We’re back! After a hiatus, Parish People and Places has returned. Moving forward, we’ll be featuring a different person, local business or institution monthly in this space as way for us to better know and pray for our area of Austin.

First up for 2016 is the Bill Doran Company, a wholesale florist, at 2006 Gaston Pl Dr. right in the heart of Windsor Park. The Bill Doran Co. has locations throughout the US and is based out of Rockford, Illinois, with two locations in Texas, one in San Antonio and the other in here in our neighborhood. They been at this location since 1994. Prior to Bill Doran Co., 2006 Gaston was a grocery store and pharmacy.

I’ve passed by this spot many times, seen the sign and have often wondered what the business was, so I stopped in this past week and sat down with General Manager Kyle Garrison. He was very friendly and hospitable; it was fun to chat with him! They primarily sell to retail and special event florists, along with grocery stores in the Central Texas area. They have 27 employees and bring flowers from all over the globe including from Ecuador, Colombia, Thailand and Holland. Kyle told me that the most popular flowers here in Austin are roses (predictably enough) and hydrangeas, as they’re used in the many weddings in the area.

Kyle mentioned he’s worked at this location for three years, for the company for six, and has always enjoyed it as a company with priority on people. He mentioned they often give flowers at no charge for funerals and other events. He asked for prayer for the safety and health of their employees, especially the drivers as they travel long distances.

Let’s lift up the employees of Bill Doran Co. in prayer together! From the Book of Common Prayer:

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ in his earthly life shared our toil and hallowed our labor: Be present with your people where they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will; and give to us all a pride in what we do, and a just return for our labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

In Christ,
Peter+