Fun ‘N Sun - Jellyfish Delight

Night at the Aquarium

Fun ‘N Sun Aquarium Dinner

One of the big events at this year’s Fun ‘N Sun will be the dinner at the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Thursday July 30^th.   My family and I love going to the aquarium and it is amazing that CalFlowers was able to reserve this incredible venue.  I have visited many aquariums throughout the world and I think this is the best.  

Jellyfish

I have a special affinity for the jellyfish.  They float around sedately and surrealistically, and possibly can help you achieve that “serenity” we are all seeking.  

Plus...jellyfish come in many sizes, shapes and colors, just like flowers and people!

Fish

Of course the aquarium has plenty of fish, big and small. The opposite of the jellyfish are the sardines swimming in endless circles around and around with mouths wide open looking for that elusive reward.   Hmm my problem is?! as much as I like the jellyfish, I spend most days looking like a sardine.

RHK

Kitayama Brothers

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Flower Business/Family Business

NORCAL FAMILY BUSINESS SEMINAR

Exactly a month ago, I participated in NORCAL Family Business Panel at Fun N Sun with Richard Armellini (Armellini Trucking), Bob Wilkins (Delaware Valley Wholesale), Laura Shinall (Syndicate Sales), Ed Van Wingerden (Ever-Bloom Flowers) and Michael A Mellano (Mellano & Company). 

It was a very impressive group to sit with. Because the topic was “Family Business”, everyone was very engaged and candid. I won’t go into detail but a lot of inside company and family business was shared.

Kurt Glassman (Facilitator) with Ted Kitayama and Gary Merrill

As a fun follow up, let's see how well you know these industry peers. 

Match the “comment” with the panelist.

1. “It was a relief when we were told, it would be better for the company if someone else ran it.”
2.  “We were told what to do and accepted it, two cousin were told, “you two are going into business  together” and they did.”
3.  “If you are not one of the boys, you never will be, its better to be yourself.”
4. “You are like 4 sticks, bound together you can’t be broken.”
5. “My father came home one day and said, “you are now the President”,
6. “Family business is not easy.”  

     a.      _____ Richard Armellini
     b.      _____ Bob Wilkins
     c.      _____ Laura Shinall
     d.      _____ Ed Van Wingerden
     e.      _____ Michael Mellano
     f.       _____ Robert Kitayama

 

 Blog Contest!

The first 3 to respond with the correct matches will win a KB hat! 

KB California Carnations

Intrigued by the title? Read more...

 

We're just back from Fun N Sun in Santa Barbara and a lot of attendees said it was the best Fun N Sun yet.  Kitayama Brothers staff and shareholders had a great time and I think we may have gained a little business.  Imagine that, actually feeling like a trade show was worth all the effort. Thanks NORCAL!  

One of the reasons the show was successful is because the flowers, the farmers and the programs were genuine. Nowadays consumers want genuine. Fun N Sun was a collection of the finest growers in California and each has a genuine story about how they have survived and thrived in this great but challenging industry. 

Another reason we like to attend these events is we have to periodically think outside of the box. I attended a presentation by J Schwanke where he lamented the fact that there might only be one carnation grower left in the USA.   

Later on that evening after a few drinks, J had me almost convinced that Kitayama Brothers should grow carnations again. “You were once the carnation kings!”  It is true, we once were the biggest carnation grower in the USA.   

It's so retro it might work. So if anyone actually reads this blog, let me know your thoughts. Does KB California grown carnations sound like a good idea?