Our sales team.

My career in the funeral profession began as a teenager when I began working at a funeral home in my hometown. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and a master’s degree from Xavier University. After college, I started in a preneed cemetery sales position before transitioning into preneed funeral insurance two years later. I have lived in Los Angeles, Calif., since 1992, and I am both a licensed funeral director and a licensed life insurance agent in California. In my free time, I show American Quarter Horses.

I am proud to be part of a company that offers the best preneed funeral program in the profession. Homesteaders’ strong commitment to serving both funeral home customers and consumers shine through in its outstanding reputation. As someone who has worked in preneed since 1987, I have valuable experience and knowledge to offer funeral homes of all sizes, not only to set up their preneed programs but to help grow them. My background and training in the funeral profession allow me to understand what my customers need to be successful, and I work hard to support each of them and earn their business.

I was born and raised in Indiana, and I earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. I also hold an Indiana insurance license. Prior to joining Homesteaders, I spent 15 years managing a preneed marketing company. In that role, I helped funeral home owners and managers design plans and solutions to grow their preneed and at-need business. My wife and I live in Zionsville, Ind., and we have two children. Most often, we can be found watching their sporting events or Indiana Hoosiers sports. I also direct and coordinate a “Share the Warmth” coat and blanket drive in partnership with the Caring Center of Boone County in addition to other fundraisers for our church and community.

I joined the Homesteaders family because of our unwavering commitment to innovation and promoting the value of funeral service, the dedication of the leadership team and the passion throughout the company for our funeral home partners, agents and policyholders. I share Homesteaders’ dedication to funeral professionals and the families they serve who count on us for secure preneed funding. Every day I put my education, experience and Homesteaders’ resources to work, helping our funeral home customers plan and execute marketing strategies with a focus on growth, consistency and long-term success. I have a strong desire to build relationships with my customers — listening to their needs and working closely with them to uncover their unique opportunities and challenges. I have recruited, interviewed and managed high-performing preneed agents. I have educated families at kitchen tables. Using my marketing background and decades of experience in the profession, I help customers create and implement comprehensive, customized success plans that match the strengths of their funeral home and the needs of their communities.

I grew up on a dairy farm in Darlington, Wis., and have lived in Iowa since moving here when I was 12. I began my career at Homesteaders as a customer service representative, and I became part of the Home Office Account Executive team in 2019. My professional experience includes many years in the insurance business during which I have developed my knowledge and skills to help customers succeed. I’m part of a large family that includes four brothers, nine nieces and nephews and six great nieces and nephews, as well as my son Tate. In addition to spending time with family, I enjoy fishing, board games and card games. I love shooting pool and have even been able to play in Las Vegas for teams, doubles and individual competitions.

I joined Homesteaders when one of my friends referred me, and I was impressed by the history of the company and how happy its employees are. Homesteaders is a caring environment; it feels like we are family. I have a vast knowledge of insurance and have been working in the insurance world since 2005. I leverage my upbeat attitude and experience in customer service to help funeral home customers achieve success. My compassion and empathy allow me to work alongside funeral professionals to develop business plans to help you meet your goals. I enjoy building relationships and helping build the preneed programs agents and funeral homes would like.

I earned a bachelor’s degree from Emportia State University, where I majored in marketing and management. After learning about the company and its products in 2001 and attending the Leaders Conference in 2003, I became a Homesteaders account executive in 2004, and became the regional director of the West Region in 2010. Prior to that, I spent 10 years as a preneed agent, working with families to arrange their funerals. I serve on the Sales & Marketing Committee for the International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA), and I have received the Graham J. Cook Account Executive of the Year award twice in my time with Homesteaders. I live in Wichita Falls, Texas, with my wife, Angie. We have been married for more than 30 years and have three grown children and four grandchildren. I am an active member of our Heritage Church family, and I raise and show Arabian Horses in my free time.

One of the things that first attracted me to Homesteaders was the culture. It has such a “family” feeling to me. In my 20 years with Homesteaders, it is the account executives, the funeral homes and the agents I work with that really bring me enjoyment. I love to help others be successful, and I’ve learned a lot from them as well. I work with an incredible team of account executives, and together, we have helped many of our customers achieve their goals. My role as a preneed agent set the stage for me, and I believe it has given me valuable experience to help others. I enjoy passing along things I’ve learned over the years as well as continue to learn from customers and my team.

I joined the U.S. Army immediately after high school and served three years as a radio operator in Fort Collins, Colo., and Camp Carroll, Korea. In 1994, I was named the Washington National Guard Soldier of the Year. After my tour, I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a bachelor’s degree in business. I live in Mount Horeb, Wis., with my wife Janet, and I’m a proud grandfather of five. My hobbies include ice fishing and snowboarding in the winter and lake activities in the summer.

I joined Homesteaders in 2001 after moving home when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. When she passed in 2004, the funeral home helped us hold a wonderful celebration of life, which was hugely impactful for me. I truly understood the value of preplanning, and it became something I really believed in. What my funeral home customers do is important, and I believe what I do has value to them and the families they serve. I know from both personal experience and working with customers that advance funeral planning is important to the future of funeral service. Capturing the buying habits of today’s consumer is something every funeral home should strive for. Consumers may find they need it at different times and for different reasons, but once they learn it is available, they are glad they did! I love introducing my funeral home customers to new ideas and helping make their dreams a reality. Going through the experience from beginning to end and learning from my customers over the years has helped me and my funeral home customers succeed.

I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa, and I worked as a licensing and compensation specialist at Homesteaders prior to joining the Account Executive team. My prior experience also includes managing sales and marketing projects and training sales representatives. In my time with Homesteaders, I’ve earned multiple awards, including the Region of the Year Award, Rising Star Award, Territory Development Award, Positive Attitude Award and several Sales Achievement Awards. I live in Urbandale, Iowa, with my husband Chris. We have two grown children — Morgan, who resides in Chicago, and Madilyn, who is attends the University of Iowa. Go Hawks! I enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s sitting by the pool or on a lake or taking walks in the evenings. I love to decorate and take on home projects as well as entertain family and friends.

I joined Homesteaders because it provides a supportive, family-like atmosphere, in which I know I am making a difference. Here, I know I am part of a team and am valued for my contributions. I have been able to use my skills to deliver results and take on new challenges. I love visiting with people and growing our relationship, whether it is a prospect or a customer I have had for 10 years. Seeing them grow their preneed programs with my help and guidance is extremely rewarding. I help Homesteaders’ funeral home customers achieve their goals by providing the resources and ongoing support they need. By listening to customers’ needs and finding solutions for them, I am able to create and build strong relationships. It’s very rewarding to work with customers to develop ways to grow their business.