Born in 1959 in Den Haag, The Netherlands, Joost grew up in then Netherland.  His father managed agricultural land holdings all over the country. Joost spent summers working on his family’s farm in northern Holland and became interested in agriculture and horticulture as a result. He studied at Wellant College in Gouda, graduating with a degree in Plant Science. Joost also spent a semester at Michigan State University as part of an exchange student program, which led to his desire to work and live in The United States. 

Joost began his professional career in 1981 marketing fresh cut flowers from Holland for The Dutch Flower Auctions & Exporters Organizations, first in Holland and then in Livonia, MI. From 1983 to 1991 Joost worked for several Dutch Flower Bulb Companies selling flower bulbs and perennial plants to specialty cut flower growers in The United States and Canada. In 1991 Joost and his wife Alexandra opened Bonfleur (Bongaerts Flowers), a European-style retail flower shop in New Canaan, CT, which they sold to their manager in 2002. During this time Joost also imported flowers from Holland and was president of First American Florist an online wholesale flower company shipping flowers from Holland started to do business with Florabundance, becoming a partner in 2002 and eventually full owner in 2008. Joost’s background and experience in selling flower bulbs to growers, importing cut flowers and running a successful retail flower shop provides a unique perspective from which he has developed the Florabundance brand into one of the premier wholesalers in the United States. Joost and Alexandra moved from Connecticut to California in 2008 and have two grown children.

OUR MISSION

The mission of Florabundance is to provide the highest quality fresh cut flowers according to the needs and specifications of our customer.

As one of the premier sources for wholesale fresh cut flowers and greens in North America, Florabundance supplies floral designers with the necessary value and versatility they need. Our knowledgeable staff is friendly and ready to assist you with your cut flower needs.

There are many times during the year that production varies in different locations. We will always strive to maintain supply for our customers as long as the quality is superior. If not, we will let you know so that alternatives can be considered. Our Account Managers are involved in the procurement of our fresh cut products. They do the work of assessing the flowers and foliages to make your job easier. You are assured of knowing you are getting accurate and necessary information to run your successful business.

Commitment to excellence shines through in the way we take the time to understand your needs, the pulse of the market, and the growing conditions throughout the world.

Service Philosophy

Our focus is on our relationship with you, our customer. We are continually finding new and better ways to communicate and respond to our customers. Your feedback is essential for our success. Knowing what we do well and how we can improve are cornerstones in the systems and procedures that we have established since 1994.

The flowers and foliages we sell and ship are sent with a guarantee unequalled in the industry. We want your expectations to be exceeded. Then, and only then, will we feel like we have succeeded in meeting your needs. Joost