February 2021

Page B4 FEBRUARY 2021 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Se c t i on B Buy a complete Funeral Van... or Convert your own! 4hearse.com ( 800 ) 4-HEARSE WEST DES MOINES,IA— Home- steaders Life Company has an- nounced the recipients of its fifth an- nual Homesteaders Heroes awards. The peer-nominated awards recognize employees who support Homestead- ers’ mission and values, making a posi- tive impact on the success of the com- pany and its customers. “Our team continues to bring their best every day, and those efforts are reflected in the Homesteaders Heroes award re- cipients,” said Homesteaders chairman, president and CEO Steve Shaffer. “In a year that has been especially challenging for so many, their accountability, team- work and innovation have made a huge difference in how we continue to deliv- er outstanding service and solutions for our customers, even while many on our team are working remotely.” Homesteaders Heroes award recipi- ents were named in five categories: Tristan Moreland, director of Run Delivery received the Rising Star Award, which recognizes an employee who demonstrates eagerness to learn, commitment to Homesteaders and en- gagement with the company and peers early in his or her career. Moreland received this award for consistently demonstrating “leader- ship, communication and continuous improvement,” noted a member of the award committee. Alexis Watermiller, Report Devel- oper received the Innovation Award , which recognizes an employee for the successful implementation of a new or updated product, service or program that results in a measurable improve- ment in the company’s performance, processes or brand strength. Watermiller earned the award through high-quality work on a proj- ect that helped the company benefit from new reporting capabilities. Brandon Boffeli, Dan Prevette, An- drea Tiffany and Rob Aeschliman, help desk team, received the Outstand- ing Teamwork Award, which recogniz- es enthusiasm, cooperation, problem- solving skills, commitment to success and a consistently positive attitude. As Homesteaders created new ways to support their customers, the Help Desk team “patiently and persistently helped our company succeed in these unpre- dictable times,” affirmed a member of the award committee. Judy Ralston-Hansen, executive vice president of human resources, re- ceived the Inspiring Leadership Award, which recognizes an employee who has shown incredible leadership skills and can be described as inspiring, decisive and visionary, yet humble and willing to give credit to others. Ralston-Hansen earned this award by providing outstanding training programs and helping to build a work- place that fosters productivity and in- clusiveness. Bob Mollenkopf, senior account ex- ecutive received the Enduring Impact Award, which recognizes an employ- ee for a significant, long-term contri- bution or body of accomplishments to Fifth Annual Homesteaders Heroes Program Honors Outstanding Employees Steve Shaffer Tristan Moreland Alexis Watermiller Brandon Boffeli Dan Prevette Andrea Tiffany Rob Aeschliman Bob Mollenkopf Judy Ralston-Hansen Homesteaders that make a lasting impact on the company’s success. In addition to his track record of outstanding performance, Mollenkopf received this award in recognition of his positive attitude and pursuit of exceptional service. Homesteaders Life Company, a mutual com- pany owned by its policy holders, is the nation- al leader providing products and services to pro- mote and support the funding of advance funeral planning and end-of-life expenses. Visit www. homesteaderslife.com to learn more. Wilbert Funeral Services acquires Hoffman Burial Supplies Casket Division, with fur- ther expansion expected in 2021.” “We are very pleased to welcome Mark Roehnelt and Hoffman Burial Sup- plies to our team,” said Don Robinson, president of Astral Industries and Signet Supply. “Founded in 1952, Hoffman is an iconic brand in the mid- west with a rich history of top-quality caskets, unsur- passed customer service, and great value. To all of Hoffman’s current cus- tomers, we are committed to these same characteris- tics going forward.” “I am pleased to have ex- ecuted a succession plan for Hoffman Burial Sup- plies which is best for all parties involved including our talented team of sales and operations employ- ees and the great group of funeral professionals we serve each day,” stat- ed Roehnelt. “I will con- tinue to manage Hoffman from Peoria for the com- ing months to oversee and ensure a seamless transi- tion.” This transaction demon- strates WFSI’s on-going commitment to support- ing and investing in the North American funeral industry. Ryan Walsman Named Vice President of Marketing for Unity Financial Life Ryan M. Walsman CINCINNATI,OH— Ryan M. Wals- man of Greensburg, IN has been named vice president of marketing for Unity Financial Life Insurance Company. Walsman has had a successful back- ground in preneed sales, business devel- opment, and sales man- agement in the funeral and cemetery profession. He recently served as the sales and marketing man- ager for Gate of Heav- en Catholic Cemetery in Cincinnati for the last three years, and prior as a market sales manager for Security National Life, and a preneed account executive. “I’m looking forward to this opportunity and con- tinuing the great work Chris Kuhnen has estab- lished at Unity Financial. We have a lot more work to do, and I look forward to growing, serving, and continuing to be a reliable and valuable resource for all of our funeral partners,” Walsman said. In his new role, Ryan will direct and oversee the sales and marketing opera- tions of the company, working closely with managing general agents and inde- pendent agency’s across the country. In making the an- nouncement, Jay Hardy, company CEO and pres- ident said, “Ryan comes from an ideal background and has exactly the expe- rience we were looking for. Unity Financial is a leader in both the funer- al preneed and Medic- aid compliant insurance markets. Ryan’s expe- rience in both of these markets made him a great fit for Unity.” Unity Financial is one of the fastest growing life insurance companies in the country. They are domiciled in Ohio and are li- censed to do business in 48 states plus the District of Columbia. OVERLANDPARK,KS— Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc (WFSI) has announced the acquisition of Hoff- man Burial Supplies, Inc (HBS) in Peoria, IL. HBS is a leading distributor of steel and wood caskets as well as urns and funeral related printed materials with six warehouses serving funer- al professionals in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. “This transaction sup- ports WFSI’s continued growth strategy and on- going investment in com- plementary products and services benefiting funer- al professionals and the families they serve,” stated Mark Bates, president and CEO of WFSI. “Hoffman joins Astral Industries and Signet Supply, which together represent WFSI’s VICTORIAVILLE,QC— Victoriaville & Co is very pleased to announce the hiring of Bill Jones as director of sales for United States distributors. With extensive experience in sales, business development and management, he joins the Victoriaville & Co sales team with more than 25 years of experience in the funer- al profession and more specifically in the casket industry, both in the United States and the international market. Having also served on the Casket & Funeral Supply As- sociation’s board of directors for more than 5 years, he has always had the success of this industry at heart. “His vast experience in our industry and the knowledge of Victoriaville & Co’s products and services will enable Bill to be a key player in achieving the company’s strategic goals,” said Charles-Olivier Dumont, vice-president of sales and business development. Bill Jones Victoriaville & Co Hires Bill Jones as New Director of Sales