Preston J. Flanary
Twin Falls,ID
Summary
Seasoned funeral industry professional with 27 years of experience, including 17 years successfully managing seven funeral homes and two cemeteries. Adept at creating and maintaining strategic direction to ensure operational success and foster community outreach. Skilled in cultivating a positive work environment, analyzing financials, creating budgets, and implementing cost-saving measures to drive efficiency and profitability.
Experienced in collaborating with diverse organizations, individuals, hospitals, clergy, vendors, and multicultural communities to ensure meaningful and seamless funeral planning for families. Committed to upholding high standards of compliance with local, state, and federal laws while delivering compassionate, professional service. Proven ability to balance operational excellence with empathy and respect, supporting families during their most sensitive times.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Funeral Director/Embalmer
White-Reynolds Funeral Chapel
01.2013 - Current
- Oversee and manage over 225 funerals per year.
- Established trust among clients by consistently delivering exceptional service while maintaining sensitivity towards their needs.
- Managed financial transactions and record-keeping with accuracy and confidentiality.
- Liaised between hospitals, physicians, county coroner and members of clergy to coordinate final arrangements.
- Built strong relationships with local clergy, cemeteries, and other funeral service providers, facilitating smooth coordination of services.
- Served diverse clientele by offering a range of culturally and religiously appropriate services.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure better pricing for materials and services, reducing overall costs.
- Enhanced funeral home's online presence, updating website and social media platforms to better connect with community.
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Lindquist Mortuaries
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Increased efficiencies in procedures and pricing of funeral options.
- Instilled more stringent identification procedures for cremation.
- Managed all aspects of funeral arrangements for smooth and efficient service delivery.
Funeral Home Manager
Service Corporation International
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Increased Operating Profit by 26% in 2012 over 2011.
- Organize and oversee community programs, sales staff, and advertising.
- Liaised between hospitals, physicians, county coroner and members of clergy to coordinate final arrangements.
- Increased customer retention, skillfully addressing concerns and resolving conflicts.
- Developed strong relationships within the community through outreach initiatives and networking events.
- Managed financial transactions and record-keeping with accuracy and confidentiality.
- Streamlined operations with effective communication between staff, clients, and vendors.
- Organized staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours or high-volume periods.
- Coordinated transportation logistics for timely arrival of deceased to final resting place.
- Enhanced workplace safety by implementing strict procedures and regular staff training sessions.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure competitive pricing on funeral products and services.
- Improved community relations with engaging public outreach programs.
- Oversaw maintenance and aesthetic appeal of funeral home facilities and vehicles, ensuring respectful and welcoming environment.
- Managed financial operations, including budgeting and billing, to keep funeral home financially healthy.
- Built strong relationships with local clergy, cemeteries, and other funeral service providers, facilitating smooth coordination of services.
General Manager
Service Corporation International
01.2006 - 01.2011
- Managed 6 funeral homes & 2 cemeteries.
- Production Profit Margin increase of 44%.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Decrease Fixed Expenses by $31,000.
- Increase revenue by average of 6.4%.
- Community sales seminars and hospitality services.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Oversee the everyday operations, sales team, advertising, and expenses.
- Developed and managed a diverse team of professional operations and sales team, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Increase revenue and volume through a change of company structure.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
Funeral Director/Embalmer/Salesperson
Loma Vista Memorial Park & West Coast Cremations
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Managed more than 1,000 Memorial Day volunteers
- Help expand funeral services offered
- Manage the implementation of new management software
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business
Utah State University
Logan, UT12.2013
Associate of Science -
Cypress College
Cypress, CA2000
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Weber State University
Ogden, UT08.1997
Skills
- College Athlete
- Athletic Coach for Girls and Boys
- Cypress College Student Leadership
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite
- Cost Structure Analysis
- Regulatory compliance
- Sales & Marketing Experience
- Analytical Problem-Solving
- Trustworthy Performance
- Effective Organizational Skills
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Strong Verbal Skills
- Data-Driven Insights
- Effective Conflict Management
Accomplishments
- Promote and advertise business growth through a variety of concepts and applications
- Managing for Excellence Course, Supervisory Development Training
- Establish and maintain community and vendor relationships
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Funeral Director/Embalmer
White-Reynolds Funeral Chapel
01.2013 - Current
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Lindquist Mortuaries
01.2012 - 01.2013
Funeral Home Manager
Service Corporation International
01.2011 - 01.2012
General Manager
Service Corporation International
01.2006 - 01.2011
Funeral Director/Embalmer/Salesperson
Loma Vista Memorial Park & West Coast Cremations
01.2002 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Business
Utah State University
Associate of Science -
Cypress College
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Weber State University
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