ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Rene Rodriguez, President and CEO of Speaking Roses, to explore how a simple yet groundbreaking innovation transformed one of the world's oldest industries. Rene shares the story behind Speaking Roses, the company that patented the ability to print personalized messages, logos, and images directly onto real roses, creating an entirely new product category that blends emotion, branding, and lasting memories. He discusses the challenges of pioneering a market from scratch, the lessons learned through scaling production, licensing proprietary technology, and evolving from fresh flowers to preserved Forever Roses. Throughout the conversation, Rene offers valuable insights into protecting intellectual property, learning from operational setbacks, and building a business around long-term vision rather than short-term success.
The conversation also explores Speaking Roses' next phase of growth through strategic distributor partnerships, florist and funeral home programs, and the development of a scalable franchise model designed for global expansion. Rene explains why focusing on repeatable business systems, maintaining brand consistency, and cultivating strong partner relationships are critical to sustainable growth. Drawing from more than two decades of entrepreneurial experience, he shares practical advice for founders on adapting business models, turning hard-earned lessons into competitive advantages, and creating innovative products that resonate emotionally with customers while opening entirely new market opportunities.
Connect:
Website: https://speakingroses.com/
