KYM ERICKSON

Kym is the General Manager of Soderberg’s Floral & Gift but has 40+ years in the floral industry as a designer, wholesaler, marketing professional, and business owner. With a head for business and a heart for botanicals, she is a self-proclaimed “Flower Lady!” Kym is the President of the Minnesota State Florist Association and has been inducted into the American Academy of Floral Culture. When she’s not managing operations at Soderberg’s, she likes to spend her time painting, knitting, and snuggling up to her dog Princess. Kym’s favorite flower is Hydrangea, which can now be found in the store year-round.

PETE NELSON

Pete Nelson has been fortunate to have held several positions throughout the past 26 years which has given him a broad knowledge of the event industry. He began his career as Director of Entertainment for a large national events company where he was responsible for hiring all local and national talent and conceiving custom stage productions for large corporations. He soon found a passion for creative writing which led to a National Sales Manager position. From there he has had the privilege of experiencing the roles of Creative Director, Floral Manager and Event Designer in Minneapolis and Las Vegas for large event companies that travel the globe.

Pete has been published in several industry magazines including Special Events, Minnesota Meetings+Events, and Twin Cities Business to name a few. He has hosted several episodes of “Your Holiday Home” on HGTV where he was asked to design both a Halloween extravaganza and numerous Christmas themed episodes. He is the proud recipient of The Special Event Gala Award for Best Entertainment Concept & Execution along with seven Minnesota STAR Awards for 'Best Design & Décor'(2), 'Best Social Event Planning', 'Best ISES Team Effort', 'Best Creative Solution' and 'Best Use of Floral.

SAMANTHA

Sam has been working in the floral industry for 15 years. She loves exploring the endless combinations that are possible with the plethora of fresh flower varieties available each season. Like snowflakes, Sam says, no two arrangements are alike – making each of her designs a unique piece of living art. Sam’s creativity extends outside of her work, too; when she’s not doing floral design, you can find her enjoying home DIY projects and other artistic crafts. Her favorite thing in life, however, is spending quality time with her daughter and family. Sam’s favorite flowering plants are alstroemeria, solidago, and ranunculus.