MEET THE 2016-17 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATES
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY SPONSORED BY: KELCO SUPPLY, MFDA SERVICE CORPOR ATION & MFDA
The MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY experience enables both experienced and emerging leaders to excel – now and into the future. Participants will learn leadership concepts and proven techniques relevant for their profession, as well as gain important insights into the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association.
MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PROGRAM INFORMATION
MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Program Information The next LEADERSHIP ACADEMY meets six times from October 2017 to April 2018 with graduation at the MFDA Annual Convention in May 2018. Sessions will be mid-week on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. This program will teach you skills that will enhance both your Funeral Home and its impact in your community. You will learn strategies for personal growth and organizational development applicable to your profession. You will build lasting relationships with classmates, fellow leaders in your professional community. Your classmates today will be the people you call on tomorrow for advice, support, or to share a humorous moment. You will become a part of the MFDA legacy of leadership. Leadership academy alumni will participate in building the strong tradition of Funeral Service and advancing the mission of MFDA.
Goals of the MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY As a member of the MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY you will: • Bring out the best in yourself and your team members. • Make consistently sound, excellent decisions as a business leader and as a professional. • Build strong, trust-based relationships with consumers, colleagues, and vendors. • Participate in MFDA leadership opportunities that will allow you to build on the legacy of past strengths, with a clear vision for the future. • Gain the visibility and knowledge to prepare you for opportunities in MFDA leadership.
Interested in the next Leadership Academy session? For more information, visit mnfuneral.org or contact Darlyne at (763) 416-0124.
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INTRODUCTION TO THE MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
2017 Leadership Academy Graduation I am pleased to say that the Leadership Academy initiative that was born in 2014 at a Strategic Planning session of the MFDA board has graduated the second class of up and coming leaders! I want to thank Alicia Carr at Kelco Supply, the MFDA Service Corporation Board, and the MFDA Board for believing enough in this program to support it financially. I am also pleased that not only the students of this program, but more importantly their firm owners recognized the value. We hear a lot about work force issues and the difficulty in finding the right candidates for the job. However, once you hire someone, it’s equally as important to support them with opportunity to grow professionally and personally. Thank you to all the participants of this year’s program. Going forward MFDA’s goal is to continue the connection with all the graduates, generating opportunities that are meaningful that will benefit both the graduate and the association. The Leadership Academy began as an idea, and proof that it has come to a positive fruition can be seen in the pages of this brochure. Again, a big thank you to the MFDA Board, MFDA Service Corporation Board, Kelco Supply, and to the individuals who became the first and second class of the academy and the funeral homes who encouraged them to participate. Thanks also to the Districts who provided financial support and most importantly the two gentlemen who provided the framework for the Academy, Bruce Matza and Chad Weinstein. I look forward to what the future will bring and how we continue re-shape, tweak and improve the educational experience for future leaders. I now introduce you to the second-year graduates of MFDA’s Leadership Academy.
Darlyne Erickson, CAE MFDA Executive Director
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MEET THE 2016-17 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATES
Camille Boone-Harrison Funeral Home: Estes Funeral Home
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director?
What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?
I am the Business Manager for Estes Funeral Chapel.
One of the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service is the rising cost of funerals.
How do you consider yourself successful?
Favorite leadership quote:
I consider myself successful because I put my all into everything I do, I always try to help other people, and I’m always striving for improvement.
“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness.” - Oprah Winfrey
What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy? MFDA Leadership Academy has inspired me to be a better leader. Leadership taught me that everyone has different communication styles and that personalizing those styles with employee’s leads to successful outcomes.
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MEET THE 2016-17 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATES
Spenser Brackey Funeral Home: Bonnerup Funeral Service
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director? I had a close family friend die in a car accident when I was 13. To see the way the funeral director in my hometown of Lake Mills, IA handle this situation, and to somehow be able to say the right things to not only get our family, but the family that lost their loved one through the upcoming days was very admirable. I thought to myself, “If I could do this – if even for one family in my entire career, it would be worthwhile.” After that, I never pictured myself doing anything other than becoming a funeral director.
Another issue we face is the lack of qualified people interested in helping in funeral service, as well as retention of those who are actively engaged in the field.
Favorite leadership quote: “A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, and a little less than his share of the credit.” – Arnold Glasgow
What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?
I consider myself successful by striving to be a better person than I was the day before. If today, I was a better dad, husband, co-worker and friend than I was the day before, I consider myself to be successful.
The greatest thing about the Leadership Academy is that it takes you outside of the office. What I mean by that is that it opens your mind to think about your actions not only at work, but in the community as well. Coming into this program, I was thinking our focus would be on how to become better leaders at work. After this program, I have learned how to become a leader outside of work, which is so important to understand!
What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?
Personal quote about the MFDA Leadership Academy:
In my opinion, the biggest issues facing funeral service in Minnesota is the inability to welcome change by funeral establishments. Families are not looking for the same service they had for their grandma 20 years ago. Families are finding new ways to celebrate the life of a loved one, and if the funeral home can’t give ideas, or be open to new ideas, families will increasingly continue to leave the funeral home out of their plans.
The MFDA Leadership Academy opened my eyes to think of myself as a leader not only in my work environment, but more importantly, to see that I can become a leader at home and in my community. Every day, there is an opportunity to make this world a better place, and the Leadership Academy has taught me to seek out these opportunities, and try to influence positive change at home, at work, or in the community.
How do you consider yourself successful?
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MEET MEET THETHE 2016-17 2016-17 LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ACADEMY GRADUATES GRADUATES
Jessica Haddrill Funeral Home: Kok Funeral Home
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director?
family members and friends to come and pay tribute to the loved one’s life lived.
There wasn’t one single thing that inspired me to be a Funeral Director; I think it was a lot of different aspects of the job that I found desirable. I was enrolled in a Forensic Anthropology course in college when I started volunteering at the medical examiner’s office in New Mexico. It was there that I started interacting with families and human remains and really liked the idea of doing something similar for a career. As I explored my options for a career further, I realized funeral service was more interesting to me than being an emergency room physician as I originally thought.
Favorite leadership quote:
How do you consider yourself successful? I find myself successful in knowing that if at the end of the day, I was able to guide a family through their darkest hours and relieve some of their stress, then I did my job. I also find success in hearing how peaceful someone looks and what a perfect day I helped them create to remember their loved one’s life.
What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service? One of the biggest issues we are facing in funeral service in general would be that of families who are electing not to have a service at all for their loved one and/or allowing us as funeral professionals to provide services in our area of expertise. Many times we help them with the cremation or burial but no memorialization is actually taking place, which would allow other
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“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” - Douglas MacArthur
What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy? I have mostly learned about my own leadership style and how to work with other personalities in a positive manner to accomplish a common goal. I think that in order to be a good leader you must first understand yourself and secondly understand how to lead others in a manner in which they can relate to. I have also learned that my goals as a leader are different than others but we can reach the same outcome if we can develop a plan, delegate tasks, accomplish the work, but most importantly reflect back and see if there is a better way to do it the future.
Personal quote about the MFDA Leadership Academy: I think that the MFDA Leadership Academy is a great program for not only those that are new to funeral service but also great for those who have been in funeral service a long time and are looking to improve themselves and the teams they lead.”
MEET THE 2016-17 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATES
Ashleigh Hampton Funeral Home: Estes Funeral Chapel
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director? My grandfather inspired me to become a funeral director. I was in school deciding between careers and he said, “What about being a mortician?” I wasn’t quite sure what exactly being a mortician entailed, but I researched and I became more interested and knew this was a path for me.
How do you consider yourself successful? My success is my relationship with God and my children. I wouldn’t remotely be where I am today and accomplished half of what I’ve done without them.
What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?
Favorite leadership quote: I’m not sure if this is necessarily a “leadership” quote, but it’s my favorite and I believe it will help you become a good leader if you stay mindful of it…“Success isn’t permanent and failure isn’t fatal” – Mike Ditka
What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy? That being a good leader is not about just getting people to follow you or do what you say; but simply find out what motivates people to effectively and proficiently do their task and then use that tool.
Personal quote about the MFDA Leadership Academy: Best tool Estes Funeral Chapel has given me.
I believe the biggest issue Minnesota faces is cremation. More and more families are choosing cremation and to hold their own memorial services without funeral director’s involvement. It is becoming more difficult to show families the importance of using funeral directors to help plan and direct memorial services.
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MEET MEET THETHE 2016-17 2016-17 LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ACADEMY GRADUATES GRADUATES
Mike Messina Funeral Home: Dingmann Funeral Care
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director? I have always loved people. It is an honor to walk with your fellow brother/sister at one of the most fragile points in their life and an opportunity to make a positive impact in their journey.
How do you consider yourself successful? I judge my success on how I impact and empower the world around me. Do I build up or tear down – do I open or close doors – am I a giver or a taker? If I leave the world a better place than I have been successful.
What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service? In my opinion a few issues are of concern to me: 1. There is a shortage of qualified licensed staff, which will pose a problem for all of funeral service, especially rural areas. 2. How does the typical funeral establishment remain relevant in the future – do they have the ability to meet the changing needs/wishes/desires of the families they serve.
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Favorite leadership quote: “What is the purpose of this story” – are you sticking to the facts or do you embellish the truth, and if so, at the expense of?
What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy? I’ve gained insight as to why and how I interact with others based on my ethics, communication style and prejudices. I now can use this knowledge to communicate on a different level that allows me to be a more effective leader.
Personal quote about the MFDA Leadership Academy: The Leadership Academy is a great opportunity for personal growth and development, a tool to strengthen your communication style and leadership skills.
MEET THE 2016-17 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATES
Aaron Omtvedt Funeral Home: Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director? During my undergraduate years I was planning to pursue a different profession. Fortunately, though, during that time I took a job at a local funeral home. While there I worked with a young funeral director that really took the extra time to include me in the business and show me the value of funeral service within the community. He inspired me to change my course of study and he taught me a lot. I’m very grateful for that.
How do you consider yourself successful? From a business perspective, owning and operating my own successful funeral firm is my ultimate goal. I have aspired to that idea for a long time and that will one day be a great success for me. More personally, though, being able to provide well for my family by offering a valuable, meaningful service to those that need it most is a great success.
What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service? In an environment of seemingly limitless (and often inaccurate) information, I believe our industry’s foremost task should be to educate the public about the value and purpose of funeral service. In my opinion, the trend toward immediate or minimized services is not a cause for our industry’s collective difficulties, but is rather an effect felt as a result of a population that has not learned the value of what we offer.
Favorite leadership quote: “Great leaders don’t need to act tough. Their confidence and humility serve to underscore their toughness”. - Simon Sinek
What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy? First, I’ve learned that there is a wealth of likeminded professionals all around our state. Next, I have learned new techniques to seek out and address my own weaknesses. Finally, I have been reminded that it is critical to actively pursue new knowledge. There is always something else to learn.
Personal quote about the MFDA Leadership Academy: I enjoyed my involvement with the MFDA Leadership Academy, and would absolutely recommend it to others. Bruce and Chad are to be commended for the time they have spent learning about our industry, as well as the expertise they have exhibited in designing a program especially for us. Thank you to the members of MFDA for offering me this great opportunity.
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MEET MEET THETHE 2016-17 2016-17 LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ACADEMY GRADUATES GRADUATES
Brooke Sanders Funeral Home: Pedersen Funeral Home
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director? From a very young age, I was interested in a career in healthcare. I knew that I wanted to be in a position to help others. As I got older, I realized that funeral service would be a perfect career. My dad, a funeral director for over 25 years was very supportive and helped inspire me to become a funeral director.
How do you consider yourself successful? I consider myself successful in providing meaningful services to families I serve. I take pride in getting to know families that I work with on a personal level, and the feedback I receive is uplifting.
What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service? I believe one of the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service is the decreased number of families choosing not to have a service for their loved ones. I believe that it is our job as funeral professionals to reach out to families and teach them the value of having a service. With this, I also believe that funereal directors need to be open to new ideas of service, so that we can adapt to serve any family’s needs and ideas.
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Favorite leadership quote: “Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.” - John Maxwell
What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy? The MFDA Leadership Academy has taught me skills to grow as a leader. Some of these include communication styles, decision making, and working with different personalities.
Personal quote about the MFDA Leadership Academy: The MFDA Leadership Academy was a great resource. I was able to meet many people in the industry and have gained close relationships with peers in the funeral service industry. The Leadership Academy has also helped me grow confidence in my work. I recommend this academy to anyone looking to grow as a funeral director or funeral professional.
MEET THE 2016-17 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATES
Jon Seitz Funeral Home: Washburn McReavy
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director? Growing up in and around the family business was obviously the major factor in my decision. However I had always had an aptitude for the sciences, so schooling wise I was drawn towards the biology, chemistry, and anatomy aspects of the Mortuary Science program.
Favorite leadership quote: “Mountains are the means, the man is the end. The goal is not to reach the tops of mountains, but to improve the man.” - Walter Bonatti
What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?
I consider myself successful due to the fact that I have worked in almost every position at our company over the last 15 years. I started as a grounds keeper at Hillside Cemetery, then general maintenance and lawn care for the chapels, receptionist, driver, and now funeral director.
Several of the guest speakers we had were extremely relevant to some current struggles within our industry, which was very helpful. I also enjoyed many of the small exercises we did such as the blind maze, or the process perfection (by passing an orange around). One of the exercises introduced me to Robert’s Rules of order, which is something I never knew I had already been using (somewhat). This course introduces you to many new topics and materials,
What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?
Personal quote about the MFDA Leadership Academy:
Cremation…more specifically direct cremation with no interment. I feel the answer to this issue is purely education. Many families seem to be unaware of the many options they have after cremation.
The MFDA Leadership Academy is a great course where driven, like-minded people are able to come together and discuss current issues facing our respective careers, funeral homes, and industry as a whole.
How do you consider yourself successful?
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MEET THE WHAT 2016-17 ACADEMY LEADERSHIP GRADUATES ACADEMY HAVE GRADUATES TO SAY…
2016-17 Academy Graduates in Their Own Words “MFDA Leadership Academy has inspired me to be a better leader. Leadership taught me that everyone has different communication styles and that personalizing those styles with employee’s leads to successful outcomes.” - Camille Boone-Harrison “The MFDA Leadership Academy opened my eyes to think of myself as a leader not only in my work environment, but more importantly, to see that I can become a leader at home and in my community. Every day, there is an opportunity to make this world a better place, and the Leadership Academy has taught me to seek out these opportunities, and try to influence positive change at home, at work, or in the community.” - Spenser Brackey “I think that the MFDA Leadership Academy is a great program for not only those that are new to funeral service but also great for those who have been in funeral service a long time and are looking to improve themselves and the teams they lead.” - Jessica Haddrill “Best tool Estes Funeral Chapel has given me.” - Ashleigh Hampton “The Leadership Academy is a great opportunity for personal growth and development, a tool to strengthen your communication style and leadership skills.” - Mike Messina
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WHAT ACADEMY GRADUATES HAVE TO SAY…
2016-17 Academy Graduates in Their Own Words “I enjoyed my involvement with the MFDA Leadership Academy, and would absolutely recommend it to others. Bruce and Chad are to be commended for the time they have spent learning about our industry, as well as the expertise they have exhibited in designing a program especially for us. Thank you to the members of MFDA for offering me this great opportunity.” - Aaron Omtvedt “The MFDA Leadership Academy was a great resource. I was able to meet many people in the industry and have gained close relationships with peers in the funeral service industry. The Leadership Academy has also helped me grow confidence in my work. I recommend this academy to anyone looking to grow as a funeral director or funeral professional.” - Brooke Sanders “The MFDA Leadership Academy is a great course where driven, like-minded people are able to come together and discuss current issues facing our respective careers, funeral homes, and industry as a whole.” - Jon Seitz
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MEET THE MEET 2016-17 THE LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ACADEMYGRADUATES INSTRUCTORS
Bruce R. Matza Company: Innovations in Management
Bruce R. Matza brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, staff & customer retention and customer service. He has over 35 years of experience with such prominent brands as Neiman Marcus, where he was a senior executive for 20 years. He has advised numerous organizations including Walt Disney World, Harrods of London, Marriott, Motorola, Michigan and Minnesota Funeral Directors Associations, Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, National Retail Federation, National Restaurant Association, Austin Board of REALTORSÂŽ, American Society of Association Executives, US Chamber of Commerce, United Way Worldwide and many others.
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He is author and creator of Becoming a Customer Service Star, initially designed for Walt Disney World. It is in a 3rd edition published by HRD Quarterly and to date has sold over 250,000 copies to organizations interested in the enhancement of their customer satisfaction initiatives. Bruce is a well-known speaker, seminar leader and facilitator; and serves as a leadership mentor to physicians and executives across the country. Bruce served honorably as an officer in the U.S. Air force and has been featured in many articles and stories in addition to being a guest on The NBC Today Show.
MEET THE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY INSTRUCTORS
Chad (Charles) Weinstein, Ph.D. Company: Ethical Leaders in Action
Charles A. “Chad” Weinstein is president of Ethical Leaders in Action, LLC., and author of Thinking Aloud: Reflections on Ethical Leadership. Ethical Leaders in Action (ELA) provides leadership development, education, and strategic consulting services to public safety, health care, and business organizations. Weinstein is a frequent presenter at conferences, seminars, and events. He is community faculty member of the Metropolitan State University School of Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement. Weinstein also serves on Mixed Blood Theatre’s Board of Directors. Weinstein’s formal education is in ethics, but his experience – and orientation – is as a business practitioner. He recognized early on that while most of business ethics is concerned with constraining bad behavior, its failures in that respect continue to make headlines. He believes that our ethical traditions are much broader, teaching and urging us to work and live in ways that are both meaningful and productive. Ethical leadership is the critical factor. Weinstein’s work is primarily oriented toward helping leaders foster that broader sense of ethics and effectiveness in their work, in pursuit of ELA’s mission: Empower ethical leaders to achieve extraordinary results. Weinstein has been a consultant and manager for over 25 years. Prior to forming Ethical Leaders in Action, Weinstein founded and led the Hill Center for Ethical Business Leadership, a division of the James J. Hill Reference Library.
In that capacity, Weinstein developed and implemented contemporary approaches to leadership development, using classical concepts drawn from multiple ethical traditions. Earlier in his career, Weinstein led engagements and client relationships in the areas of market and technology research and information management, most recently as Vice President of Client Services at Guideline, Inc. Weinstein has led teams and business units, serving clients in many industries, including: • Public Safety (fire, law enforcement, and EMS agencies) • Health care, including sub-acute, long-term, and home-based care • Financial and professional services • Medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products • Automotive and heavy equipment manufacturing • Mining, energy, and mineral extraction Weinstein holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. in ethics (philosophy) from the University of Minnesota, and a B.A. in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin. Learn more about the Ethical Leaders in Action and read Chad’s blog at ethinact.com.
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LEADERSHIP ACADEMY How to Apply for the MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Your MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY application, including a current resumé, must be submitted online at www.mnfuneral.org. Please do not email, fax, or mail the form. Questions? Please contact Darlyne Erickson at Darlyne@mnfuneral.org or call (763) 416-0124.
www.mnfuneral.org (763) 416-0124