Sequoia Floral International

Sequoia Floral International's Staff

Sequoia Floral International has a friendly and cohesive staff of approximately thirty people. Our sales staff has an average of over twelve years experience and our office staff has an average of nine years experience.

OWNERS: Jim Fitzpatrick & Bill Horn have been business partners in Sequoia Floral Int'l for over 26 years. Both Jim & Bill graduated from California State University at Chico in the 70's. Jim majored in Business Administration and Bill majored in Electrical Engineering. Jim oversees floral supply sales and Bill is in charge of fresh cut flowers sales. Together they handle all the purchasing/pricing for Sequoia Floral Int'l so that they can insure the best possible prices for all our customers.

Jim has been married for 32 years to Lisa and they have 2 boys (Jeff & Jeremy) and 1 girl (Jamie) and 2 grandchildren. Bill has been married 35 years to Sue and they have 3 girls (Nika, Kari & Jodie) and 4 grandchildren.

Jim, Lisa, Bill & Sue all grew up in Sonoma County, California where they make their homes.

Pam Soares has worked for Sequoia Floral Int'l for 23 years. Starting as a sales assistant/receptionist Pam is now the sales manager in charge of supermarket, retail florists and catalog company sales. Pam also assists in purchasing fresh cut flowers, She is part of our design team for fresh bouquets and wreaths. Pam has a strong background in floral as she was raised on her parent's nursery in Modesto.

Leslie Walchko works in sales for Sequoia Floral Int'l and has been with the company for 5 years. Leslie has been involved in the floral industry for over 19 years and holds an AA degree in Environmental Horticulture. Leslie has a passion for flowers and gardening and she really enjoys talking with our customers.

Gina Weaver graduated form Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in Ornamental Horticulture Science with an emphasis in Retail Management and Floral Design. She has 12 years experience in the floral industry and is currently on the advisory board for the Floral Design program as Santa Rosa Junior College. Gina is in charge of local store sales and participates on our design team as well as assists with floral supply purchasing. Gina also assists our outside sales team.

Sumi Daniel is our operations manager and has been with Sequoia Floral Int'l for 18 years. Sumi is in charge of fresh floral bouquet production as well as shipping departments for both fresh flowers and floral supplies. Sumi is a member of our design team, sales team and assists in fresh cut purchasing as well as purchasing operating supplies. Her positive attitude and endless energy keep all of our employees motivated to get the job done right the first time.

Kathy Petersen has been with the company for 15 years and is head of our billing/sales order department. Kathy is responsible for the transportation of all ground and air shipments leaving our facility. Kathy also assists with sales and works closely with our outside sales team.

Mike Bertoli has been the company Controller for a total of 16 years. He is responsible for accounts receivable/payable, payroll, computer systems and management reports. Mike oversees our office personnel. He graduated for California State University-Sonoma with a degree in management.

Sue Horn has been with Sequoia Floral Int'l for over 16 years. She graduated from California State University-Chico where she earned her teaching credential. Sue also completed her Masters in Education at California State University-Sonoma. Sue works in accounting, assists in local sales operations, and manages our local membership program.

Members of the bouquet department have an average of 12 years experience with Sequoia Floral Int'l. They are responsible for the production of over 150 varieties of fresh bouquets, fresh and dried wreaths and all the specialty items we manufacture for our catalog company customers. As a group they take great pride in their production and always put quality as their #1 priority.

Debra Smith began her floral career in 1983 as a floral designer. In 1996 she became a sales rep and buyer for Acorn Supply in Oakland, Ca. Her extensive knowledge and passion for flowers have helped her to obtain & develop rewardingly close relationships. Honest, reliable and consistent customer service is always her priority. Debra handles sales for Sequoia Floral Int'l in the Sacramento, Modesto, East Bay and Santa Rosa areas.

Frank Dunn is located in Fresno, California and is our outside sales representative for our customers in the Fresno, Bakersfield and Salinas/Watsonville areas. Frank has been in the floral business since 1979. He has worked in management/sales for wholesalers and growers. Frank enjoys the relationships he has established with his cliental over the past 8 years. He is a member of the California Floral Association.

Francisco Rodiquez (on the right) and Jorge Gutierrez are responsible for receiving and shipping of fresh and floral supply products. Together they have over 21 years experience with our company and take pride in making your order perfect.

Juan Guerra (on the right) has been employed at Sequoia Floral Int'l for 8 years. Juan is responsible for floral supply receiving/shipping and warehouse management. He also assists in weekly purchasing of floral supplies. Marco Inocencio is responsible for pulling the floral supply orders for our customers. Marco has been with Sequoia Floral Int'l for 5 years.