Tom Butler: 1945-2014 Remembering a Legend
Remembering a Dear Friend, Colleague, and Floral Industry Champion
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President’s Letter
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Tom Butler’s Legacy
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Tom Butler Retail Florist Award
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Tom Butler Family Fund
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Remembering Tom
On behalf of everyone in the Teleflora family and remembrances shared throughout the floral industry, we were saddened by the loss of our dear friend, colleague and tireless leader for local florists everywhere, Tom Butler who passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. It was Tom’s positive spirit and heartfelt passion as an advocate for the floral industry that inspired us throughout his 40-year career and earned him the title as “Chief Champion of the Florist”. Recognized for his warmth and perseverance, Tom was known for going above and beyond in serving the needs of local florists, always understanding of their issues and representing their cause. Tom’s legendary travel schedule included visits to small town America to spend time with local florists so that he could understand their issues up close and personal. It was through these visits that Tom listened, inspired hope, and fostered improvements within Teleflora to ensure every local florist is set up for success. It is because of Tom’s many contributions on a personal and professional level that his passing leaves us all with a tremendous archive of precious memories, colorful anecdotes, and lasting impressions that we will always remember and cherish. We dedicate this MyTeleflora issue to honor our dear friend, Tom Butler, and spotlight a fond ‘look-back’ in celebration of Tom, offering glimpses of his life, as well as special moments and kind words shared by countless local florists he called, friends. As we remember Tom who served as Chairman of Teleflora, we remain steadfast in his effort to continue working hand-in-hand with local florists to manifest innovation, to strengthen our network, and to provide the education and tools necessary for every florist to be successful and make a difference in their local communities. Tom believed in the importance of giving back and fostering a rich industry for future generations to carry on the tradition of sharing floral joy. We hope that in remembrance of Tom’s great legacy, we each carry on one great thing Tom taught us… and make a difference simply, with a smile, remembering a name, being a mentor and a friend.
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You’re A Gem Bouquet by Teleflora
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Sincerely,
jeff bennett {president of teleflora}
TOM BUTLER
Tom Butler was a charismatic leader both at Teleflora and throughout the floral community, well known for being a champion for the florists.
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TOM BUTLER LEGACY
TOM BUTLER’S LEADERSHIP LEGACY When Teleflora Chairman Tom Butler passed away in mid-August, he left hundreds of green folders featuring pictures with florists and co-workers—but he left a lot more than that. He left a leadership legacy that we can all learn from.
PROFESSIONAL MEANS GETTING PERSONAL Too often we think of being professional as being void of emotion. Nothing could be further from the truth. Tom got personal with everyone he knew – asking about their family, business, etc. This never detracted from his professionalism; it only enhanced it and endeared him to people. If you met Tom Butler, you were touched by him. Teleflora’s Sr. National Accounts Manager Casey Pickney, who was hired by Tom at AFS, shared at a recent company event that the day Tom Butler became his boss, he also gained a “big brother.” This same sentiment was shared repeatedly in numerous online posts after Tom’s death and by co-workers and friends. “He was a true and honest friend,” said Teleflora TSM Bob Hurley, who worked with Tom for more than 25 years. “I’ll always remember him.”
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His friend Dave Gaul, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Denver Wholesale Florist, shared this: “Tom will always be my best friend. Our personalities could not have been more different but we had an unbreakable bond formed through our passion for the floral industry.”
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TOM BUTLER LEGACY
RECOGNITION Tom understood the importance of recognizing the people around him. He regularly recognized Teleflora employees not only for their professional achievements and hard work but for birthdays, work anniversaries and personal milestones like a birth of a child. If the company intranet wasn’t updated regularly with employee birthdays and anniversaries, Tom Butler was the first to notice that this important task had been neglected. Tom was also the biggest supporter and cheerleader that a flower shop owner could have. He made sure he was at every ribbon cutting, open house and anniversary celebration that he could be. And if he couldn’t be there in person, he made sure that someone from Teleflora was going to attend.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY Tom put family first, always and without excuse, while at the same time juggling a travel schedule and demanding career. Lyol Brumby, Tom’s son-in-law, shared during a service honoring Tom, “He made the choice to spend time with his grandchildren, Cole and McKenna. He told me his plan was to visit them at least once a month and he successfully carried this plan out for many years until he wasn’t able to travel.” “Tom told me, Lyol, we all have choices and we have to live with the choices we make.”
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TOM BUTLER LEGACY
DO WHAT YOU LOVE Tom’s passion for the floral industry inspired an almost 50 year career and he never mentioned retiring. He loved what he did and the florists were his extended family and friends.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE
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Tom was always able to find the silver lining in every situation. No matter how dire the news, he would react positively while at the same time quickly assessing how he could help.
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His close friend and Teleflora co-worker David Graham said that Tom was an incredible inspiration to him through good and difficult times. Tom was always there to provide support and advice.
TOM BUTLER LEGACY
NO DETAIL IS TOO SMALL Those who worked closely with Tom can tell tale after tale about his attention to the smallest detail. From who sat where at a banquet to cataloging his travel pictures to planning his own memorial service, Tom left little to chance. Suzi Lawrence, who worked with Tom at AFS and Teleflora, and who spent countless hours visiting members with Tom, said he asked a lot of questions and took meticulous notes. More importantly, he always got back to florists with answers after shop visits or made sure that someone else did.
DON’T PLAY FAVORITES “Tom cared about you whether you were the biggest or the smallest flower shop in the country,” said retired Teleflora TSM Kathy Petz. “He played no favorites.” The same held true in his dealings with his employees. He cared as much about the lowest paid employee as the highest. “He made me believe I could do things that I wasn’t sure I could do,” said Kathy.
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Tom’s smile and booming voice will be greatly missed; however, his leadership legacy will live on for years and positively impact the Teleflora family and the floral industry.
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TOM BUTLER RETAIL FLORIST AWARD
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN THE FLORAL INDUSTRY Few individuals today work their entire lives in one industry like Tom Butler. And, according to Tom’s daughter Amy, he never considered making a career change. “He loved what he did and the florists,” said Amy Butler Brumby. “He never considered retiring; it would have been like turning his back on his own family.” To honor Tom’s dedication and passion, Teleflora has established the Tom Butler Floral Retailer of the Year Award to recognize a Teleflora Member florist who best embodies the legacy of Tom Butler. The award recognizes a retail florist and Teleflora member that, in addition to running a first class retail operation, shows the highest level of commitment and service to their local community, is a dedicated ambassador to the floral industry and provides leadership and guidance to fellow florists. “Tom had a true love for this industry and we want to honor him by recognizing others with a similar passion,” said Teleflora President Jeff Bennett. “People who, like Tom, are committed to and provide leadership in the floral industry.”
The first Tom Butler Floral Retailer of the Year will be announced next spring. TOM BUTLER
Floral etailer of the
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Year Award 8
TOM BUTLER FAMILY FUND
A LEGACY CONTINUES THROUGH THE TOM BUTLER FAMILY FUND The Tom Butler Family Fund was established this past July with a contribution of $50,000 by Tom Butler to help provide funds to support The American Floral Endowment’s research and grant efforts. Tom was a longtime devoted advocate for the Endowment, beginning his service as a trustee in 2006. He served as development chairman from 2006-2014, as chairman from 2010-2012 and was recently appointed as an emeritus trustee. Known for possessing an unparalleled knack for fundraising and for his significant interest in expanding and improving the Endowment, Tom helped raise more than $2 million by establishing new industry named funds within AFE since 2011. Tom’s commitment to giving and innovation will be felt for a long time to come within the floral industry, and the Tom Butler Family Fund will help to solidify his legacy. The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is an independent non-profit organization that funds research and scholarships in floriculture and environmental horticulture for the benefit of growers, wholesalers, retailers, allied industry organizations and the general public.
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TOM BUTLER
REMEMBERING TOM
Rick Davis, Mark Freeman, Tom Butler, Darrell Housden Tom with Suzi Lawrence, Teleflora TSM
“So sorry to hear about Tom...We both want to extend our deepest sympathy love and prayers to Tom’s wife, children and of course the grandchildren who so fondly called him “Ga Ga”. Not only was he a stunning pillar in the floral industry but a champion family man and a friend to all whose smile would lite up any room.We so enjoyed our times over the years spent with him one on one at the top member Teleflora trips talking about the changes etc. over the past 50+ years in the floral industry. He was a true gentlemen and we will surely miss him.” Bob & Carol Pratcscher Stanley’s Florist & Gifts
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“We have such wonderful memories of Tom. Having spent a week with him in Manilla when Rob was representing Canada at the Teleflora World Cup design competition. A true leader in the floral industry... We will miss his wonderful smile and kind demeanor. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s family and friends. It was a honour to know know you Tom.”
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Rob and Sharon Street Street’s Flowers Tom with daughter Amy
TOM BUTLER
“I met Mr Butler in the mid ‘80s when I attended my first class at Teleflora. He was exceedingly kind and supportive to all of the attendees and remembered me when I went for additional classes.Whether your shop was large, small or in the middle,Tom treated, and made you feel, special. I will always feel blessed to have known him.” Elaine Mills Basket Tree Florist Tom with Herman Meinders, founder of American Floral Services, Inc. and Casey Pickney, Teleflora TSM
“Tom was a friend and leader to all in the Floral business. I served on a number of committees at SAF with Tom and always appreciated his knowledge of the Floral business.He was one of the true gentleman in our Floral Industry. Our florist was a member of AFS & Teleflora and we always thought Tom did a wonderful job leading our Industry. He will be missed by all. Our thoughts & prayers are with him and his family.” Roger F.Villere,Jr.,AAF Villere’s Florist
Tom with grandson Cole
Victor West Vanessa’s Flowers
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“He is the smartest and most ethical person in business that I have ever met. His guiding hand on the floral industry will be missed. As we are in Michigan near where here grew up, he stopped by the shop on more than a few occasions. His memory for names and trivia were unbelievable. I once talked to a tech at the then AFS HQ who told me a story. It used to be that new hires sat in on a management meeting when they first started and got introduced. About 1 year after the meeting he attended he ran into Tom at the airport. He not only knew his name but asked how his kids and wife, by name, were doing. He was a remarkable man.”
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“What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life’s pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.” – Joseph Addison