About the Instructor: Robbin Yelverton AAF, AIFD, CF, PFCI is a retail floral shop owner as well as a professional floral designer/educator with 30+ years in the floriculture industry. His wide experience as educator, designer, commentator, and shop owner is evident in his informative and exciting presentations. Robbin holds a Master’s of Science degree in Ornamental Horticulture and has taught Horticulture, Floral Designs and Interior Plant Maintenance at the secondary and college level. As an award-winning designer, Robbin has presented educational programs before the American Institute of Floral Designers National Symposium, regional and state floral associations as well as wholesale and retail audiences. He is a former Mississippi, Michigan and National Alliance of Floral Associations Designer of the Year. Robbin also served on the floral design teams for the presidential inaugurations of Presidents Bush and Clinton. A former classroom instructor, Robbin’s southern influenced style, sense of humor and down to earth stage presence makes for an entertaining and educational program. His expertise in the sales, marketing and design of wedding, sympathy, holiday and everyday designs provide a diverse range of presentation subjects. As Co-Owner and Vice President of Blumz… by JRDesigns Floral & Event Professionals, a well-respected and award-winning floral business in metro Detroit, Michigan, Robbin actively uses the social medias of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and blogging to market his own floral businesses and can provide helpful insight into their uses for the professional floral shop owner. As an editorial contributor to local news media, floral blogs and industry magazines, Robbin is a frequent source for “in-the-trenches” floral businesses information. He is known for “telling it like it is” from the standpoint of a business owner and survivor of the economic downturn. A versatile designer as well as a seasoned educator, Robbin provides a necessary balance in design and business. He and his partner Jerome Raska and their business Blumz… by JRDesigns Floral & Event Professional were selected as the 2016 Retailer of the Year by WF&FSA and Florist Review magazine. Their stores are located in Ferndale and historic Holly, Michigan.