This Sunday (March 1) will be a very special day, long awaited for Tom Gehl and his wife Jolene, owners of Gehl’s Flowers and Gifts located in downtown Burien.
Tom opened Gehl’s Flowers & Gifts over 43 years ago, and has been serving our community ever since. From weddings, to funerals and all of life’s occasions in between, Tom has been there to offer joy, solace, and love in the way only spectacular floral arrangements can.
“It is a hard decision after all the years that Jolene and I have been part of the lives of so many of you,” Tom said. But, now at age 74, he feels it’s time to “pass the reins” off to new owner Robyn Desimone.
Tom will commemorate his retirement with an open house and party this Sunday at his shop, located at 441 SW 152nd Street. The open house will be an opportunity to thank Tom for his years of dedicated service, as well as welcome new owner Robyn to the downtown Burien business community.
“I know I’m not the only one who values a local independent flower and gift shop,” offered a local longtime customer. “It’s great to be able to go in, pick something out and know it’s of the best quality and artistry.”
Burien has not seen the last of Tom though, as he plans to stop by the shop on occasion and help Robyn out when she needs it, mentoring her through the transition as she takes over the business.
“Thank you Tom and Jolene for all you have done for Burien over the last 43 years,” said Andrea Reay, Executive Director of Discover Burien. “Your service and thoughtful dedication to our community has been deeply appreciated by many. Enjoy your retirement, you deserve it!”
To stay involved and learn more about what else is happening in our community please visit www.discoverburien.org.
To read our previous coverage about Tom and his shop, click here.]]>
Enjoy your retirement Tom and Jolene. You have been great assets to our community and I have enjoyed doing business with you over these many years – 43 in fact. Tom T