How did you get started in the funeral industry?
I started in the funeral industry in the Fall of 2018 when I took the Controller position at Tiedemann-Bevs Industries. Prior to that I spent several years in public accounting as an auditor, project management for a large clinical research organization, and financial reporting for the country’s largest concrete construction contractor.
What is the most rewarding part of your occupation?
The most rewarding part of my occupation is the people I encounter on a daily basis. The team at Tiedemann is like a family and I look forward to the daily interactions with all of our employees. In addition, I thoroughly enjoy the interactions within our industry including our customers and our vendors. This industry is so unique compared to other industries I have previously been in and it is filled with an incredible amount of great people.
Is there a specific moment or experience in your career that encapsulates your passion for what you do?
The moment for me was a few years ago we found one of the original signs from the Theo Tiedemann & Sons New York Office in storage at our Richmond building. The sign is from the early 1900’s and while I was already passionate about what I did (at that time in the Controller role) it was a huge realization that this company truly does have a 150 year history and its need of dedication and service are just as critical now as they were 150+ years ago. It is a great reminder of just how important what we do and who we do it for really is. That sign now hangs in our hallway as a daily reminder.
Who or what inspires you?
Family. Specifically, my wife Julia, and daughter Penelope. They are the driving force and inspiration behind everything I do. My hope is to leave a lasting impression of doing things the right way both professionally and personally so that they are proud of what I did and accomplished.
How long have you been a member of CFSA?
About 4 years now.
How has being a CFSA member impacted your experience in the funeral supply industry?
The CFSA was how I first got to meet many of the great people in our industry. I had just started before the fall conference in 2018 and remember the warm welcome I got from everyone that I met that year. It was a great first impression from everyone in the industry and continues to do so to this day.
What has been your favorite moment with CFSA?
The 2021 Conference when Mike Mims and Tim Murphy called me up on stage to give me a “Future CFSA Member” onesie for my daughter Penelope. She had just been born about a week and a half before the conference and it was such an incredibly thoughtful gesture that I think truly shows the way the industry and the CFSA care about its members.
How do you spend your time outside of work? Is there anything in particular that you enjoy doing?
I spend most of my time outside of work with my family. My wife, daughter, and I love being active whether that is going for a hike, out to a park, taking a bike ride, or going on spur of the moment adventures.
Outside of my family time I am also involved in several charities. I have spent the last 5 years working with an animal rescue group, Paw Patrol Dayton, helping with various activities (pulling dogs from high kill shelters, fundraisers etc.) as well as maintaining the financials and annual reporting. Rescue animals have been incredible companions to me over the years (we currently have two now, a beagle named Herman and a boxer-bulldog named Layla) so this has been a way for me to help in return.
I also am involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami Valley organization where I serve on the executive board. The Dayton area has been home to me and being a part of an organization who truly impacts the youth of our community is something I consider lucky to be a part of.
What are some important/notable trends that you have noticed in the funeral supply industry?
As a supplier to the industry I would say the biggest trend is the constantly shifting supply chain/global playing field. Adapting and adjusting have always been critical but remain even more important now than ever.