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.