jeff explained. “South Dakota wasn’t for me, so I returned to hometown Hopkins. I went to work at a greenhouse specializing in roses located in Glen Lake,” he said. A retail operation was soon opened at that location, and not long after he purchased the business. (And that bit of history is how the name “Glenrose” came to be.)
Although surrounded by the sights and scents of flowers and plants, I learned flowers are just part of the business. I noted a sign on the wall that said “Wedding Value Pak” and discovered one can save by purchasing everything you need for a wedding—including bridal and bridesmaid dresses, invitations, flowers, and even tuxedo rentals—all in one spot. “We’re a one-stop shop for all wedding needs,” Jeff commented. “We got into the gown business ten years ago and although we no longer have a display of gowns at our Hopkins location, our shop in Plymouth is devoted to bridal wear and prom gowns.” (Glenrose also has locations in Chanhassen and Glen Lake.)
Corporate Accounts Manager Peggy Bernett soon joined us and told me of her twenty-plus years at Glenrose. She’s on the move constantly—ordering flowers for all the locations, helping to plan weddings, and assisting in the stores. I asked them both what made their work special and both responded with warm smiles. “Receiving flowers—whether it be for a happy or sad occasion—is one of those special moments in our lives,” Jeff commented. Glenrose also prides itself on doing very personalized arrangements. Peggy told me of a funeral for a woman who loved going to the casino, so her arrangements were complete with dice and cards—a special memory for her family and friends. Both mentioned they enjoy working with long-time customers. And their employees? “Just like family,” Jeff told me.
The floral business, like others, has changed over the past several years. Other businesses sell flowers, so that has forced floral operations to change the way they operate. And the 1-800 numbers present another challenge. “It’s frustrating to learn that someone just down the block has called one of the 1-800 numbers instead of contacting us directly,” Jeff explained. “We make the arrangement and make sure it’s delivered, but a portion of the sale goes out of state instead of staying in our home community,” Jeff said.
So if you’re planning a wedding, need flowers (including some of those beautiful roses), or even a plant for the office, stop by Glenrose Floral (your local home town florist), give them a call at 952-938-3838, or visit online at www.glenrosefloral.com. You’ll be glad you did.
