The Pursuit of Purpose - by Lane D DeVries (Paperback)

About the Book

From immigrant to industry leader, Lane DeVries built a major American flower enterprise through perseverance, ethical leadership, and purpose. A powerful memoir of business, resilience, and vision.

Book Synopsis

From the tulip fields of Holland to the rugged coast of Northern California, The Pursuit of Purpose is an inspiring true story of resilience, faith, and the relentless pursuit of the American dream.

Lane DeVries, a fourth-generation flower farmer, shares his remarkable forty-year journey building one of America's largest flower farms, Sun Valley Floral Farms, through triumphs, setbacks, and seasons of profound change. With honesty and heart, DeVries invites readers behind the scenes of the floral industry, revealing the challenges of entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation in a rapidly changing marketplace.

More than a business memoir, this is a story of faith, family, perseverance, and purpose. From humble beginnings in the Netherlands to navigating labor crises, economic upheaval, and global competition, DeVries shows how values such as integrity, teamwork, gratitude, and humility can carry a vision through even the hardest storms.

Written for entrepreneurs, leaders, farmers, and dreamers alike, this deeply personal narrative offers timeless lessons on building a business with purpose, leading with resilience, finding opportunity in adversity, and staying true to one's values in times of uncertainty. The Pursuit of Purpose reminds us that success is not measured by wealth or fame, but by the difference we make, the people we uplift, and the legacy we leave behind.

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR THE PURSUIT OF PURPOSE

This is far more than a business memoir, it's a moving and masterfully told story

about legacy, leadership, and the quiet strength that comes from living a life of purpose.

With authenticity and grace, Lane Devries shares a 40-year journey that mirrors

the very nature of the flowers he grew, rooted deeply, shaped by the seasons, and

made beautiful through resilience.

From humble beginnings to building the nation's largest flower farm, this book captures

not only the evolution of an industry, but the transformation of a life grounded

in values, faith, and meaning. Every page reveals insights that extend well beyond

agriculture, touching on what it truly means to build something that matters and

to lead with heart.

If you're looking for inspiration, wisdom, and a genuine reminder that purpose often

grows through adversity, you'll find it here.

Barry Gottlieb, Author of Brilliant on the Basics, Every Day is a Gift, TGIT,

Horizons of Growth, and This Old Dog Can Teach You New Tricks...

If you've ever wondered how great companies endure, this candid and moving story

from the founder of Sun Valley Floral Farms shows the formula for success: relentless

improvement, radical transparency, and a people-first culture that holds in every

storm. DeVries turns numerous personal challenges and business setbacks into a practical

playbook for resilience-ten principles you can use tomorrow to build something

that lasts by anchoring in purpose.

Dr. Charles R. (Charlie) Hall, Professor & Ellison Chair in

International Floriculture, Texas A&M University

In his highly personal memoir, Lane weaves lessons of faith into his floral story. Having

devoted more than four decades to flower farming, he maintains an optimism,

sense of calling, and an unwavering passion for growing flowers that readers will

find inspiring.

Debra Prinzing, Author and founder of the Slow Flowers Movement

"In a country of instant 'fame and fortune, ' a Dutch flower farmer had a dream, a long,

well thought out dream that he put into reality with a plan, perseverance, commitment

and very hard work. This book journals the how-to's for flower lovers and business

students alike. A guide to success and branding in a world with hollow brands.

This is the real story, filled with wisdom and spirituality by one of the most passionate

and humble flower growers I have had the pleasure of working with for a long

time." A success story, filled with lessons.

Rene van Rems, AIFD, Dutch master designer, presenter and author

This book is Enthralling from the First Paragraph... and it's an incredible testament

to DeVries's Perseverance in the face of difficulties and challenges... this book provides

Great Insights to Pursuing Your Own Purpose...with faith and love! "

J Schwanke, Host of "J Schwanke's Life in Bloom" on PBS and Create TV

"As someone who has witnessed Lane DeVries' extraordinary journey firsthand and

partnered with Sun Valley to bring millions of flowers to customers across America,

I can say there is no one better equipped to tell the true story of purpose, perseverance,

and innovation in our industry. The Pursuit of Purpose is not just a memoir,

it's a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and the kind of values that every entrepreneur,

dreamer, and business leader should aspire to embrace."

Jim McCann, Founder and chairman of 1-800-flowers