The Fresh Bunch
The Fresh Bunch (formerly '2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers') is your all-access pass into the wild and wonderful world of flowers. Hosted by Michael Black, Mimi Pacheco, Ryan Black, and producer, Joel, keeping us sounding fresh—we bring you unfiltered conversations about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the floral industry’s trends, challenges, and characters. From flower fails to petal-powered success stories, each episode blends laughs, insights, and special guests from all corners of the flower world. It’s part podcast, part therapy, and all fresh—welcome to The Fresh Bunch - a Jet Fresh Flowers podcast.
The Fresh Bunch
Ep. 225 - Outsmarting Deceptive Order Gatherers with Amanda Jedlinsky of SAF
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This week on The Fresh Bunch Podcast, Mike, Joel, and Mimi welcome Amanda Jedlinsky, Senior Director of Content and Communications at the Society of American Florists (SAF), for an episode that's equal parts sunshine and storm clouds.
We kick things off with the fun stuff—summer gardens, what's thriving in Amanda's growing zone, and some of her favorite flowers to grow. Then we look ahead to SAF's Annual Convention in Amelia Island. With hundreds of floral professionals already registered, the Outstanding Varieties Competition, Educational Experience Zones (come say hi to Mike & Mimi!), and countless opportunities to learn and connect, it's shaping up to be an incredible event.
But enough fluff...
Let's talk about the ugly side of doing business online.
Amanda shares the story behind SAF's investigation into deceptive order gatherers and the powerful article she and the SAF team created after speaking with florists who have been affected. We also hear from Sam Bowles of Allen's Flowers, who weighs in on the growing trend of website accessibility and cookie-related lawsuits impacting businesses across the country.
From Google and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) to protecting your brand, your website, and your online reputation, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry insights, and plenty of laughs along the way.
If we're going to keep growing this industry together, we have to be willing to talk about the beautiful... and the not-so-beautiful.
Resources
Read SAF's article on Deceptive Order Gatherers in the July/ August Floral Management
Learn more about Deceptive Order Gathering & even report them here:
https://safnow.org/deceptive-order-gatherering/