On last night’s season finale of CBS’ Undercover Boss, 1-800-Flowers President Chris McCann dove into the trenches, foregoing his executive status to take up a number of entry-level jobs at the flower giant’s retail shops across the country. Naturally, McCann went incognito the whole time, ditching his suit and tie for facial scruff, a baseball cap and jeans.
McCann played apprentice to floral designer Pauline Lodato in a North Plainfield, New Jersey flower shop. In the episode, after bearing witness to her boss’ work, Lodato confides in the camera. “I don’t think he’ll last in this business,” she says, unaware that her hapless apprentice could make her job disappear faster than you can say “daffodil”.
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While McCann acted helpless at whipping up anything that resembled a bouquet, he admitted he can spruce up a tulip or two. McCann also worked the line at the company’s chocolate plant, an experience he compared to the classic I Love Lucy candy factory episode.
Chris’ brother, 1-800-Flowers founder and CEO Jim McCann, did not take part in the ruse. He’s simply too recognizable. Jim regularly appears in commercials for 1-800-Flowers.
The company, which is headquartered in Carle Place, got its start in the New York City area in the 1970s. After a few failed attempts Jim McCann snagged the now-famous 1-800-FLOWERS number and revamped the brand, turning it into an empire.
If you missed last night’s season finale, visit the company’s website, where you can find episode footage and a blog of Chris McCann’s misadventures.
