The funeral profession has always been my calling and my home. My career began in Wenatchee, WA, at the age of 16, working at a local funeral home.
Upon graduating from Mortuary College in 1997, I relocated to Spokane, WA, to continue my service as a licensed Funeral Director and Cemetery professional.
I currently hold funeral director licenses in both Washington and Idaho, as well as Life Insurance Producer licenses in six western states.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving in leadership roles, including as Past President of the Inland Empire Funeral Directors Association (IEFDA) and the Washington State Funeral Directors Association (WSFDA). For six years, I served as the Executive Director of WSFDA, during which time I guided our members through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased our membership base and launched the internationally downloaded podcast MemberTalks! by WSFDA.
With topics ranging from the adoption of technology in funeral services to the critical issue of mental health support for funeral directors, the podcast brought together experts and practitioners to address the profession’s most pressing challenges.
Drawing on my experience as a licensed Funeral Director and with the support of my wife, we founded Dignified Assurance Planning LLC, a business dedicated to assisting families with advanced funeral and affordable cremation planning. This endeavour eventually led me to my current position as Regional Director of PreNeed for the Northwest Region with United Heritage Life Insurance Company.
In my role as Regional Director, I oversee operations across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Alaska, and Western Montana. I work closely with specialised agents to support advanced planning efforts in their communities, ensuring families are prepared and cared for with dignity.
Funeral service remains my passion and my purpose. It is a profession that allows me to provide meaningful service to families and communities and I am honored to continue this important work.
If you’d like to connect, exchange ideas or explore innovations in funeral service, feel free to contact with me on LinkedIn.