Empowering Garden Centers
Our Story of Garden Center Excellence
Garden Center Consultants was founded by industry veterans Dave Williams and Erik Dietl-Friedli, bringing together a wealth of experience and knowledge to help garden centers thrive.
We have served a diverse range of clients, from small independent garden centers to larger regional chains, all benefitting from our tailored consultancy services to drive growth and profitability.
Why Choose Us?
Our personalized approach and expertise set us apart.
Erik Dietl-Friedli has worked in Garden Retail for over 35 years helping both small and large garden centers exceed goals and gain national prominence. He started at Martin Viette Nurseries on Long Island, progressing from Nursery Assistant Manager to Perennial Department Manager to Store Visual Merchandiser and Seasonal Department Manager. His greatest accomplishment at Viette’s was creating a Christmas Shoppe that dominated the local market and was recognized as an industry leader. Erik then managed the Perennial Department at Hicks Nurseries and worked on Hicks’ Spring Flower Show before moving to Florida.
In 2005, Erik helped open Flamingo Road Nursery in Davie, Florida. He was responsible for creating Departments, Categories, Layout, Systems, Events, and all functions to open the garden center as a regional leader. It opened 3 days after a Category 3 hurricane. By 2008, it was recognized nationally with various awards, and in 2011 was the Revolutionary 100 National Winner from Today’s Garden Center. It continued to win awards, including Espoma’s 2013 Environmental Stewardship Award. Erik also helped develop a Fall Festival, which has become the largest annual family event in the Fort Lauderdale area. Today, Flamingo Road Nursery is a top 100 garden center in the US in annual Sales.
Erik has always participated in and volunteered in various industry events, from garden club presentations to television to being the Chairperson of the Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE), the largest tropical plant show in the world. He sits on the TPIE Planning Committee for FNGLA and volunteers in other ways as well.
Today, Erik is excited to help garden centers reach their full potential and own their market. Focusing on Layout, Processes, Visual Merchandising, and creating dynamic programs and events, Erik can help you succeed.
Dave Williams is a fourth-generation garden center owner and former president of the Garden Centers of America (GCA). Dave directed Williams Nursery in Westfield, NJ, for nearly four decades, transforming it into a thriving hub for plant lovers and horticultural enthusiasts. Under his leadership, Williams Nursery became known for its diverse plant selection, innovative gardening solutions, and exceptional customer service. Dave’s deep horticultural knowledge, combined with his ability to forecast trends and expand the community, propelled the nursery to new heights of success.
Dave’s expertise extends beyond the nursery, as he has consulted on horticulture for high-end projects and provided insights for numerous garden centers nationwide. He has been a prominent speaker at garden events and a guest on various news programs, sharing his passion for plants and gardening with a wider audience. His engaging and educational communication style has made him a beloved figure in the horticultural community.
Throughout his career, Dave has been committed to sustainability and organic practices, reflecting his dedication to environmental stewardship. He has used his photography skills, particularly with his OM-1 camera, to capture the beauty of nature and share it with the community through social media, using hashtags like #plantsofworth and #feralflowerphotography.
Today, Dave is excited to bring his extensive experience and innovative ideas to Garden Center Consultants. By partnering with Erik Dietl-Friedli, he aims to help garden centers across the country achieve peak performance, profitability, and personal fulfillment. Together, they provide a comprehensive suite of services, from strategic planning and trend forecasting to staff training and visual merchandising, ensuring that garden centers not only thrive in a competitive market but also enjoy a balanced and successful business journey.