ALEXANDRIA — "A pioneer in floral accounting. Always ahead of the curve. A man of the highest integrity. A mentor. A friend and someone who is there when you need him. Those are just a few of the many positive words used to describe Paul Goodman," said Paul Ecke III of the Paul Ecke Ranch as he presented Goodman with the 2011 SAF Paul Ecke Jr. Award.
Speaking at the SAF Annual Convention Industry Awards Dinner on Sept. 15, Ecke said: "This award represents exemplary dedication to business, industry and community – three things my father stood for…. (Goodman) has helped countless small business owners in the floral industry put their financial house in order."
The president of Floral Finance Business Services in Tulsa, Okla., has been a trusted industry advisor for more than 30 years, Ecke said: "When times are tough for floral businesses, Paul Goodman gives them what they need: sound financial advice that is not always easy to hear, but is dangerous to ignore."
Read the complete text of the award presentation below.
2011 SAF Paul Ecke Jr. Award Tribute to Paul Goodman, CPA, PFCI, Floral Finance Business Services, Tulsa, Okla.
(Presented by Paul Ecke III, on September 15, 2011, at The Westin Mission Hills Resort, Palm Springs, Calif.)
When times are tough for floral businesses, Paul Goodman gives them just what they need: sound financial advice that is not always easy to hear, but is dangerous to ignore.
As founder and publisher of Floral Finance, the industry’s only financial publication, Goodman has provided sound wisdom on both day-to-day and long-term financial challenges. Throughout his career, Goodman has shared his financial smarts through one-on-one consultations, numerous articles in trade publications and during seminars at industry events.
But he also has a legacy of financial wisdom found in the pages of both “Retail Florist,” of which Paul is the founder and publisher, and as the author of “The Profit Minded Florist,” the well known handbook of floral financial accounting. Without a doubt, if you want a frank financial assessment and practical advice, Paul Goodman is the man to see.
But even if you have never been in one of his seminars, read his columns or had any personal consultations with him, you have probably benefited from his contributions to the industry. Goodman is the originator of Rosebud, the first floral accounting package in the industry.
Paul has also represented the industry and worked closely with SAF and the wire services on the Streamlined Sales Tax issue, a nearly 10-year effort that has saved florists from having to change the way they collect sales tax.
In addition, nearly 600 retail florists have decided they want Goodman’s advice and guidance on a more personal level and have hired him to consult on shop operations. And lest anyone think he’s a stranger to the back room of a retail florist, he came to floral accounting after gaining first-hand knowledge as owner of a retail shop in the Northwest. He never forgets the very personal challenges of running a small retail shop.
Goodman’s dedication to the industry is rivaled only by commitment to his faith and community. Despite a grueling schedule that keeps him on the road much of the year, Goodman has taught Sunday school and served as an elder at his church in Tulsa for 20 years. He’s led five missions to Kenya and Tanzania, served on the National Prayer Breakfast board and founded a Christian men’s ministry. In the process, he’s made countless friends — and erased any stereotypes of accountants as dull and boring bean counters.
A pioneer in floral accounting. Always ahead of the curve. A man of the highest integrity. A mentor. A friend and someone who is there when you need him. Those are just a few of the many positive words used to describe Paul Goodman.
For his exemplary devotion to the industry his profession and his community, ladies and gentlemen it is my pleasure to once again recognize Mr. Paul Goodman as the winner of this year’s Paul Ecke Jr. Award.
Source: Society of American Florists