JOSE R. AZOUT

Jose R. Azout (Joey) is the president of Alexandra Farms, the world’s largest fresh-cut garden rose grower. During his more than 30 years in the floral industry, he and his team have had a significant influence and impact on the world of cut flowers.

Starting out as sales manager of a small minicarn farm in Bogotá called Agricola Los Arboles, Joey went on to start Maxima Farms in Miami. After six successful years, Maxima Miami was sold to USA Floral, while Maxima Bogota was sold to Westphere investments, a Private Equity Fund out of New York. Joey then worked for Gerald Stevens, Dole Fresh Flowers, and the Delaware Valley Floral Group. At the latter Joey was president of Transflora, a traditional importer of fresh-cut flowers and Flower Transfer, a customs brokerage and handling business.

In 2005 Joey happened upon the world-famous rose shrub grower David Austin’s booth at a show in Amsterdam, where the company was launching their cut varieties. They established a partnership to trial the English garden rose varieties in Colombia. A two-hectare farm was established outside of Bogotá, and Alexandra Farms was born. 

Over the next two years, Joey worked with breeders around the world to identify and acquire other garden rose varieties to trial. More than 500 varieties were extensively tested for performance and shipping ability, and in 2008 the farm began to produce 12 varieties that excelled during testing. 

Since then Alexandra Farms has continued to grow each year, launching new varieties and phasing out others as demand and trends change. The company currently grows nearly 70 varieties with special shapes, colors and fragrances. They harvest more than 300,000 stems per week - that’s nearly 16 million stems per year!

With a focus on producing flowers with the best appearance and performance possible, Alexandra Farms has become a favorite grower of designers. The team strives to stay on top of industry trends and listen to what designers want. It’s this collaboration between grower and florist that makes Alexandra Farms successful. Their long-lasting, award-winning garden roses are available year-round through wholesalers across the world.

HOLLY HEIDER CHAPPLE

Once upon a time a young mother named Holly Heider Chapple founded a small wedding and event design business. The business was created as a way for Holly to be home with her children; she was a true example of a mompreneur. 28 years later, the business is thriving and has multiple divisions. Our lead designer, Holly Heider Chapple, has an endless passion and enthusiasm for all things flowers. She has become a visionary in the industry, a trendsetter, a mentor, an influencer, a developer, and an advocate for those with careers in floristry and farming. Dubbed the “Flower Mama” by her industry peers, she not only executes the most beautiful weddings and events, but also operates Hope Flower Farm, while leading a collective of designers from all over the world via Chapel Designers. All of this is possible because of her endless drive and her committed team, including the “Flower Father”, Evan.

“Our studio offers exquisite florals and event design management. We gather extraordinary components—the best blooms and the best designers—and lovingly style to create the vision, aura, and essence of your dream day.”