In 1947,Vernon H. King Jr., then still in high school, began purchasing gladiolas in Manatee County FL., and driving them to Tampa to sell. After he graduated high school in 1948 he founded King's Wholesale. At first the business was seasonal, but by the early 50's the business began to grow. In 1953 Vernon borrowed $3000 and opened up shop on the site where DeSoto Square Mall now sits. With his young wife Virginia and one employee to help, the business began to grow.

In 1972 King's moved to it's current location three blocks farther north. Shortly after that Vernon's three sons Bill, Tom, and Jon joined the business. Today Vernon's sons run a thriving business with more than 40 employees. King's continues to set trends and expand into new markets. Our new web site is part of that commitment to the future. At the same time King's remains very much a family business. Virginia still comes in and helps with the books. Wives and children always help with our open houses.

Many of our employees have been with King's for over 20 years. Our average employee has been with us about ten years. About 25% of our employees have a relative that works for King's. Our employees are truly our most valuable asset.

We hope you visit our web site often and find it informative and useful.

THE PURPOSE of KING'S WHOLESALE
is to glorify God by the way
we serve our customers, care for our employees,
treat our suppliers, and help the community.

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© King's Wholesale Florists