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MUNDY TWP. -- Two longtime Swartz Creek area business families are combining forces. Tonya Ketzler, owner of Ketzler Florist, announced that John and Kathy Knickerbocker of Swartz Creek are now partners in the flower business started by Ketzler's grandfather.

"My father used to sell her father products," John Knickerbocker said.

Knickerbocker's father was a salesman for a wholesale company that sold soil, fertilizer and pots.

Knickerbocker has been self-employed most of his life, working with his family's carpet cleaning business beginning in high school. After college he continued to work with his father who operated a lawn and garden wholesale business and later took a position with a garden watering supply company.

The two families announced their partnership by hosting the Swartz Creek Chamber of Commerce "After Hours" event Nov. 13 at Ketzler Florist, 3188 W. Hill Road.
"I have faith in Genesee County and so does John," Ketzler said.

Bob Martin, regional representative for FTD, welcomed the Knickerbockers to the FTD Floral family and presented the couple with FTD shirts.

John Knickerbocker has been learning the flower business from the ground up for the last month -- making deliveries, meeting wholesalers and handling flowers. He will primarily take on the accounting end of the business, giving Ketzler more time for marketing, sales and product development.

Kathy Knickerbocker said she will be a silent partner for the most part. She will help the flower shop start its own perennial gardens next year.

"We're thankful that Tonya is allowing us to be part of her family. They're a very respected family," John Knickerbocker said.

Ketzler said the business is more than a flower store. It's a place where boys buying flowers for a date for the first time get coaching on how to be a gentleman and where widowers are tenderly assisted as they buy a final bouquet for their deceased wife.

Both families are involved in Swartz Creek's Hometown Days, the Swartz Creek Chamber of Commerce and other service organizations.