May 2020

Page A28 MAY 2020 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A XL industries inc. Call: 406-449-4100 • Visit: www.XLIndustries.com Available Through Quality Suppliers Ladder Racks with adjustable shelves Basket Stands Portable Folding Register Stands Made in USA Quality & Value - Built Just for Funeral Homes! Providing the Best-Designed Tools for Your Services Since 1926. Dozens of products that give you years of service and store compactly when not in use. Lightweight and easy to take to gravesides or churches. Nesting Stands she has worked in the beautification of human bodies since the age of 16, and opened her first business at the age of 18 after being licensed by the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology. This led her into funeral service, restor- ative artistry, and post mortem reconstructive surgery on the deceased. After her completion of the mortuary science program at Mesa Community College, and while still an embalming intern, Monica had her first course, Airbrush Artistry for cosmetic use in the Prep Room, accredited in 2010. During her attendance at Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills, Monica developed the “No Wax Torres Technique,” an alternative to traditional wax hair restoration. Moni- ca was honored in 2016 by Vernie Fountain with the FNA Distinguished Professional Service Medallion for this contribution to funeral service and is one of less than 60 embalmers worldwide to complete the certifi- cate program at FNA. Torres studied at Arizona State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Recreation Manage- ment with Emphasis in Tourism and Event Planning. Her company has been featured on the cover of Ameri- can Funeral Director Magazine in 2018 and recognized at one of the funeral industries most innovative com- panies helping to shape the future of funeral service. Her passion lies in the prep room but she also receives gratification from helping funeral service profession- als and funeral homes modernize their own services, products and procedures; “I am a funeral director who loves serving funeral directors. My passion to serve fu- neral directors and funeral homes is what drives me to produce relevant death education content and offer cutting edge services and products through my mortu- ary support company.” By E lleanor S tarks B easley , CFSP Founder and Executive Director 2019-2020 A wards of E xcellence 100 B lack W omen of F uneral S ervice , I nc . A new generation of women are rising to the challenge of a meaningful and rewarding profession in funeral service. Many have come from other successful careers, bringing that education and experience into another great industry, doing what they love. They have changed the face of a once dreary profession in the 21st century. To these women in funeral service we say thank you for thinking outside the box. We have not only added stiletto heels to the professional dress code, but also a savvy attitude, unmatched work ethic and a compassionate commitment to service and excellence. If you don’t have a woman in a key position on your staff, you are missing a phenomenal opportunity. Some may call it hiring diversity but I call it a smart move, taking your business to another level. If you don’t know where to look, nearby mortuary schools will be glad to assist you. The 100BWFS is always available to help you find what you are searching for. Email us at 100BWFS@gmail.com. We want to make the funeral service profession the go-to career for those who know the importance of performance, compassion, commitment and excellence in service. 2019-2020 A wards of E xcellence Monica H. Torres M onica H. T orres Phoenix, Arizona T he N ew G eneration C aregiver : Helping Professionals think Outside the Box Monica H. Torres is the owner and founder of NXT Generation Mortuary Support, LLC, a trailblazing company which offers unique and specialized solutions to funeral homes nationwide. Torres is a licensed Arizo- na funeral director, embalmer, cremationist, reconstruc- tion specialist, desairolo- gist, CFSP and nationally recognized public speaker and trainer in the funeral industry. Torres has worked in all aspects of the ministry, from working on trench- es of the prep room to managing one of Arizona’s largest and fastest growing funeral home and ceme- tery combos for the Cath- olic Diocese of Phoenix. A first-generation funer- al director and embalmer, Continued from Page A20 Hand Crafted • Hand Painted • Made in Ireland Height 10.1 Width 7.25 Cubic Inches 210 Appointment of Brad Green as Interim CEO The Board of Directors has appointed Brad Green to serve in the role of Interim CEO effective, Tuesday, March 31, 2020, to increase stability during the Com- pany’s leadership transition. Mr. Green has served as the President of PLC since May of 2018 and previously served as the CEO of the Signature Group prior to the Company’s acquisition of the business. Outgoing CEO, Andrew Clark , will continue to work with PLC on a consulting basis while the Board actively pursues a permanent CEO candidate. Paul G. Smith , Chairman of the Board noted, “We thank Mr. Clark for his contributions to the success of PLC over the past seven years and look forward to working with him as we transition to new leadership. The world has dramatically changed over the past sev- eral weeks and we are taking active steps to make cer- tain that Park Lawn continues on its successful trajec- tory. It is important to maintain proven leadership to enable swift and efficient action for the benefit of our employees, customers and communities. Mr. Green brings years of operational experience to the table and I am confident in his abilities, in a time of uncertainty, to bring continuity to the organization.” Park Lawn Corporation Finishes 2019 Strong “I am grateful for the confidence and support of the Board and am ex- cited to be given the op- portunity to serve as the Interim CEO. I will con- tinue to work with our highly capable manage- ment team to navigate these challenging times and continue to deliver value to both the fami- lies we serve as well as our shareholders,” stated Mr. Green. For complete details and the full press release visit www.parklawncorp.com.