How long have you worked in Sales?
Early on, when the internet was in its infancy, I was involved in the online travel revolution as it went from travel agency to travel portal and airline direct. I went from working at a travel agency to being on the founding team of Internet Travel Network, the first web-based online reservation system. I then spent time as an entrepreneur and company builder in Silicon Valley and for 16 years ran a successful retail e-commerce and brick-n-mortar outfit with multiple stores.
How long have you worked in the death care sector?
I started as Manager for a beautiful Catholic Cemetery in California called Queen of Heaven in California. Over time, I was given more locations and it is there that I learned the service and pain points of this industry inside and out. We transitioned from a legacy software and paper system, to a modern cloud tool and I was able to touch all areas of the business of cemetery, funeral and cremation, but also the grounds, facilities and people management.
Why did you join OpusXenta?
I chose OpusXenta out of a field of opportunities after being impressed with how fast the company has gained traction in the United States and Europe, the kinds of customers we have, and, more importantly, the expanse of solutions we offer the marketplace. No one else is doing a great job of really tying it all together in a working solution that lives up to its promises for large and small enterprises. That is very important in this space. I appreciate that OpusXenta is a global operation, not just US-focused.
How do you achieve success in your role?
I believe in meeting our customers where they are, talking with them openly, honestly and simply working to solve their problems. I try to do what I say I am going to do and really just practice the age old tools of good salesmanship that we all know and love,
without being pushy. I have the distinct advantage of having been there and done that for so many of the struggles that cemetery managers or funeral directors experience, so that we can talk on a one-to-one level of trust. I also have the wisdom of coming from other industries and from being an entrepreneur myself. Most of the people I come in contact with are owners so we have a lot in common.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be Yourself.
Tell us about your career path.
I am mission focused and the deathcare space appeals to me because I know it is important to properly remember those in our families and communities that have left this world, but are with us in memories which are quite real. There is a point where the work we do takes a step into the spiritual and religious endeavors of humankind and that is a journey I am on.
What do you love most about what you do?
Tell us a surprising or fun fact about you.
I spent a good part of my younger days living and traveling in Europe. I spent a year in Germany where I learned the language and I also speak Italian and have spent many summers in the Swiss alps and Northern Italy. Currently, I am working on learning Mandarin, which has been slow going.