We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Scott Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Scott with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My parents and family are hard working people that built a great life. I have always wanted to make them proud…even when they wouldn’t see the results.
There’s something deeply powerful about showing up every day, giving your all, and doing great work—even when no one’s around to notice. That’s character. It’s easy to give 100% when there’s applause, recognition, or a pat on the back. But real integrity shows when you keep grinding, staying focused, and giving your best, even when no one’s watching—or even seems to care.
There have been countless early mornings and late nights when I could have cut corners or coasted, but I didn’t. Not because someone was looking over my shoulder, but because I take pride in what I do. Whether I’m cleaning buckets, designing a bridal bouquet, or fixing a leaky cooler, I treat each task with the same dedication. That mindset didn’t come from chasing praise—it came from within.
Staying focused isn’t always glamorous. There are days when the work is hard, the hours are long, and the only thing keeping me going is the quiet voice inside that says, “Do it right. Finish strong.” In those moments, I’ve learned that motivation isn’t something that’s handed to you—it’s something you build through discipline and purpose.
No shortcuts. No excuses. Just consistent effort, driven by a belief that the way you do the small things says everything about who you are. I’ve learned that the results come, eventually—but even if they didn’t, I could still look in the mirror knowing I gave my best.
Character is built in the shadows, when the crowd is gone and the stage is empty. And that’s when it matters most. That’s what separates the ones who just “show up” from the ones who show up with purpose. And that’s the kind of person I strive to be—day in and day out.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I started American Floral 32 years ago—right out of my house—with a two-door cooler and a 1980 Lincoln Continental my father gave me to deliver flowers ! Back then, I wrapped up 50 to 100 dozen roses every week, loaded them into the cooler, and went anywhere the guys were—barber shops, car dealerships, auto repair shops, transmission garages—selling roses for $10 a dozen. All that hustle turned into selling wholesale roses to other florists, and eventually, we started designing florals.
I didn’t start with floral experience—I had to figure it out. I hired a part-time designer from another shop …she taught me the basics, and it turned out I had a knack for it. My first wedding delivery was in that old Lincoln—candelabras, altar pieces, unity candle, kneeling benches, bouquets, boutonnieres—the whole shebang. Over time, we grew, and about 20 years ago we bought a closed roller skating rink and transformed it. One side became a bridal shop, the other became American Floral.
Along the way, I met and married the smartest, most amazing woman I’ve ever known—and we’ve raised two fantastic kids together. My wife is my right hand in the business, running the day-to-day with grace and grit. My daughter helps in the office, and my son pitches in for weddings and events when school allows. It’s a true family business. Even our team, though not related by blood, feels like family. They’re the heart and soul of what makes American Floral great. They make ME look good !
What sets us apart is our ability to create something beautiful that brings people joy in every chapter of life—birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations, weddings, and even funerals. We’ve done over 4,500 weddings by my best estimate, and that moment when a bride sees her bouquet—something she’s dreamed about her entire life—is unforgettable. To exceed her expectations and be part of such a meaningful moment? It’s priceless….best part of what I do !!
Even during hard times—recessions, 9/11, COVID—we’ve stayed focused and kept going. Not because someone was watching or expecting it, but because that’s what you do when you have pride in your work. Motivation doesn’t always come from outside. You find it in the quiet moments, when you’re tired, alone, and still pushing forward because it matters. That’s character. That’s integrity. Tough times have shaped us and made us better.
We’ve been honored with awards like Small Business of the Year from the Irmo Chamber, Best of Weddings Hall of Fame on The Knot, and countless “Best Of” titles. But honestly, the greatest award is the continued support from our community. That means more than any plaque on the wall.
These days, we’re focusing on continuing to grow while staying true to our roots. We do everything from daily deliveries to large corporate events, from hospital bouquets to heartfelt funeral tributes. Each arrangement is more than flowers—it’s a message, a memory, a gesture of love or comfort.
We also give back wherever we can. I serve on several local boards and foundations because making our community stronger is a personal mission. I believe in working hard, staying humble, and helping others—whether or not anyone’s watching.
At the end of the day, our brand is about family, service, and heart. We’re not just in the flower business—we’re in the business of making people feel something. And after three decades, that’s still what excites me most.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back over the past 30+ years of building American Floral from the ground up, there are three qualities and areas of knowledge that truly shaped my journey: a strong foundation in business, people and communication skills, and unwavering perseverance—with God’s grace guiding me every step of the way.
First, having a solid education in business—particularly in marketing and management—was invaluable. Understanding how to position our services, manage cash flow, build systems, and create a sustainable business model gave us the tools to grow. You can be the best designer in the world, but if you don’t understand how to price, promote, and manage operations, you won’t last. My advice to anyone just starting out? Learn the business side. Take courses, read books, ask questions. Don’t just focus on your craft—focus on how to turn that craft into something that can support a team and stand the test of time.
Second, people skills and communication are everything. This business—and really, most businesses—are built on relationships. Being able to connect with people, understand their needs, comfort them in grief, celebrate with them in joy, and earn their trust is what keeps the phone ringing. It’s not about making a sale; it’s about making a difference. If you’re starting out, invest time in really listening to people. Learn to speak clearly, confidently, and kindly. Treat every customer like they matter—because they do.
Lastly, the most important ingredient in my success has been faith, grace, and grit. There have been tough times—plenty of them—but we never gave up. God has carried us through more than once, and we’ve always had just enough to keep going. If I could share one piece of advice, it’s this: Plan your work, and work your plan. Stay focused. Stay humble. Keep showing up—especially when it’s hard.
Character is built in the quiet, difficult moments when no one is watching. Keep going. Keep learning. Keep believing. That’s how you build something that lasts.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
It’s someone who values the details, who has a clear vision—or even just a feeling—and wants it brought to life their way. Whether it’s a business, an event planner, a bride, or a consumer who simply wants something personal and memorable, our ideal client is someone who cares deeply about how things look and feel.
We’re incredibly fortunate to have built lasting relationships with so many of our clients over the years. Some of them just give us a quick call—share a theme, a color palette, and a guest count—and they know it’s handled. That kind of trust doesn’t come overnight. We’ve earned it through consistent care, creativity, and follow-through, and I never take that for granted. It means the world to me. I take that responsibility seriously… and I genuinely cherish it. We only get one shot at EVERY Wedding or event…there are no do-overs !
Contact Info:
- Website: https://AmericanFloralSC.com
- Instagram: @AmericanFloral
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanFloralSC
- Linkedin: Scott Jones
Image Credits
Clark Berry Photography
Joshua Aaron photography
Nikki Morgan Photography
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