About Lawrence Hopman
Lawrence Hopman, President
Lawrence grew up steeped in agricultural sales. Some of his earliest memories are of riding along with his father as he peddled fresh eggs from the family’s farm to restaurants and stores in Canada’s Niagara Peninsula. “His customers loved him! Watching dad bantering with clients; I learned very early that the relationship always came before the sale”. As soon as Lawrence was licensed to drive, he hit the road selling eggs and produce.
Floral route sales. Toronto 2002
Lawrence’s floral expertise stems from many years of work in the business.
In 1995 he accepted an offer by United Floral Distributors in Fenwick, Ontario. His first role was operating a sales route in Toronto. For many years Lawrence was on the road before dawn; at the wheel of a “bucket truck”, peddling cut flowers and plants to florists. With Lawrence continuously calling on new clients; his business eventually tripled, creating full time jobs for new sales reps.
In 2002, he accepted an invitation to join the inside sales team and was entrusted with expanding the company’s garden center and florist trade in the Great Lakes region and Northeastern United States. Using effective cold call techniques, and regional trade shows, Lawrence once again grew the business; becoming the company’s top producer.
Lawrence inspects celosia in a Haygrove high tunnel with crop scientist Ahmed Bilal. Vyn Inc 2007.
In 2006 Lawrence attracted the attention of Vyn Flowers Inc. in Ancaster, Ontario, and was offered an opportunity to develop a mass market clientele for their fresh cut field flowers and dried florals. He cold called supermarkets and department stores coast to coast with wide success. Lawrence helped pioneer several point-of-sale merchandising and planogram concepts for fresh and dried flowers.
In 2012, Lawrence joined Aldershot Greenhouses Ltd. in Burlington Ontario. Aldershot produces houseplants and perennials, and is known for their mini roses. He practiced his sales skills here, growing the company's business and adding to his client list.
In 2019 Lawrence identified needs within the flower industry. Growers needed help with product development and marketing. Retailers needed help procuring and merchandising. Hopman Flower Farms was formed to assist growers and retailers achieve their goals...