Kristin Keifer and Adam Baxter purchased Bagoy’s Florist in Anchorage, Alaska, three months ago.
The Society of American Florists’ membership includes all segments of the industry — and that community is the heart of SAF. This bi-weekly feature spotlights SAF members sharing inspirational stories, professional insights, and the opportunity to form new industry connections.
Adam Baxter was a commercial lender for more than 10 years and had been considering a career change when he learned about the opportunity to purchase a floral business. Before meeting with the seller over lunch, Baxter did some research about the business and its history.
“Over the course of our lunch I asked all the traditional questions I would have had I been considering financing the sale and the more I learned about the team, culture, and processes they had built over 31 years, the more excited for the opportunity I became,” Baxter says. “That evening I discussed, in detail, the opportunity with my wife, who was born and raised in Anchorage and knew the Bagoy’s legacy, and it just seemed like the right opportunity for us.”
Baxter and his wife, Kristin Keifer, purchased the business just three months ago.
Biggest Challenges
In the short time they’ve owned the shop, they’ve experienced numerous challenges.
On their one-week anniversary a delivery driver was involved in an accident. On their two-week anniversary they had a break-in (luckily the alarm scared off the burglar). On week three they had a massive snow storm with four feet of snow falling in three days, effectively shutting the city down and delaying a shipment of fresh flowers which later arrived dead. And, at the same time one of their senior sales members left right before the Christmas holiday rush.
“I know these challenges aren’t unique to us, but having it all happen in the first two months sure makes you wonder if buying a business was the right decision,” Baxter says. “Luckily, we’ve come through stronger and more determined largely because of our team, who are all more like family, rallying behind us and supporting us!”
Best Business Advice
The best business advice Baxter has received is: “Your most valuable asset is your people. Treat them well, take care of their needs, support them any way you can, and they’ll take care of you.”
Favorite Sales Tactic
Baxter believes the success he experienced in his previous job was largely built on establishing and maintaining relationships within the community, which he feels will help him at Bagoy’s, too.
“I feel that is important everywhere, but maybe more so in Alaska,” he says. “Even though by land mass we are the largest state, we are very small town when it comes to the people — in the best way possible!”
Why SAF?
Baxter and Keifer are continuing Bagoy’s SAF membership and are excited to explore all of the member benefits.
“Being in finance for over ten years I’m looking forward to learning more about the financial information resources available to members,” Baxter says.
Baxter 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.
