Jim McCann

Jim Mccann James “Jim” McCann likes to make things grow both as a florist and as an entrepreneur. As the founder of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, McCann, a consummate entrepreneur, has shown a knack for making businesses grow and prosper.

With his skills, dedication and foresight, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, has transformed from being a as a single flower shop in Manhattan, NY in 1976, to the world's largest florist with revenues expected to exceed $1 billion. In the process, Jim McCann has dramatically altered the way flowers and other gifts are marketed for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and special occasions.

In addition to being the first company to have its 800-telephone number as its name a marketing insight that helped solidify 1-800-FLOWERS brand in consumers minds, McCann showed ingenious foresight in utilizing the enormous reach of the Internet as early as 1991.

His Contribution and Achievements:

In 1992 and 1994, McCann established deals with online pioneers CompuServe and AOL, becoming among the first retailers to establish an online presence. Again, the success of AOL and 1-800-Flowers' exclusive agreement with the online provider was very beneficial to the company.
In 1995, McCann established the Web site www.1800flowers.com, becoming one of the first retailers to establish a Web presence. The company went public when it filed its IPO in 1999 under stock ticker FLWS.
As of 2008, McCann continues to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of 1-800-Flowers.
McCann is an acclaimed author and award winning public speaker as well as a frequent guest on radio and television programs nationwide.
He is a member of the board of directors of Willis Group Holdings Limited and Gruppo Lottomatica.

Books By McCann

McCann attributes much of his success to the lessons he learned in his first career in the social services. At St. John's Home for Boys in Rockaway, New York, McCann recalls, he helped underprivileged youths learn how to overcome the many challenges of their environment. His experiences greatly influenced his management style and prepared him to lead 1-800-FLOWERS.COM toward becoming one of the world's most successful multi-channel retailers.