Darrell L. Waite began his career in the floral industry when he was only fifteen years old. His first job was working for Morgan's Greenhouse in Medina. As soon as he was old enough to drive, he began handling the deliveries of flowers for Morgan's Flower Shop which was owned by Bob and Irene Johnson. In addition to driving Morgan's pink delivery van, Darrell also began to learn the art of preparing floral arrangements.

Darrell and his family opened a second location for Waite & Son Funeral Home in Brunswick, Ohio in 1994. They soon became friends with Art and Cathy Haas, owners of AR-Kay Florist. Art and Cathy had built a wonderful business serving the wedding and funeral floral needs of the local area with quality and distinction, and Waite & Son Funeral Homes quickly learned to depend on AR-Kay's service and professionalism. After Cathy passed away in 2002, AR-Kay remained open until early 2007, and the entire community was heartbroken when ArKay closed its doors.

Meeting Darrell by chance one day, Art suggested that he consider purchasing AR-Kay's former location. During their discussion Art mentioned the fact that the AR-Kay name was also available, and if Darrell purchased the real estate he would be welcome to use the operating name of AR-Kay Florist as well. For the past twenty years, Darrell has taken on a new project each year, both as an investment and as a way to keep busy throughout the Winter months. After this unexpected meeting with Art, Darrell and his wife Carolyn quickly decided to redesign the name to ArKay Floral & Gifts and re-open the wonderful business that had served the community for so many years.

We met recently with Darrell and Operations Manager Lisa Milliron, and listened as they provided this overview of ArKay Floral & Gifts' offerings;

ArKay Floral & Gifts is family owned and operated, and committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. Our professional staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one, and we always go the extra mile to make your floral gift perfect. Our service area includes Brunswick, Hinckley, Medina, Strongsville, and Valley City, Ohio.

We stock a large inventory of fresh flowers, tropicals, plants, and European/dish gardens. We have contemporary and traditional arrangements, high-style floral arrangements, silk arrangements, and dried floral arrangements, in addition to wedding and funeral designs. Our extensive gift line includes gourmet and fruit baskets, gift baskets, greeting cards, collectibles, candles, and much more. Our Internet site is fully operational, and we are now taking orders for Spring and Summer weddings.

We are very excited to have ArKay Floral & Gifts open again, and to be able to continue to serve the local community. After being closed for eight months, it has been heartwarming to see and experience the response from our customers. We have a completely new staff and a newly remodeled facility. Our two floral designers bring a wealth of creativity garnered from their thirty-five years experience in the industry. We realize that ArKay's previous reputation was flawless, and we are dedicated to preserving that tradition of excellence and extending it well into the future.

Let ArKay Floral & Gifts be your first choice for flowers. Call or stop by ArKay Floral & Gifts today, and don't forget to tell them The Parma, Ohio Community Advocate sent you!

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