What happens when funeral service is quite literally in your DNA? Kevin Quinn Jr. takes us on a captivating journey from growing up in a multi-generational funeral family to becoming the keeper of the Fred Hunter's legacy for two decades. With refreshing candor and insight, Kevin reveals how his parents met in mortuary school, setting the stage for what seemed like an inevitable career path despite his initial plans to pursue business in New York.

The unexpected opportunity to acquire the renowned Fred Hunter's Funeral Home in 2004 marked a turning point, launching Kevin into a fascinating business evolution. He shares the challenges of learning cemetery operations from scratch, developing the Horizon brand across multiple states, and creating the Cremation Society of America to adapt to changing consumer preferences. His strategic thinking shines through as he explains how they transformed struggling locations through targeted marketing and service differentiation.

Beyond business tactics, Kevin offers profound wisdom about balancing professional ambition with family life as a father of three. His daily reminder to his children about controlling their "attitude and effort" reflects the same mindset that propelled him through a full Ironman triathlon and successful business transitions. This philosophy extends to his vision for funeral service evolution – moving beyond traditional spaces to create celebration venues that compete with hotels and event centers while maintaining affordability and personalized service.

The conversation culminates with Kevin's perspective on transitioning from family business to corporate leadership with SCI, where he now serves as Community Development Manager. His insights about organizational culture, employee development, and the importance of respecting every team member reveal why he's been so successful throughout his career. For aspiring funeral professionals or business owners in any field, Kevin's journey offers valuable lessons in adaptation, growth, and maintaining personal values amidst industry transformation.

What leads someone into the funeral profession? For Ellie Tabor, it all began with the profound loss of her grandmother when she was just 15 years old. This pivotal moment sparked Ellie's curiosity about death and dying, guiding her down an unexpected but fulfilling career path that included working at a pet crematory and attending mortuary school. Join us as Ellie recounts the serendipitous journey that led her to become the location manager at Brookside Funeral Home Champions in Houston, Texas. Her story is a testament to the unexpected ways our purposes can unfold.

What does it take to be a compassionate leader in the funeral industry? Ellie shares her insights on the essential qualities that make a good leader, emphasizing humility, emotional intelligence, and humor. She discusses the importance of fostering a supportive and enjoyable workplace where team members feel valued and open communication is encouraged. These qualities not only enhance the management of a funeral home but also ensure that grieving families receive the compassionate care they deserve during their most challenging times.

Balancing work, personal growth, and self-care is crucial in any demanding profession, and Ellie is no exception. She delves into her experiences as a young woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, navigating the challenges with assertiveness and confidence. Ellie also highlights the importance of continuing education through in-person seminars, retreats, and conventions, and the enriching impact these experiences have had on her professional journey. Tune in to discover Ellie's dedication to leaving a meaningful legacy in the funeral profession, driven by her passion and commitment to personal and professional growth.

Embark on a transformative journey with Jason Buchbinder, Service Corporation International's Talent and Strategy Director, as he unveils the power of social media in revolutionizing the funeral profession's approach to talent recruitment. Discover the cutting-edge strategies that are attracting top talent and learn how weaving personal branding into your career narrative can be a game-changer. Jason's story will inspire you to consider the untapped potential of platforms like LinkedIn for growing your team.

During this episode, Jason turns the spotlight on 'everboarding,' a dynamic twist on traditional onboarding that underscores the importance of continuous mentorship and personal development within the workplace. Listen as we uncover the transformative effects of aligning personal aspirations with the organizational mission and how this approach can light a fire within your team. We share anecdotes that demonstrate the moment a manager evolves into a leader, highlighting the profound impact of fostering a workplace culture rooted in respect and recognition of every team member's pivotal role.

We also discuss the strategic innovations that are reshaping Service Corporation International's talent acquisition and engagement. Jason delves into how leveraging the legacy of our local firms has sparked a surge in applicant interest and why embracing a leadership mindset is more crucial than ever in the modern workforce. As we explore the emerging focus on entrepreneurship within the profession, you'll see firsthand how these changes are not only generating excitement but also nurturing a culture of appreciation and innovation. 

Join Mila Minotti in a transformative discussion alongside visionary and seasoned executive Lee Longino, Senior Managing Director with Service Corporation International. Through his innovative approach, Lee has revolutionized the conventional funeral service model by having the courage to try new ideas and a willingness to challenge the status quo. We will delve into the specifics of this pioneering shift, exploring the obstacles encountered, the insightful lessons learned, and the unforeseen impact it has had on bereaved families. Be prepared to uncover the transformative power of Lee's exceptional viewpoint, as it has completely revolutionized the profession.

Delving into the heart of our discussion, we explore the concept of leadership and the importance of fostering creativity within a team. Lee shares his insights on team building, recruitment strategies, and the value of embracing failure, drawing from his extensive experience in leading large teams. We also steer the conversation toward the evolution of the funeral profession, examining how Lee and his team have successfully transformed a traditional, solemn ceremony into a unique, meaningful experience for each family.

We touch on more personal aspects of Lee's life, discussing his passion for playing piano and his love for the British Virgin Islands. Together, we reflect on the role of self-care and well-being in personal longevity and the legacy he hopes to leave behind in the profession. Join us for an enlightening journey through the eyes of a game-changer in the funeral profession. This is one episode you don't want to miss.

What if you found out that a short business would turn into a year-long, career-defining journey? That's exactly what happened to our guest, Chris Mullens, an area manager with Service Corporation International overseeing  Lakeside Memorial Park, Riverside Gordon Minora Gardens, and Riverside Gordon Kendall in the South Florida area. Chris pulls us into his world, sharing his path at SCI; from handling corporate reconciliations to leading a pivotal project integrating HMIS and going Check-Free. It's a captivating tale of change, growth, and seizing unexpected opportunities.

We delve into Chris' transition from consultant to SCI employee, a journey marked by challenges and triumphs. His experiences in building high-performing teams, fostering partnerships, and nurturing relationships serve as crucial lessons. He also shines a light on the technological revolution of the early 2000s and its impact, underlining the value of field involvement in decision-making. It's a dynamic discussion that stitches together the puzzle pieces of team-building, collaboration, and technology.

But this isn't all about work. Chris reveals candid insights into his personal life, his influences, and his vision for his legacy at SCI. He opens up about the profound impact his parents had on his life and his journey as a father. As he paints a picture of his life outside of work, you'll hear his palpable enthusiasm echo throughout the conversation, a testament to his unwavering commitment to a positive work environment. So, get ready to be inspired, to laugh, and to learn from a man who's truly embraced change and transformed opportunities into stepping stones for success.

Ever wondered what it's like to walk a day in the shoes of a leader in the funeral profession? Join us as you uncover the captivating career journey of Ken Peele, from his humble beginnings at Mortuary School in Miami-Dade College to leadership roles within Dignity Memorial. 

🎙️Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating life of a truly exceptional individual who effortlessly embraces diverse roles with pride and passion. Join us for the latest installment of the Legacy Series podcast as we proudly present Ken Peele. He is not only an outstanding Area Manager with the esteemed Gold Coast Market Miami group but is also an avid connoisseur of Samurai swords, a gifted author with two published books to his name, and above all, a loving and devoted husband and father. Notably, Ken carries forward the honorable tradition of being a third -generation funeral director, leaving a lasting impact through his compassionate service to others.

No matter your interest—be it Ken's literary talents, the art of balancing a successful career with family life, or the profound significance of the funeral profession—this episode promises to captivate your heart and mind.

🎧 Click on the link to embark on an intimate and insightful journey with Ken Peele.

Stay connected with us on social media and subscribe to our dedicated Legacy Series channel to be the first to know when new podcast episodes go live.

#KenPeelePodcast #SamuraiSwords #AuthorLife #FamilyFirst #FuneralDirectorLegacy #GoldCoastMarketMiami #PodcastComingSoon #LegacySeriesPodcast #Funeral #Embalmer #DignityMemorial #MiamiDadeCollege #FeatureStory #FSUGrad 

🎉🎤 Welcome to the Legacy Series Podcast Episode #Four: Helping Families Heal through Story Telling with Toni Greatorex! 🌟

In this episode, we are privileged to feature Toni Greatorex, the extraordinary life story manager for the Gold Coast market. Her incredible transformation from a 3rd party vendor to the esteemed leader of one of the most successful life story teams in South Florida is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and commitment to service above self will touch your heart. 

Throughout the episode, you'll be captivated by Toni's unyielding dedication to her craft. She shares her experiences, the challenges she faced, and the pivotal moments that shaped her into the extraordinary leader she is today. 

Toni's ability to connect with people on a profound level and help them preserve their precious memories is truly awe-inspiring. Her warm and empathetic approach to storytelling has touched the hearts of countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on their lives by honoring the legacy of those that have passed.

So, get ready to be swept away by Toni’s remarkable storybook journey; this episode promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Subscribe to the Legacy Series Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and turn on your notifications so you don’t miss an episode. 🎉🎧 Let's embark on this unforgettable journey together! #LegacySeries #Inspiration #Podcast #Funeral #FuneralDirectors #Embalmers #FuneralProfession #Leadership #Mentorship

 Welcome to another episode of the Legacy Series Podcast! In this episode, we’re excited to sit down with Mark Lemay, the Manager of the Gold Coast Crematory in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mark takes us through his remarkable journey into the funeral profession, sharing how he embraced every opportunity to rise to the top and now manages one of Florida’s largest crematory operations. Tune in as we explore Mark’s story, uncovering valuable lessons on navigating and owning your career path in a meaningful and impactful way.

 Join Mila Minotti for a captivating conversation with Michael Tabers on the latest #podcast episode of The Legacy Series Podcast. During the #interview, Mila delves into Michael's journey from small-town Kentucky to life under the sea with the Neptune Memorial Reef™ 🐟

The Neptune Memorial Reef™ is an artificial reef located approximately 3 miles off the coast of Key Biscayne, not far from Miami, FL. Built as an artistic interpretation of the Lost City of Atlantis, the Neptune Memorial Reef™ is a resting place for those who choose cremation and want to be memorialized in a unique underwater setting. This one-of-a-kind underwater cemetery celebrates creating life after life.

On this episode, we are joined by Steve Miller, Managing Director of the South Florida territory with Service Corporation International. Steve gives us an overview of his path to becoming a leader in the funeral profession and provides best practices on how to be more successful in your role.