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Meet Your Board Member
A Q&A with ICFA Board Member Jon Stephenson
Vice President of Operations
Greenwood-Mount Olivet Cemeteries,
Funeral Homes and Flower Shops
Fort Worth, Texas
Why did you choose to work in the cemetery and funeral service industry?
My first job was as an ambulance attendant at a local funeral home. I was in college and needed the job to get by; I had no intention of making funeral work my career.
However, I soon became interested in the workings of the funeral home, especially funeral services. As time went by, I found myself involved in the services and realized I found great satisfaction in assisting families. Within a year I was enrolled in mortuary school and on my way to obtaining my license as a funeral director, a decision I've never regretted.
What is the best experience you've ever had in your job?
Being a part of completing the addition to the beautiful 12,000-crypt Greenwood Mausoleum and Independence Chapel, along with the remodeling of the funeral home. Day-to-day, the best experiences involve receiving personal comments from families following a funeral service, thanking me for making their difficult time easier.
What is the worst, and what did you learn from it?
Unfortunately, like most people, I have had a few of those bad experiences. Valuable lessons come with those experiences; I hope I have learned from them.
What advice would you give to young people just starting out in this industry?
You must have a sincere desire to help people. Regardless of the area you choose to work in -- preneed, at-need, or anywhere in-between -- you must be dedicated and honest.
Get a good education; the future of the industry will be built on educated and dedicated people.
What do you see as the biggest benefits of ICFA membership?
Three benefits come to mind that make ICFA membership worthwhile: educational programs, help with legal and legislative issues and friendships.
Of all the great programs the ICFA offers, ICFA University is the best "bang for the buck." Anyone not participating in this great school is missing a wonderful opportunity to learn from the leaders in the industry.
We are fortunate to have an association of dedicated individuals, both paid and volunteer, to stand and speak on our behalf on legal and legislative issues important to our businesses. As members, we are responsible to support them financially and through personal participation on a local level.
The ICFA is an open and friendly group; members are always willing to share and discuss ideas. We all have the same types of problems -- take advantage of the opportunities ICFA membership gives you to learn from the experiences of others.
Why do you wish to serve on the ICFA board?
I like to be involved. If you are a part of an organization you should be active, not sit on the sidelines and expect others to do it all.
I also serve on the board of the Texas Cemeteries Association, am a past president of the Texas Turfgrass Association and have been dean of the College of Land Management and Grounds Operation at ICFA University.
What is the biggest challenge facing the industry, and how is ICFA addressing it?
Providing the communities we serve with reasonably priced products and services, changing as society changes its customs on funeral services and remaining profitable. The ICFA is already addressing these issues through expanded educational programs and an all-inclusive membership.
What are your outside interests?
John T. Bailey, CEO of our company, who has dedicated his life to building beautiful funeral homes, cemeteries and flower shops for Fort Worth.
Who are your heroes or role models?
My father-in-law, who was a funeral director for 40 years, was probably the most dynamic, decent, charitable, hard-working person I have known personally. His daughter, my wife, is an equally good and decent person -- both great role models.
If you could "do lunch" today with anyone in the world, living or dead, whom would you choose and why?
I would "do lunch" with my parents. They have been gone for several years and I would love to have the opportunity catch them up on our family. I would thank them for giving me a foundation to be successful in my personal and business life.
Copyright ICFA 2001
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