Employer:
FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services
Education:
Rensselaer Central High School; Worsham College of Mortuary Science of Wheeling, Illinois (Associate’s); Taylor University of Upland, Bachelor’s degree.
Community organizations in which you are involved:
Member of Apostolic Christian Church of Leo; Sunday School teacher; Fort Wayne Rescue Mission; Erin’s House for Grieving Children; Mission Church Christmas Eve Distribution; Supporter of Fort Wayne Fraternal Order of Police; local Little League sponsor.
Hobbies:
Running, home projects, fantasy football, and spending time with my family.
Why are you in northeast Indiana?
My wife and I moved to the Fort Wayne area after feeling directed to work with youth at Gateway Woods Family Services
in Leo. We worked with teenagers who were court-ordered to be in group home placement. It’s a wonderful organization with people that have a heart for the youth of northeast Indiana. My wife and I understood it would be a short-term ministry opportunity. We served there for three years before my wife returned to teaching and I returned to the funeral industry.
What is it about your profession that you enjoy and why?
Caring for others through a difficult time is always very fulfilling. People who arrive at our funeral home typically don’t want to be there, but it’s where they find themselves. Coming alongside and helping mend the brokenness is where I find the most fulfillment. My work is very purposeful, and, although difficult, the work keeps me focused on others. Working around death causes constant self-reflection and eternal thinking. I also enjoy working alongside local clergy, healthcare workers, and military honors teams. This profession allows me to feel connected to the community.
What does success mean to you?
A successful day for me is when details are carried out with accuracy, a community joins together in support, and a grieving family is satisfied and at peace with their act of commemoration. Personally, feeling successful usually means that I’ve given my best for God’s glory.
Where did your first pay check come from? What was your job then?
Who was your biggest supporter who helped you advance in your career?
My family. I’ve been blessed with a wife, parents, sisters, and in-laws who have always supported me. I’ve also worked with good leaders who challenged and pushed me.
What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far in your career?
Teaming up with my business partners, Mark Scheidt, Britton Claghorn, and Lucas Glessner. These guys make me better every day. The establishment of this group and the unified way in which we began our business was a great accomplishment.