Flowers for

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FAMILY-OWNED MCSHAN FLORIST HAS SERVED EAST DALLAS FOR MORE THAN 70 YEARS

Story by RENEE UMSTED | Photography by SYLVIA ELZAFON

when she was younger, Jodi McShan thought she wouldn’t ever come back to run McShan Florist, Inc., an East Dallas institution since 1948.

Growing up, she spent almost every day before and after school helping at the florist shop on Garland Road. She learned the full range of skills needed to work there — tying bows, making boxes, processing flowers, selling and designing among them. Her favorite task was making basket gardens. Popular in the late 1980s, these gifts had a variety of small green or blooming plants, plus a scene with people or animals.

Eventually she realized the craziness around holidays and milestone occasions is just business, and “it’s not so bad.”

She majored in psychology and Spanish at Vanderbilt University and then received a JD from the University of San Diego and LLM from the University of London. Part of the deal was that she had to work for someone else before coming back to the florist shop. So she worked at a firm for a couple years before starting her own family law firm and hiring two associates to help handle the case load.

“Sleep is very overrated,” she says.

Wanting to be around familiar faces, she returned to McShan Florist, the third generation of her family to manage the company.

“It’s family,” she says. “Everyone here, they rely on each other.” Most employees work at McShan Florist for decades, so some of the people there during McShan’s childhood are just now retiring.

In a typical day, she responds to a constant barrage of emails and phone calls. Since she also does the shop’s purchasing, she has to know about upcoming events.

Over the years, McShan Florist has handled countless notable events in Dallas. In its early years, it did landscaping for the newly built Casa View homes, for around $12 per home. Lee McShan, the founder, became a member and president of the Dallas ISD Board of Education, and there’s an elementary school named after him in Lake Highlands.

The company has provided flowers for every presidential visit to

OF COMPASS REAL ESTATE

NANCY JOHNSON

Strong women have strength of conviction. Those are words neighborhood Realtor Nancy Johnson lives and works by. Being consistently the top local realtor, she knows what she’s talking about. “I counsel clients about financial plans and what is best for their family. I don’t always tell clients what they want to hear, but I always tell them what they need to hear. And sometimes that means sitting tight,” she says. “Especially in this crazy market, whether they hire me or not, I guide clients to make the wisest, timeliest decisions possible.” When experience matters, Nancy Johnson is there for you.

214.674.3840 nancy.johnsongroup@ compass.com nancyjohnsongroup.com @nancyjohnsongroup

Dallas since the 1950s. It also won the contract for the Fete de Fleurs at Neiman Marcus. A few years ago, McShan Florist did the wedding flowers for TV’s Married at First Sight. Earlier this year, it was the florist for the Junior League of Dallas’ centennial gala.

Everyday arrangements and gifts — get well, happy birthday, congratulations — are the bulk of the store’s business. It can accommodate all kinds of styles to satisfy a range of customers’ desires, but it’s known for traditional pieces with a contemporary flair. Holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are so busy, the shop has to stop taking orders. But holidays aren’t as profitable because the cost of goods increases.

The shop also handles weddings — everything from a few bouquets to a complete package with decorated archways and enough floral arrangements to fill a venue.

McShan’s father, Bruce McShan, implemented a computer system for the store in the mid-1990s, and that transformed the sales side, reducing the need for a bunch of people to take orders over the phone. It also streamlined the delivery process, helping drivers take the most efficient routes.

Decades ago, customers didn’t stop by grocery stores to pick up flowers on their way home; now they do. In response, McShan has seen an

Jodi McShan is a third-generation business owner who also founded a law firm.

uptick in orders for events and special occasions, as well as surprise and business deliveries.

The business has added warehouses over time and now employs around 65 people. McShan Florist has as many loyal customers as it does employees. One lesson McShan learned growing up in the shop was the importance of understanding how people’s history — their experiences and past decisions — can affect their current situations.

“Growing up with such a diverse group of people, you find interesting things about everybody, whether it’s where they grew up, their family background, how they approach different problems or issues,” she says. “And it really helps understand how a variety of people think and how they would process information. It’s not necessarily how I would.”

Right before the pandemic, a family brought in two homecoming mums McShan Florist made for the grandmother and her daughter, wanting the shop to create a third for the granddaughter.

“The customer is right,” McShan says. “And it’s making sure that the customer is happy and doing whatever you can to achieve that.”

OF COMPASS REAL ESTATE

KATE WALTERS

Kate Walters has seen it all in residential real estate. And now, she finally sees more encouraging days ahead for buyer, with COVID’s whiplash market effect appearing to taper off.

“Born and raised here, I’ve developed longstanding and genuine relationships with top Lakewood Realtors, which is critical for clients to get premium results. Growing up, my dad said, ‘Work hard and be kind; the rest will take care of itself.’” Walters’ annual Top Realtor honors prove he was correct.

Kate enjoys traveling with family, is active in the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA and fundraises for The Magdalen House, helping women with sobriety and recovery.

Use neighborhood connections to your advantage and call Kate Walters today for your real estate needs. 214-293-0506 kate.walters@compass.com

Lauren Valek Farris and Kelley Theriot McMahon grew up in Lakewood, down the street from each other. Today, they’re business partners and best friends, each extensions of the other’s family. In today’s hot realty market, these two get clients to the transaction finish line. “It’s not always about price,” they say. “We know how to craft a contract.” Farris and McMahon think out-of-the box, making clients’ offers stand out to overwhelmed sellers. “Lakewood is our business. In today’s climate, it’s critical to work with agents like us; we leverage positive working relationships with other agents in our neighborhood to get the job done.”

Lauren Valek Farris 469-867-1734 Lauren.Farris@compass.com @farrismcmahongroup Kelley Theriot McMahon 214-563-5986 Kelley.McMahon@compass.com

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Patrice Lane became principal of Geneva Heights Elementary School in the middle of a campus reconstruction project.

Geneva Heights students will begin the upcoming school year at the former Jill Stone Elementary while their new campus is under construction. When the school opens, it will have upgraded play areas, outdoor learning spaces and gardens, while maintaining the original 1931 building. The total budget for the redesign is about $31 million, paid for with 2020 bond funds.

“I have learned that they are invested in this, they put time, they put resources into making the school a place for their children,” Lane says.

She had previously been an assistant principal at Anne Frank Elementary School in Far North Dallas, where she had a hand in everything from cafeteria operations to transportation to bilingual education.

“The fact that I came prepared for the job in one sense has really helped give me time to say, ‘OK, this is something new. I’ve never gone through bond with this community,’” she says.

Lane, who’s originally from Arlington, was inspired by many great teachers growing up and her mother, who had a

OF COMPASS REAL ESTATE

JORDAN ROSEN

Jordan Rosen appreciates Dallas’ growth and convenience. “Each neighborhood has its own personality, be it location, walkability, schools, local amenities – it’s fun finding the right match for my clients,” she says. As a Realtor married to a Realtor, Rosen works 365 days a year and thrives on it. That’s why referrals pour in. “People say, ‘Don’t call Jordan until you’re ready; next thing you know, you’ll be making a move!’ I don’t drag things out.” Rosen expects her individual sales to hit over $100 million this year. “I have a solid Realtor network and excel at finding off-market properties. I don’t sit on the sidelines and wait for something to open up.”

Ready to make your move? Call Jordan now and get it done. 214-444-4813. Jordan.rosen@compass.com.

BRW Architects met with community members several times to discuss plans for the Geneva Heights redesign. Renderings courtesy of Dallas ISD

degree in education, to pursue a similar career. She received a degree from Alabama State University in elementary education. She had a short career in commercial aviation after graduation.

“Once that was over, then my heart led back to the school to what I loved about being an educator, and that is overall, just the school environment, teaching and learning,” she says. “That’s my thing.”

She took a job at Dallas ISD, teaching sixth grade at John W. Runyon in Pleasant Grove. That’s where she was introduced to what was then the ESL program. After that, she taught at Frank Guzick Elementary School.

Lane had to become certified to teach in Texas, and afterward, she pursued a master’s degree at SMU. With that, she earned a bilingual certification.

“It was a challenge, but it was a challenge that I needed. I enjoyed the learning process. I had some great professors at SMU that really made sure we understood second-language acquisition and that we understood basic teaching principles, understanding our community and the needs and the diversity,” she says.

Her education sparked an interest in programming and its application, and that led to six years training and developing teachers and administrators on second-language acquisition, state and federal requirements and how classroom learning affects local communities. She visited campuses to instruct and support teachers and spoke at conferences.

Lane earned her principal certification because she wanted to work closely with staff members at the campus level. For a year, she studied under a principal, learning administrative roles. After that, she became a campus coach and an assistant principal at Anne Frank Elementary.

When she first came on as principal at Geneva Heights, Lane says she was nervous. But the parents, students and staff were welcoming and friendly. The new school was about half the size of Anne Frank, and Lane had to adjust her way of thinking about systems, such as the way carpool functions.

“Being a servant leader, equity is a huge thing for me. And just being able to get and give feedback is huge to me as well,” she says. “And understanding that my role is to serve the community to provide the best environment to ultimately have an increase in academic achievement — that’s the No. 1 thing.”

As principal, Lane starts her day at Geneva Heights around 7:15 a.m. She walks around the building, checks in with staff and heads to the front of the building to greet parents and students. In the highly anticipated morning announcements, she gives shoutouts to classes or groups of students who are showing excellence, whether it be academic or in another area. She blocks out time to spend in classrooms and has regular meetings with district leadership, the PTA president and others.

“I’m really happy to be here, to be able to serve this community because I see what they want,” she says. “I see what they really want for their school, and I’m just happy to be a part of that group.”

LAUREN LEVI BAKER

Years ago, Lauren Levi Baker wanted a change from her career as a major retail buyer. She asked herself: “What do I excel at? “I understand how to interpret what customers want, the creative and design elements, pricing strategies, margins. Property versus apparel uses the same skillset. I crunch numbers, evaluate property elements, and ensure a home’s qualitative and quantitative aspects fit.” New mom to baby Teddy, Lauren says her realty differentiator is that sales volume isn’t what motivates her. “I’m as enthusiastic selling an entry level home as a multi-million-dollar one. I pride myself not on the most massive transaction but helping clients make thoughtful decisions.” Let Lauren Levi Baker combine your sought-after new home amenities with smart price points. Call 817-944-2413 today.

TREC Information About Brokerage Services Lauren Levi Baker, REALTOR 5960 Berkshire Lane, Suite 700 Dallas, TX 75225 m: 817.944.2413 Lauren.baker@compass.com

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