On Tuesday, March 24, Wayne County CEO students had the pleasure of visiting Chad and Melissa Musgrave, owners of Everlasting Florals in Fairfield, Illinois. Chad and Melissa provided students with an in-depth tour of their business operations.

Everlasting Florals specializes in designing and preparing funeral flower arrangements, cemetery arrangements, memorial gifts, and retail items. Their retail offerings include Phillipstown Coffee, Wind & Willow, Terrapin Ridge, Cracker Smack, Warmies, and Simply Southern. In addition, they have developed a growing online presence, particularly for their grave saddles and custom design pieces. These saddles are manufactured in-house and shipped nationwide.

During the visit, students were given a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s manufacturing equipment, shipping station, and expansive inventory warehouse. Chad and Melissa also shared insight into their busiest season, which is the month of May leading up to Memorial Day. To prepare, they begin designing grave saddles as early as January to ensure they are ready to meet customer demand.

Chad explained that he manages the accounting side of the business, drawing on his previous experience in the manufacturing field, while Melissa contributes her creativity to the design process. He also shared that he greatly prefers small business ownership over the traditional 9-to-5 factory lifestyle.

Chad and Melissa are investors in the Wayne County CEO Program, and we greatly appreciate not only their financial support but also their hospitality in hosting our students. Thank you again to the Musgraves for an informative and engaging visit!