Eric Fernandez, president and general manager of Continental Flowers, believes the best way to support his clients is by working to build a strong floral industry. Fernandez (second from left) and his sister, Tricia Gomez (third from left), took over the family business last year when their parents, Bill and Ofi Fernandez, retired.
The Society of American Florists’ membership includes all segments of the industry — and that community is the heart of SAF. This bi-weekly feature will spotlight SAF members sharing inspirational stories, professional insights, and the opportunity to form new industry connections.
Eric Fernandez grew up around Continental Flowers, a company his father started in 1974 that grows, imports and distributes fresh cut flowers, but he wasn’t interested in the business for most of his childhood. That changed when he was 15 and his parents told him he had to get a summer job.
“Once I got to know the business up close, work with the long-time employees, and see the excitement around the fast-paced flower distribution world, I fell in love with it,” Fernandez says.
He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in business and started his professional career at the Burger King Corporation. Three years later, in 2012, he found his way back to the family business. He first took on the task of building a mass market program and team, and then began taking on increasing responsibilities in operations, IT, and wholesale sales. At the end of 2021, Fernandez and his sister, Tricia Gomez, purchased the business from their parents. Fernandez is now the president and general manager.
What Excites Him
Fernandez says the most exciting thing about his job is “being creative on a daily basis to improve our business and the service to our clients.”
Biggest Challenge
Like many business owners, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged Fernandez in ways he couldn’t anticipate.
“We eventually overcame it by focusing on the client,” Fernandez says. “We thought, ‘There will be an industry once the lockdowns are lifted. How will our clients need us?’…The pandemic gave us a moment of introspection and allowed us to come out stronger on the other side.”
Best Business Advice
Fernandez’s father taught him early on that honesty and integrity are always the key to success.
Why SAF?
Continental Flowers joined SAF because “supporting our clients — and our clients’ client — is the stewardship we believe is necessary for our industry,” Fernandez says. He continues to enjoy the resources and guidance that SAF brings to the industry and is excited to be part of SAF’s upcoming Next Gen LIVE! event.
Next Gen LIVE!, happening July 31 – August 2 in Miami, Florida, is a new event for professionals from all segments of the industry ages 45 and younger to come together and network and learn from educational sessions focused on trending topics for the next generation. Fernandez will take part in a panel discussion, “How to Lead When You’re a Young Boss,” in which he and other panelists will discuss their day-to-day experiences in manager roles, communication tools for multigenerational leadership, how to be a young boss and earn respect, and how expectations shape reality. (Check out the full schedule of educational sessions.)
When asked why he was excited to be a part of the event, Fernandez replied that when he thinks of the “Next Gen” he likes to focus more on what he thinks of as “This Gen.” It’s the idea that no one should sit on the sidelines if they have ideas and ambition to make an impact in their organization, he says.
“If are ready to shoulder the work, lead, and dedicate to a mission there is no need to wait,” he says.
Fernandez was recently featured on SAF’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Do you know a member who should have a chance in the spotlight? Email Stephanie Brady, project manager for SAF.
Stephanie Brady is the project manager for the Society of American Florists.
