rudy grant, aaf, aifd

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Tampa coupled with a Masters Degree in Special Education from Russell Sage College, Rudy Grant began his professional career guiding mentally challenged students in the Public School System of Schenectady, New York. Simultaneously, he entered the field of floral design, yet soon discovered that this was truly his destiny. Armed with motivational and entrepreneurial skills, he launched Flower Design, Ltd. which expanded to twenty employees in a span of ten years. Quickly, Mr. Grant was recognized as an exceptional floral designer in the Capital Region, and thus was offered an executive marketing position at Seagroatt Floral Company whose sales reached 15 million annually through his efforts. During his tenure at Seagroatt, he created Tablecloths for Granted, Ltd. a subsidiary of Flower Design, Ltd and through his leadership, this linen business flourished. In 1998, Mr. Grant and Tablecloths for Granted, Ltd. established a partnership with world-renowned floral designer David E. Siders launching Experience and Creative Design, Ltd. Together, Grant and Siders combined their knowledge, talent and creative energy into a thriving business that offers a variety of services including interior and floral design, event planning, seasonal commercial installations all within a 14,000 square foot retail showroom of home accessories, gifts and florals. Mr. Siders and Mr. Grant have been active members of the Schenectady community. They assumed leadership roles in the Schenectady 2000 Plan in directing the Union College Freshman Day and Schenectady 2000 Gala. They continually lend their talent, expertise and product to Proctors Theater, Hospice, Haven, St. Clare’s Hospital and The Junior League of Schenectady. They were requested by the Mayor to serve on the Downtown Master Plan Task Force as Chairmen and members of the Arts and Entertainment and Retail Development Committees. Their contributions have been an integral part of the revitalization of the city of Schenectady.