As a PSEG Long Island Small Business Star, George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, shares his passion for building community connections, navigating daily challenges, and setting an example in energy efficiency. In this Q&A, they reflect on the rewards of small business ownership and the vital support from PSEG Long Island.
What do you love about being in this business/being an owner?
I love the opportunity to allow people to connect with their friends and family during significant moments in their lives, creating meaningful experiences through our floral designs. Seeing the joy our arrangements bring is incredibly rewarding.
How do you feel your business impacts the local community?
Our business fosters connections and uplifts spirits in our community by celebrating milestones, comforting during difficult times, and supporting local causes. We prioritize sourcing locally whenever possible, helping sustain other small businesses in the area, and employ a large team of community members with competitive pay.
How did PSEG Long Island’s Business First Program support you?
PSEG Long Island’s Business First Program significantly helped us manage and reduce our energy costs, enabling us to reinvest savings back into the business and enhance our service offerings to the community. It allowed us to hire more people that we needed earlier on and helped us during what could be a stressful relocation.
By investing the extra savings in our website sales segment, we scaled our web sales by over 600% and received over 9,100 orders for the Mother’s Day holiday. An unprecedented level for a small family-owned business! This is in large part due to this program that we are so fortunate to have participated in.
What role do you think small businesses play in promoting energy efficiency within the broader community?
Small businesses are crucial in demonstrating energy-efficient practices and innovations to the community. Our collective actions inspire residents and fellow businesses alike to adopt sustainable solutions, making a meaningful environmental impact. We care a lot about the environment and acute weather events have a direct impact on our ability to serve our community.
How do you feel about being a Small Business Star?
Being recognized as a Small Business Star is an incredible honor. It validates the passion and dedication we strive so hard to meet, and it motivates us to continue making a positive impact on our community. We are so thankful to the entire PSEG Long Island family.
To learn more about James Cress Florist, visit their shop at 127C E Main St., Smithtown, their websites at jamescressflorist.com and giftbasketdelivery.com, or their Instagram @jamescressflorist, Facebook facebook.com/james.c.florists, YouTube @JamesCressFlorist or X (Twitter): @FloristCress
