Florist shop grows into third-generation family business

Company: Around 70 years ago, Ruth Messmer and her husband Jeff made the move from Pennsylvania to Fort Myers to set up Ruth Messmer Florist Inc. While Ruth tended the business, Jeff grew the flowers. The business stayed in the family when they died, passing over to their daughter, Heather Messmer, 69, who still co-owns the business, and son, Richard Messmer. That was until Richard, a local firefighter, was ready to retire about 13-14 years ago. Then Jessica Gnagey, 43, Heather’s daughter, bought out her uncle.