How a Florist Is Helping Put Self-Driving Cars to Work for Small Businesses

Ford worked with business owners like Romina Orozco-Encio of to ensure the self-driving delivery service could seamlessly integrate with their operations.

By Alexander Buznego, Miami Market Manager, Ford Autonomous Vehicles, LLC

Saying goodbye to Argentina wasn’t easy for Romina Orozco-Encio and her family. When they arrived in the United States almost three decades ago, her parents had to quickly figure out how to make a life for their family. So they dipped into their history and opened a flower shop like Romina’s grandfather had in their native country.

While her parents worked hard to make that flower shop a success, Romina was studying to become a teacher. Her plans changed when her father spoke of selling the flower shop, but she has never looked back after taking over the family business. For almost 30 years, she and her family have steered Abbott Florist through Miami’s ever-shifting landscape, tackling the challenge of running a local business amidst a sea of large corporations, intense competition and evolving customer habits.

There are stories like this all over South Florida, where small business owners stand resilient in a changing environment. The Miami area is home to the most startup activity in the country, according to the Kauffman Foundation Index of Startup Activity, but the region is near the bottom in terms of scaling. So people are starting businesses, but they are having a tough time growing those businesses. One big reason? As more of the shopping experience moves online and favors delivery service, small businesses need access to convenient and affordable delivery services that will help them reach consumers who may never step foot in their stores.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.