Casey L. Whatley
Columbus,Georgia
Summary
Compassionate funeral service provider with a strong background in supporting families during challenging times. Experienced in managing all aspects of funeral arrangements, including coordination, compliance, and ceremony planning. Recognized for excellent communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work seamlessly with teams to ensure smooth operations and dignified services. Adaptable and reliable, committed to delivering high-quality care and support.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Sales and Marketing
IHG Hotels & Resorts
03.2024 - Current
- Secured major client contracts by delivering persuasive presentations that highlighted the value of our products and services.
- Managed sales promotions and marketing strategies on major social media sites.
- Cultivated long-term partnerships with key industry influencers, strengthening the company's credibility in the marketplace.
- Increased sales revenue by implementing innovative marketing strategies and fostering strong client relationships.
- Analyzed industry trends and competitor activities to inform strategic decision-making and maintain a competitive edge.
Frontline Sales Agent
Travel + Leisure
07.2022 - 12.2023
- Established rapport with prospective clients through active listening skills which enabled the identification of their unique pain points leading to effective problem-solving strategies during sales pitches.
- Built a reputation as a trusted advisor among clients by staying informed about industry trends and offering valuable insights during conversations.
- . Developed strong product knowledge through continuous learning initiatives that enabled persuasive presentations and effective handling of objections during sales discussions.
- Conducted product demonstrations to highlight features and redirect objections to positive aspects.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
Funeral Director and Embalmer
Emerald Coast Funeral Home
01.2020 - 07.2022
- Displayed highest level of professionalism and sensitivity when dealing with grieving family members.
- Communicated with insurance companies to secure death benefits for payment of services.
- Secured and filed burial permits and made funeral arrangements.
- Upheld legal compliance with local regulations regarding burials, cremations, and embalming practices.
- Picked up deceased at private homes, hospitals and county morgues.
- Assisted in the preparation of bodies for visitation or burial, adhering to strict standards of care.
- Increased customer retention, skillfully addressing concerns and resolving conflicts.
- Discussed nature of funeral service, disposition of remains and funeral costs with family members.
- Discussed pre-arranged funeral options and explained pricing to clients.
- Worked with cemeteries to schedule grave opening and closing.
Owner, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
Whatley Funeral Services
08.2016 - 01.2020
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
Funeral Director and Embalmer
Striffler-Hamby Mortuary~Diginity Provider
02.2015 - 07.2016
- Managed all aspects of funeral arrangements for smooth and efficient service delivery.
- Coordinated transportation of remains between medical facilities, funeral home and burial locations.
- Embalmed human remains to slow decomposition.
- Helped families select funeral and burial details from range of available options.
- Arranged clergy, music and other service details for clients.
- Liaised between hospitals, physicians, county coroner and members of clergy to coordinate final arrangements.
- Maintained facility cleanliness, ensuring a welcoming environment for grieving families.
- Developed strong relationships within the community through outreach initiatives and networking events.
- Established trust among clients by consistently delivering exceptional service while maintaining sensitivity towards their needs.
- Advocated for needs and wishes of bereaved families, ensuring their voices were heard and respected throughout planning process.
Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
McMullen Funeral Home And Crematory
11.2011 - 02.2015
- Collaborated with families to plan meaningful and unique memorial services tailored to their specific needs.
- Handled sensitive situations professionally while maintaining confidentiality of personal information at all times.
- Maintained accurate records and documentation to ensure compliance with state regulations and industry standards.
- Managed all aspects of funeral services, ensuring that each event ran smoothly from start to finish.
- Closed and secured caskets and led funeral corteges to churches and burial sites.
- Picked up deceased at private homes, hospitals and county morgues.
- Coordinated transportation logistics for funerals, including procession routes and vehicle arrangements, minimizing delays or disruptions during the events.
- Performed embalming procedures and updated case study reports.
- Discussed nature of funeral service, disposition of remains and funeral costs with family members.
- Improved client satisfaction by providing compassionate and personalized funeral services.
- Counseled bereaved individuals, offering emotional support during challenging times.
- Ensured dignified care of deceased, maintaining highest standards of ethical practices.
Education
Associate of Science - Funeral Services And Embalming
Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services
Atlanta, Georgia06-2012
High School -
Hardaway High School
Columbus, Georgia01.1994
Skills
- Small business operations
- Customer Relations
- Relationship Building
- Verbal and written communication
- Business Management
- OSHA Regulations
- Compassionate communication
- Regulatory Compliance
- Mortuary operations
- Funeral arrangements
- Marketing Analytics
- Goal-Oriented
Volunteer Experience
Following the impact of Hurricane Michael on Port St. Joe, Florida, in October 2018, I participated in search and rescue operations, as well as recovery initiatives. My involvement contributed to the community's restoration efforts in the aftermath of the disaster.
Awards
- Voted 'Best Funeral Home of the Forgotten Coast', 2017, Port St. Joe, FL
- Voted 'Best Funeral Home of the Forgotten Coast', 2018, Port St. Joe, FL
- J.D. Power Top Performer for Customer Satisfaction, 2014, Columbus, GA
Timeline
Director of Sales and Marketing
IHG Hotels & Resorts
03.2024 - Current
Frontline Sales Agent
Travel + Leisure
07.2022 - 12.2023
Funeral Director and Embalmer
Emerald Coast Funeral Home
01.2020 - 07.2022
Owner, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
Whatley Funeral Services
08.2016 - 01.2020
Funeral Director and Embalmer
Striffler-Hamby Mortuary~Diginity Provider
02.2015 - 07.2016
Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
McMullen Funeral Home And Crematory
11.2011 - 02.2015
High School -
Hardaway High School
Associate of Science - Funeral Services And Embalming
Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services
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