Dorothy Biddle Service RETAIL ABOUT US

Our Company History

For over 30 years Dorothy Biddle (my grandmother, below left) was the best known flower arranger in America. She authored a score of books and edited several national magazines. She lectured and taught in 47 states and beyond, to over 100 garden clubs each year. In 1936, she told her son (my father, below right), Rod Johnson, that it was impossible to find the needed 'mechanics' in the communities where she lectured. She helped him buy some flower holders, clay, tape, wire, etc. that he could offer to her students...and so started Dorothy Biddle Service.

By the mid-1960's, Dorothy Biddle (Mrs. Walter Adams Johnson) was fully retired. But DBS continued to grow as each generation had the same need for good tools and supplies. We were also supplying garden centers, gift shops and florists with our products. About that time, I began working at DBS after school and summers, and then after years of college and a 'real job', I returned to DBS in 1973 as office manager.

In 1981, DBS moved here to the Pocono Mountains, to a larger and more efficient building. My husband Chuck and three children, Matthew, Michael and Elizabeth have all helped out when needed over the years. Back in July 1986 my dad officially retired...he passed away earlier this year. As the current owner of DBS I hope to continue supplying the world's flower arrangers with the equipment they need. I know my grandmother would be proud of her family--manufacturing, importing, and distributing all of the arranging needs to shops in all 50 states and beyond.

(written by owner, Lynne Dodson)

Dorothy Biddle, Rod's mother and Lynne's grandmother.

Rod Johnson, Lynne's dad and former owner.

Our Staff

Lynne Dodson, owner

Lynne spends a good portion of her time traveling to trade shows across the country, making our products available 'in person' to retailers. When she's back in the office, Lynne answers your calls, handles the accounts payable & inventory, packs up orders on occasion, and 'molds' the hairpin flower holders. She can often be found in her office scouring stacks (upon stacks!) of trade publications in search of innovative products to add in the next edition of DBS Highlights. The catalog itself (as those of you who produce one know all too well!) requires much thought and effort, and Lynne always makes ours turn out perfectly. Lynne enjoys adventuring, and has visited nearly every state in the union. She's been on hiking trips in the national parks of Utah, traveled to Belize (which looks amazing from the photos she took!) and jaunted to Grenada with a long layover in Puerto Rico...in February of 2004 she traveled to Dominica with her husband and hopes to head either to the Virgin Islands or Tobago on her next journey.

Amy Keane, manager & internet specialist

Amy answers your calls when Lynne is out of the office, processes your orders, and handles your accounts. She also packs your orders, helps mold, and sets pins (for the hairpin flower holders) when necessary. She's the office technophile, creating and maintaining both DBS websites as well as being the office 'computer person'.

Karen Bolton, shipping manager

Karen handles the packing and shipping duties here at DBS, working in shifts to ensure that your orders go out right away...the same day you place them in most cases!