Coquitlam Florist

Since she bought Coquitlam Florist in 2009, Catherine Polonio has kept the same team in place. “I run my business like a family,” she says with pride. “My staff have been with me since day one.” The secret to her success is simple: building a family-like atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and valued. “One of my staff went on mat leave,” she says, “but she can’t wait to get back. We’re a real family here – we stand behind each other.”

Catherine’s other business secret is the types of flowers she carries – she only uses the best. “I bring in the freshest, best and the highest quality of flowers I can get my hands on,” she says.