Scott Shepherd has worn many hats in the floral world—cut flower sales, grower, and now floral buyer at Import Flowers Nashville. With a horticulture degree from the University of Georgia and years spent navigating every corner of the supply chain, he brings a rare, full-circle perspective to sourcing flowers.
Beyond his role in wholesale, Scott is the voice behind The Flower Podcast, where he connects with creatives from across the industry to share their stories. From hunting down rare varieties to championing collaboration between farms, wholesalers, and designers, Scott’s journey is a testament to passion, relationships, and a deep love for the people behind the flowers.
Question 1
For those who don’t know you, who are you, and what do you do?
"I’m Scott Shepherd. I currently reside in Nashville and serve as the floral buyer at Import Flowers Nashville, LLC. I studied horticulture at the University of Georgia and started my career in the wholesale floral industry. Over the years, I’ve been in cut flower sales, grown flowers for production, and eventually transitioned into my role as a full-time buyer. Experiencing the industry from all of these angles has shaped how I approach sourcing and supporting the floral community.
Outside of work, I’m a husband and a dad to three sons, and I’m also the host of The Flower Podcast, where I get to connect with and share the stories of incredible people throughout the floral world."
Question 2
What is so special about your job?
"What’s special about my job is the hunt. I love chasing down that perfect flower—whether it’s something new, hard to find, or just the right bloom for a designer’s vision. There’s always a sense of excitement when a new variety shows up, or I see flowers being used in a fresh, creative way.
I also love watching how our industry continues to grow and evolve—seeing new generations step into the flower business and share the same passion that’s kept me here all these years. Being part of that cycle, surrounded by beauty and enthusiasm every day, is what makes this job so special to me."
Question 3
Are there any specific challenges or obstacles you’ve faced at work, and how did you overcome them?
"One of the challenges of being a floral buyer is that the job can sometimes feel a little removed from the people we’re ultimately serving. Much of my work is done behind the scenes—working off orders and sourcing products—that I don’t always have the same daily interaction with clients as sales teams do.
That’s why I value the opportunities to connect with people across the industry—whether it’s growers, designers, or other wholesalers. Building those relationships takes effort; you have to get out, have real conversations, and invest in others. And honestly, that’s where the most rewarding part of my job comes in. When a designer calls me from New York looking for a hard-to-find flower, I love being able to reach out to my sources and track it down for them. Solving those challenges and making those connections is what keeps me inspired in this role"
Question 4
What are the threats in the industry, and if so, do you have any solutions for them?
"This is a fascinating question, and one that ties directly into the changing landscape of our industry. Over the years, technology, e-commerce, and direct farm sales have given designers and farmers new ways to connect. I love working with farms and completely understand that selling direct is sometimes necessary to support their business.
At the same time, wholesalers are an essential part of the floral chain. We’re the bridge that keeps flowers moving year-round, providing product 365 days a year. From seasonal local blooms to tropicals, dried materials, and international products, we carry the variety and consistency that florists rely on to meet their clients’ needs. To me, the answer is balance and collaboration. When farms, wholesalers, and designers respect each other’s role and work together—rather than cutting each other out—the entire supply chain is stronger, and our floral community thrives."
Question 5
How has technology, such as e-commerce platforms or digital marketing, affected your industry? What strategies have you employed to stay competitive?
"Technology has had a profound impact on our industry, especially when it comes to direct sourcing and online sales. It’s completely changed how flowers move and how people connect. But I also think technology has brought a lot of positives—streamlining processes, making global education and innovation more accessible, and raising awareness about sustainability.
Just like with my podcast, technology allows us to connect with people all over the world and share our experiences in ways that weren’t possible before. But when it comes to staying competitive, I believe we can’t rely on online tools alone. For me, the real key is balancing technology with personal connection. In wholesale, that means maintaining strong relationships with our florists and local growers. Online resources are fantastic, but nothing replaces walking into a business, having a face-to-face conversation, and understanding what our customers need."
Question 6
Who (in or outside the floral industry) is an inspiring example to you? And Why?
"This is one of those questions that makes you pause and reflect. I’ve been influenced by many people in my life—from my grandmother to my professor at UGA, Dr. Allan Armitage—but when I think about my career as a floral buyer, the person who really made an impact was Martha Stewart, especially with the launch of Martha Stewart Weddings.
I was only a couple of years into the cut flower industry when that magazine debuted, and it felt like a real nudge to our industry. It became a form of visual education, showing the incredible possibilities of flowers. Blooms that were mostly considered garden flowers were now being showcased as cut flowers, inspiring experimentation in growing them for production. It highlighted the multiple uses of flowers—from décor to styling to even food—pushing us all to look at flowers differently. That influence still shapes how I think about flowers and sourcing today—always staying on top of what’s working, what’s new, and thinking outside the box when sourcing materials for the industry."
Question 7
How do you handle stress or difficult moments in your life?
"Life can be hard, and the last few years have brought plenty of challenges, from the ups and downs of COVID and the impact on the wedding industry to something as unpredictable as the weather. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not always the best at handling stress, but my faith has been my anchor. Trusting in God’s provision and His love has given me the strength and patience to walk through the stressful seasons and to fully rejoice in the wonderful ones.
My family is at the center of that. We’ve weathered serious storms together, including childhood illness with one of my sons, and our faith carried us through. Those experiences have made my relationships and time with my family incredibly important to me.
I also find peace and perspective in the garden. Having my hands in the soil, watching a tiny seed grow into a flower, and then seeing that flower in a vase—it’s a reminder of God’s goodness and the promises He weaves into our lives, even through difficult times."
Question 8
What has been the best (floral or non-floral) news for you lately, or of the last year?
"Some of the best news for me lately has been that The Flower Podcast reached its two-millionth download! It’s been incredible to see the growth, but what really means the most are the private messages and conversations from listeners who share how the podcast has impacted them or how a guest’s story connected with their own experiences.
I’m also really excited about being invited to speak at the ASCFG 2026 Conference, where I’ll get to share insights from a wholesale buyer’s perspective. And of course, in my day-to-day world, the best news is always discovering what new flower varieties are coming down the pipeline—I never get tired of that anticipation."
Question 9
Which is your favorite flower/plant, and why is it good for you?
"I always joke that my favorite flower changes weekly—I get asked this a lot, and I ask my podcast guests the same thing. But if I have to choose, I’d say Hydrangeas—really, the whole family of them. In spring, the Hydrangea macrophylla varieties are full of color, then the season rolls into the Hydrangea quercifolia and Hydrangea paniculata. As a flower, I not only love their original colors, but I also look forward to the color progression through the season, and of course, those fabulous antique fall tones. Even dried, they’re just gorgeous.
Hydrangeas also have a special place in my heart because they’ve been part of my journey from the very beginning—planting my first hydrangea to now sourcing them from growers all over the world. They’re a flower that keeps surprising you through every stage of the season."
Question 10
What are you doing this weekend?
"This weekend, I’ll be catching up on some ongoing projects for the podcast and spending time in the garden. The summer flowers are feeling the heat, and I’m already starting to prep for the fall blooms. With this new season of life—now that our sons have all relocated—my wife and I are rethinking a few directions at home and for the podcast.
Like flowers, we’re growing. And you know me—I’m always on the hunt for something new, and we’ve got a few ideas up our sleeves. Stay tuned."
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All pictures courtesy of Scott Shepherd.
