Schnucks’ Schrader Named PMA’s 2016 Floral Marketer of the Year

Michael Schrader, floral director for St. Louis-based Schnuck Markets, was named the Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) 2016 Floral Marketer of the Year award.

Established in 1981, this year marks the 36th anniversary of the Floral Marketer of the Year award, which recognizes a floral professional who has served the mass-market floral industry with dedication, distinction and excellence.

During the formal award presentation, 2015 Floral Marketer of the Year honoree Bonnie Armellini, owner of Gems Group, in Miami, described Schrader as, “highly regarded personally by coworkers and colleagues…as a forward-thinking floral designer and a visionary industry leader.”

In his role, Schrader oversees merchandising and operations for 99 full-service floral departments in five states and the central design center for Schnuck Florist and Gifts, in St. Louis. He has been involved in the floral business for more than 30 years and previously served as chairman of PMA’s Floral Council.

Armellini quoted Schrader’s co-workers, who spoke of his personal qualities of passion, good and caring personality, cheerfulness, and optimistic warmth, as well as his professional strengths of having both creative and business savvy.

Proof of Schrader’s vision comes from one of his co-workers, who spoke of Schrader’s business goal to have flowers in every home. “And that colleague has no doubt that he will make that happen, because Schrader has since inspired all his colleagues to the same goal, because that’s what great leaders do. They inspire,” Armellini said, quoting the co-worker.

Additionally, “Schrader has made significant contributions to the mass-market floral industry as a volunteer leader, including to this organization,” Armellini concluded.