How florists can flourish

One hundred years ago, a German immigrant named Max Rothe opened a little flower shop on Germantown Avenue in Mount Airy. In the decades since, it has survived war and depression, changing consumer habits, and competition on every front. Six months ago, great-grandson Herbert B. Rothe 3d took over from his father, Herbert Jr., becoming the fourth generation at the helm of what is an increasing rarity in two respects: Rothe's, at 7148 Germantown Ave., is a thriving retail florist, and it's still family-owned. "We're opening the next chapter," says the younger Rothe, 39. And an interesting one it will be. Rothe Florists has had an unbroken chain since 1908, placing it among the less than 3 percent of family businesses that make it to the fourth generation. To say nothing of the longevity of family florists.

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