Course Information:
The Vanguard of Competition
The funeral profession is special and unique. Why? Because we say, it is so. The reality is, it is a “service business” like any other service business. The uniqueness of the funeral profession comes from the fact that funeral professionals specialize in death. And, to be successful as a funeral director, s/he also needs to be a caregiver with exceptional qualities of compassion and understanding. A funeral director needs to posses an exemplary “bed-side” manner. But, it is also true that many times a funeral director will fail to take advantage of business opportunities that other businesses seek out. There is no question that funeral directors recognize the competitiveness of their profession but fail to take advantage of those opportunities. The Vanguard of Competition for the Funeral Profession will review some of those opportunities that can assist you to maintain, or achieve business success.
The Author
Jerry Keller graduated from the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in 1964 and has been involved both directly and indirectly with the Funeral Profession since that time and has been a Certified Bereavement Facilitator since 1997.
Jerry worked in a management consulting roll for the IBM Corporation and took part in a program allowing him to continue his education. Through that program, he received his Ph.D. in Business Administration, from Southwestern University, Metaire, Louisiana. While serving as consultant for IBM, he was involved with providing training in stress management, which included, what to expect at the time of death of a loved one, and assisted employees in recovering from grief and bereavement situations. Jerry has also provided these same services directly to the funeral industry for many years.
