Jim McCann likes to make things grow. First, as a florist and then as the founder of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, McCann, a consummate entrepreneur, has shown a knack for making businesses grow and prosper. From its roots in 1976 as a single flower shop in Manhattan, NY, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has become the world’s largest florist with revenues expected to exceed $1 billion. In the process, McCann changed the way flowers and other gifts are marketed for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and special occasions while helping to expand the definition of retailing – positioning his company to help customers express themselves and connect with the important people in their lives.

Combining innovative thinking with entrepreneurial zeal, McCann recognized early on the enormous potential in providing on-the-go consumers with top quality gift products combined with exemplary, personal service. McCann has also consistently managed to stay ahead of the curve in multi-channel retailing by embracing new technologies, such as 800-watts lines and the Internet, often long before other retailers recognized...