New Structure, Same Mission: Tribute Technology’s Jules Green-Fournier on Leading the Customer-Obsessed Account Management Team

Saying that Tribute Technology has been through a lot of change over the last year or so would be an understatement. From a new Chief Executive Officer to the development of an innovative Office of the CEO leadership structure to a plethora of revolutionary product enhancements, Tribute has truly transformed and enhanced the myriad ways they serve their customers. 

Listening to and learning from customers

Much of this progress has come as a direct response to feedback from those same customers, including a newly reorganized Account Management Team, led by Vice President of Account Management Jules Green-Fournier. Since her promotion to this role in July 2025, Green-Fournier has welcomed several new members to the team, embracing the unique abilities of each one while introducing this exciting evolution to each and every Tribute customer.

“We have 18 incredible people on the team,” Green-Fournier says. “Each one brings something different — experience, creativity, empathy — but they all share one thing: a deep care for our customers. The biggest thing for me has been watching how our customers have responded to having a more consistent, personalized, dedicated person who they depend on. I’ve also loved seeing the way our team has stepped up. There is this sense of energy and ownership that’s contagious.”

More team members means that Tribute Technology customers can enjoy a revolutionary level of one-on-one support, which has already produced incredibly positive results.

“We really listened to what customers were telling us,” Green-Fournier says. “They wanted a single point of contact , someone they know by name, who understands their business and is there when they need help. This change lets us give them that. Each account manager now fully owns their relationships, which means faster responses, more proactive conversations, and a stronger connection overall.”

A proven leader in customer care

Green-Fournier is no stranger to roles where she can showcase her self-proclaimed “obsession” with building strong, lasting customer relationships within the unique world of deathcare. Over the past 15 years, she has served FrontRunner Professional as CEO and Tribute Technology as Director and, later, Vice President of Customer Success. Earlier this year she accepted her promotion to Vice President of Key Accounts, transitioning to lead Account Management just three months ago — and she’s already receiving accolades for her approach and accomplishments.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Jules this past year to implement many different Tribute programs into our organization,” says Lindsay Granson, Executive Operations, Sales & Marketing Leader at Heritage Family, which selected the Tribute platform as the preferred provider for their 66 locations in May 2025. “Jules is the first one to get creative when something comes up. We appreciate working with her everyday!”

Green-Fournier adds that other Tribute customers are also responding well to having their own dedicated account manager.

“It’s been amazing,” she says. “We’ve heard so many positive comments from customers who finally feel like they have ‘their person.’ It’s making a real difference in how supported they feel and how connected they are to Tribute. That’s exactly what we wanted — to make sure we’re truly showing up for our customers.”

Restructure leads to empowerment

Although change can always present interesting outcomes, the Account Management team transition has actually been an overwhelmingly positive experience for the company in addition to the customer base.

“Honestly, it’s been received so well,”  Green-Fournier says. “Everyone knew this was the right move, not just for Tribute, but for our customers. The team feels empowered, and there’s a renewed sense of focus and pride in what they do every day.”

When it comes to the flow of those days, Green-Fournier says that no two days are the same in Account Management, but one thing remains consistent: the entire team’s dedication to their customers.

“At the core, it’s about building relationships and solving problems,” she says. “Our account managers spend their days connecting with customers, reviewing account health, helping them get more value out of their Tribute products, and collaborating internally to move things forward. It’s part strategy, part support, part trusted advisor.”

Scaling up, looking forward

Green-Fourner believes that the reason Tribute Technology’s employees and customers are adapting so easily to the past year’s changes and transitions is because every move has fit in so well with the company’s overall mission.

“Tribute’s mission has always been about helping funeral homes serve families better,” she says. “Strengthening those one-on-one relationships with customers helps us live that mission every day. As we grow, this structure ensures we’re not just scaling — we’re scaling with care.” 

“We’re focused on deepening our customer relationships even more, really understanding what success looks like for each customer, and making sure they feel supported every step of the way. My goal is simple: that every Tribute customer feels known, supported, and confident they’ve got a true partner in us.”

NGL celebrates team members’ impressive achievements and performance

Madison, Wis. (October 7, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) recognized four team members with G.R.I.T. Awards during its companywide All Hands Meeting in September. The awards incorporate NGL’s vision for the future, Together for Tomorrow, into its team members’ daily professional lives. The peer nominations recognized and celebrated colleagues for their outstanding achievements and performance.

The awards highlight the winning mindsets that need to be demonstrated for everyone to deliver and successfully achieve NGL’s goals and vision.

There are four distinct categories for the G.R.I.T. Awards:

Growth and Personal Development Award – Kyle Steensland, New Business Process Analyst

The recipient of this award sets clear professional and personal growth objectives. They hold themselves accountable for their own growth and NGL accountable for support. The individual also embraces courageous conversations and chooses to stay resilient through challenges.

Kyle was nominated two times for the Growth and Personal Development Award and received a nomination for a different category. One person who nominated Kyle shared, “Kyle has been endlessly dedicated to the New Business team and NGL. He always goes the extra mile when approached with questions or requests. Kyle is not afraid to dive deep into the nitty gritty to find an answer when something is unresolved or unclear. On top of that, while he is generous with both his time and knowledge, his work is never short of being detailed, thorough, and timely.”

Resilience and Accountability Award – Cody Lomholt, Assistant Vice President, IT Operations

This award recipient is resilient and perseveres. They believe in holding themselves and others accountable for actions and outcomes. Commitment to results and follow through is a basis of their work ethic.

Cody received three nominations for the Resilience and Accountability Award. Nominators shared, “Cody consistently demonstrates resilience and accountability in managing the IT Software and Services budget with exceptional diligence and integrity. He holds himself and vendors to the highest standards. Cody has been instrumental in pulling together large IT initiatives and working closely with vendors to achieve good outcomes.”

Initiative, Drive and Execution Award – Terry Bosky, Senior Payment Specialist

This award is for the NGL team member who takes initiative with a bias for effective action. They ask for help when needed and look beyond daily tasks to effectively execute plans.

Terry received five nominations for the Initiative, Drive and Execution Award. One nomination explained, “Terry incorporates initiative, drive and execution into each of his projects at NGL. Terry is not only meticulous and organized in creating clear and accurate resources for all NGL employees to utilize, but he creates an environment where people feel safe to take risks and share ideas without fear of judgment. Terry encourages team members to develop their skills and others to help them along the way. His knowledge tagged with his understanding make you feel valued and supported.”

Trust in Each Other Award – Sarah Reed, Operations Manager

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated trust in themselves, peers and leaders. They empower others, is empowered and delegates, as well as fosters open communication by giving and receiving constructive feedback. Collaboration within and across teams is paramount to their work.

Sarah received five nominations for this award. “Sarah goes above and beyond for our team. Multiple times I have gone to Sarah with any kind of issue, and she does all she can to track down the resolution and always makes me feel like I am an appreciated member of the team. She really does care about all of us and wants us all to become the best versions of ourselves.”

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

NGL celebrates team members’ impressive achievements and performance

Madison, Wis. (August 5, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) recognized four team members with G.R.I.T. Awards during its companywide All Hands Meeting in July. The awards incorporate NGL’s vision for the future, Together for Tomorrow, into its team members’ daily professional lives. The peer nominations recognized and celebrated colleagues for their outstanding achievements and performance.

The awards highlight the winning mindsets that need to be demonstrated for everyone to deliver and successfully achieve NGL’s goals and vision.

There are four distinct categories for the G.R.I.T. Awards:

Growth and Personal Development Award – Dylan Etter, Payroll and Disbursements Manager

The recipient of this award sets clear professional and personal growth objectives. They hold themselves accountable for their own growth and NGL accountable for support. The individual also embraces courageous conversations and chooses to stay resilient through challenges.

Dylan was nominated three times for the Growth and Personal Development Award. One person who nominated Dylan shared, “Dylan is a remarkably dedicated team player and is consistently willing to take on new challenges to ensure business needs are met. Dylan is not afraid to ask tough questions when needed, and approaches problems with a practical, thoughtful mindset. He is considerate of other viewpoints and always open to learning new things.”

Resilience and Accountability Award – Courtney Shaffer, Senior Business Systems Analyst

This award recipient is resilient and perseveres. They believe in holding themselves and others accountable for actions and outcomes. Commitment to results and follow through is a basis of their work ethic.

Courtney was awarded the Resilience and Accountability Award. “Courtney has shown growth and resilience by learning and approaching her understanding of technical integrations and corresponding work. Through all of this she has now taken on a large assignment to look more wholistically at integrations for an initiative.”

Initiative, Drive and Execution Award – Andy Mohr, Assistant Vice President, Internal Audit

This award is for the NGL team member who takes initiative with a bias for effective action. They ask for help when needed and look beyond daily tasks to effectively execute plans.

Receiving four nominations for the Initiative, Drive and Execution Award, Andy incorporates initiative, drive and execution into each of his projects at NGL. “Andy quietly and consistently accomplishes all that he is asked to, and more. His analytical and mindful approach has helped to streamline timelines, test procedures, and expand scope; resulting in reduced fees and increased internal understanding of workflows. He willingly takes on additional responsibility if it benefits the organization.”

Trust in Each Other Award – Jaime Perez, Senior Agent Solutions Coordinator

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated trust in themselves, peers and leaders. They empower others, is empowered and delegates, as well as fosters open communication by giving and receiving constructive feedback. Collaboration within and across teams is paramount to their work.

“Jaime is always the first one who takes initiative to complete daily tasks and with an upbeat attitude. She is always available for the team as a resource for help with escalated calls, questions in regards to a pending application or a process or just to bounce ideas off. Jaime is truly someone that we can rely on and is there for the team in the most upbeat, can-do personality and always rooting for the team.”

NGL is a life and health insurance company specializing in individual and group products. We offer a suite of innovative insurance products for life’s journey, giving our customers financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind. With 116 years in the insurance industry, we take pride in delivering on our promises across generations with collaboration and compassion.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

Photo from left to right: Dylan Etter, Payroll and Disbursements Manager; Jaime Perez, Senior Agent Solutions Coordinator; Courtney Shaffer, Senior Business Systems Analyst; Joe Celentano, President & CEO. Not pictured: Andy Mohr, Assistant Vice President, Internal Audit.

Local Funeral Home Replaces First Call Team With F1 Pit Crew

Welcome to July! We are over halfway through the year, and it keeps on flying by! Hope you had a happy 4th of July, and I hope you got to see some amazing fireworks. I’ve also heard that pacemakers blowing up during cremation sound very similar to fireworks- soooooo I hope you never really do hear that.

Let’s kick off this month with a non-medicial-device-related BANG! And by that I mean a really koala GIF.

Introducing The Memo by MemoryShare

MemoryShare, the #1 Live Streaming software for funeral homes, has announced a new monthly newsletter.

“The Memo” is for funeral directors to stay updated on the latest tools, pro-tips, video tricks, and technology op-eds in the funeral profession. Subscribers will get exclusive access to early offers, discounts, and feature releases.

To subscribe to The Memo, click the button below.

[Subscribe Now]

Local Funeral Home Replaces First Call Team With F1 Pit Crew- Casket Now Loaded Before Death Confirmed

“We watched the Brad Pitt F1 movie and thought, why not us?” says director.

Inspired by the high-octane drama of the new Brad Pitt Formula 1 movie, Everpeace Funeral Home has overhauled its removal process—replacing their first call team with a full F1 pit crew. The results have been immediate, loud, and occasionally premature.

“Our staff watched that trailer and got chills,” said funeral director Dan Forbes. “The speed. The precision. The sunglasses. We said, ‘Let’s bring that energy to elder care death calls.’ Now we’re running a sub-three-second removal time from kitchen to van.”

Eyewitnesses describe the scene as a blur: van doors fly open, gloves snap on in unison, the cot hits the floor with a hiss of compressed air, and in at least one case, a casket was halfway to the funeral home before the attending nurse finished saying “we lost him.”

“It seems unnecessary,” said hospice RN Tanya Willis. “They just shouted ‘Box, box, box!’ and wheeled the guy out.”

Despite criticism, the staff is unapologetic.

“We’re not just honoring the deceased,” said Enzo, a former Ferrari tire tech now tasked with foot-end lift duty. “We’re honoring the thrill of life.”

“Life isn’t a highway- life is 78 laps around Monaco. Brad Pitt showed me what it really means to live, and I want to bring THAT to the dead!” exclaimed Mr.Forbes.

The funeral home has also debuted new uniforms, complete with sponsor patches, full-face helmets, and one very confused intern acting as the team radio. Family members have been asked to remain behind the yellow line during pickups.

Their head of finances isn’t as enthusiastic about the recent hires. “We’ll be bankrupt in a matter of weeks. I’m already applying to several other businesses.”

Trivia

Choose the correct answer and you’ll see a puppy. Get it wrong and you’ll see someone hurting themselves.

What is the fastest recorded speed achieved by a hearse?

Answer Choices:

A) 115.6 mph – Australia

B) 98 mph – “Undead” Cadillac custom in Tennessee

C) 126.6 mph – Motorcycle hearse

You Otter Be Proud

Here’s some good news going on in the profession.

1.  Unique Program Recycles Pacemakers Retrieved from the Deceased
2. People Magazine Covers Funeral Profession Story
3. Fifth-generation funeral director Jeff Monreal helps families grieve, celebrate loved ones

5 Manageable Ways To Help Your Team Tackle Compassion Fatigue

Like midnight calls and weekend funerals, compassion fatigue could be viewed as just part of the job for deathcare professionals. You provide comfort to grieving families, prepare loved ones for final goodbyes, and uphold high standards of care in the face of loss. Over time, this constant exposure to others’ pain can lead to compassion fatigue—an emotional and physical depletion that saps the ability to empathize and often leads to burnout. .

In other words, compassion fatigue “is the cost of caring”—often manifesting as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and decreased job satisfaction. In a field where emotional resilience is as critical as technical skill, managers must actively work to prevent, identify, and address compassion fatigue within their teams.

Here are five practical strategies to help your staff cope and thrive.

1. Normalize Conversations About Compassion Fatigue

Creating a workplace culture where emotional well-being is openly discussed is the first defense against compassion fatigue. According to human resources experts WTW, 40% of employees report feeling emotionally drained, yet few speak up due to stigma or fear of appearing unprofessional.

As a manager, you can lead by example: share your own experiences, hold regular check-ins that include emotional as well as task-oriented questions, and integrate discussions of mental health into staff meetings.

“Compassion fatigue thrives in silence,” says WTW. “When leaders acknowledge its presence, they give their teams permission to seek help.”

Consider implementing anonymous pulse surveys to gauge team well-being and follow up with group discussions that validate common stressors in the profession.

2. Provide Resources and Encourage Professional Support

While peer support is important, compassion fatigue often requires more structured intervention. Encourage team members to access Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or professional counseling, and make sure they’re aware that doing so is a sign of strength—not weakness.

There is quite a bit of value in holding formal debriefings after difficult cases, especially when staff have supported high-emotion services like child deaths, traumatic loss, or military funerals.

“Proactive interventions, such as grief debriefing and mental health workshops, allow employees to process emotions before they accumulate into burnout,” notes Dr. Claire C. Muselman, who specializes in employee engagement and workers compensation.

If your facility lacks formal support services, consider partnering with a local grief counselor or mental health professional who understands the funeral profession’s unique emotional landscape. 

Also, don’t forget that the National Funeral Directors Association offers its members 24/7/365 — and absolutely free — emotional well-being and work-life balance counseling and support through its SupportLinc Member Assistance Program (MAP). 

3. Encourage Time Off—And Model It Yourself

Staffing is a pervasive problem across deathcare today, leaving many funeral directors no choice but to put in extended hours, skip off days, lunch hours, and vacations, and even work through personal illness.  Some wear their long hours as a badge of honor, but constant exposure to grief without recovery time accelerates burnout. Encourage your team to take personal days, use their vacation time, and truly disconnect.

Mentorloop emphasizes that leaders must “walk the walk,” adding, “You can’t expect your team to prioritize self-care if you’re sending emails at 10 p.m. or never taking a break.”

Be intentional about modeling rest. Whether it’s taking a day off after a busy week or stepping away from the building for lunch, show your team that boundaries are not just permitted—they’re vital. This may take a little creative scheduling, but your flexibility will pay off in the long run.

4. Cultivate Peer Mentoring and Connection

Isolation intensifies compassion fatigue. Building structured peer support systems can help team members feel seen, heard, and supported. As Mentorloop suggests, mentorship relationships improve job satisfaction and reduce burnout by fostering trust and perspective.

In the deathcare context, this could mean:

• Pairing new staff with experienced mentors
• Creating regular team “roundtable” discussions for sharing stories
• Holding informal gatherings or reflective sessions outside of the workplace

Connection reminds staff that they’re not alone in what they carry—and that their experiences, no matter how heavy, are shared by others who understand.

5. Redesign Workflows to Reduce Emotional Overload

Finally, managers must look beyond individual strategies and examine organizational structures that may contribute to emotional exhaustion.  WTW advocates for systems-level change, advising that managers “[r]edesign work in ways that reduce stressors—whether through flexible scheduling, manageable caseloads, or providing administrative support.”

For funeral homes and crematories, that might mean rotating on-call responsibilities, scheduling breaks between emotionally intensive services, or cross-training staff to allow greater workload flexibility.

Consider revisiting policies to prioritize compassion fatigue prevention. Ask:

• Are we staffing appropriately for the volume of services?
• Do our employees have time to process before moving to the next family?
• Is there room in the day for recovery—not just productivity?

Final Thoughts

Compassion fatigue doesn’t mean your team is unfit for the work—it means they’re human. In a profession that demands emotional labor day in and day out, managers must treat emotional resilience as a job skill worth protecting and developing.

By building a culture of openness, providing access to support, modeling healthy behavior, encouraging connection, and adjusting organizational expectations, you empower your staff to sustain their empathy without losing themselves in the process.

And when your team is cared for, they can better care for the families who walk through your doors every day.

Tribute Technology Expands Executive Team to Accelerate Innovation and Growth

WAUNAKEE, WI — Tribute Technology, the leading provider of software and marketing solutions for funeral homes, cemeteries, and cremation businesses across North America, has announced the appointment of Craig Greenseid as Chief Executive Officer. This strategic move further strengthens the company’s leadership bench as it enters its next phase of growth, platform innovation, and customer experience enhancement.

Greenseid is a seasoned executive with more than two decades of experience driving transformation and customer-centric strategies across the technology landscape. Most recently, he served as a Managing Director and Operating Executive within The Carlyle Group’s private equity portfolio where he focused tech companies on how they scale and operate effectively — experience that aligns with meeting the needs of Tribute Technology’s clients and the families they serve. 

Greenseid has been a Tribute Technology board member for more than two years, deeply involved in shaping the company’s strategic priorities and roadmap investments. His expanded role ensures continuity in execution and clear alignment for the company’s vision for the future. 

“It is an honor to join Tribute Technology as its CEO,” said Greenseid. “I am excited to lead this innovative company and continue working alongside the talented team to further its mission of delivering unparalleled solutions to the funeral and life celebration profession. Together, we will build on Tribute Technology’s strong foundation, serving our funeral home customers and the families they support in their communities.” 

Prior to joining Tribute Technology, Greenseid held senior leadership roles at companies such as Blackboard and PowerSchool — where he served as Chief Revenue Officer and led a go-to-market organization that significantly expanded the company’s reach in the K-12 education technology space, an area he remains passionate about as the husband to a veteran teacher with 23 years of experience. 

His appointment formalizes his transition from board advisor to operational leader, joining Courtney Gould Miller, President of Commercial Markets, and Matt Powell, Chief Technology Officer, who have been with Tribute Technology for a combined six years. Together they will drive Tribute Technology’s long-term strategic success.

“Craig has been an excellent partner to the Tribute Technology team while advising for Carlyle,” said Gould Miller. “His leadership, insight, and strategic perspective have been invaluable as a board member for the past two years. Having him step into the CEO role to lead the team through the next phase of innovation is ideal for our thousands of customers and our 450 employees.”

Over the past year, Tribute Technology has broadened its leadership team by appointing a new Chief Financial Officer, Anthony Cali, and Chief Operating Officer, Joshua Gibbs, which has reinforced the company’s commitment to stability and future innovation. The entire leadership team, combined with Greenseid’s operating expertise and passion for customer-centric products and service, positions Tribute to best provide value to the clients we serve with increased purpose and confidence.

As part of its ongoing investment in innovation, Tribute Technology also announced the launch of a completely reimagined obituary experience, now available across all Tribute Technology platforms. This enhanced offering is a testament to the company’s dedication to technology that centers the needs of grieving families while equipping funeral professionals with modern, meaningful tools.

With a strong financial foundation, Tribute Technology is committed to reinvesting in its platform, its people, and its partnerships—with a clear focus on helping funeral professionals thrive in a digital-first world.

About Tribute Technology
Tribute Technology is the leading provider of software and marketing solutions for funeral homes, cemeteries, and cremation businesses across North America. Trusted by thousands of firms, Tribute Technology’s suite of tools supports funeral professionals in serving families with compassion, efficiency, and modern digital experiences.

NGL celebrates team members’ impressive achievements and performance

Madison, Wis. (April 17, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) recognized four team members with G.R.I.T. Awards during its companywide All Hands Meeting in April. The awards incorporate NGL’s vision for the future, Together for Tomorrow, into its team members’ daily professional lives. Over 100 peer nominations recognized and celebrated colleagues for their outstanding achievements and performance.

The awards highlight the winning mindsets that need to be demonstrated for everyone to deliver and successfully achieve NGL’s goals and vision.

There are four distinct categories for the G.R.I.T. Awards:

Growth and Personal Development Award – Brandon Hellwig, Senior Sales Analyst

The recipient of this award sets clear professional and personal growth objectives. They hold themselves accountable for their own growth and NGL accountable for support. The individual also embraces courageous conversations and chooses to stay resilient through challenges.

Brandon was nominated four times for the Growth and Personal Development Award. “Brandon has shown leadership, is courteous and professional,” shared one nominator. “He is reliable, knowledgeable and extremely organized. Brandon has grown and developed in his position.”

Resilience and Accountability Award – Bruce Nyberg, iSeries Support Specialist

This award recipient is resilient and perseveres. They believe in holding themselves and others accountable for actions and outcomes. Commitment to results and follow through is a basis of their work ethic.

Receiving six nominations from his colleagues, Bruce was awarded the Resilience and Accountability Award. One person who nominated Bruce said, “Bruce holds himself strongly accountable for all the work that he does. He is an invaluable resource for NGL, as well as an outstanding person. He is always willing to help others and solve problems. Bruce goes above and beyond to stay later or drop everything he is working on to help.”

Initiative, Drive and Execution Award – Mandie Hall, Account Success Associate

This award is for the NGL team member who takes initiative with a bias for effective action. They ask for help when needed and look beyond daily tasks to effectively execute plans.

Receiving four nominations for the Initiative, Drive and Execution Award, Mandie incorporates initiative, drive and execution into each of her projects at NGL. “Mandie is understanding, compassionate and knowledgeable. She takes the time to make sure that any issues are heard and resolved. She shows tremendous leadership, is a great worker and an even better person.”

Trust in Each Other Award – Colin Regan, Senior Agent Solutions Coordinator

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated trust in themselves, peers and leaders. They empower others, is empowered and delegates, as well as fosters open communication by giving and receiving constructive feedback. Collaboration within and across teams is paramount to their work.

“Colin exemplifies trust through his strong communication skills, deep understanding of the business and commitment to collaboration. He consistently demonstrates professionalism by articulating ideas clearly, facilitating productive discussions and guiding teams toward well-informed decisions. Through his actions, Colin not only builds trust but also strengthens the success of those around him.”

NGL is a life and health insurance company specializing in individual and group products. We offer a suite of innovative insurance products for life’s journey, giving our customers financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind. With 116 years in the insurance industry, we take pride in being there for our customers when they need it most.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

In the cover photo: From left to right: Joe Celentano, President & CEO; Bruce Nyberg, iSeries Support Specialist; Brandon Hellwig, Senior Sales Analyst; Colin Regan, Senior Agent Solutions Coordinator; Cara Capretta, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer Not pictured: Mandie Hall, Account Success Associate

John D. Smith Is Excited About Coaching Up a Winning Team at Foundation Partners Group

It’s easy to picture John D. Smith on the sidelines, huddling with his team before the crucial fourth down play in the last seconds of a tied-score playoff game, enthusiastically giving them the direction, inspiration, and support they need to secure the win. Easy, perhaps, because long before he was selected for the role of Chief Executive Officer at Foundation Partners Group in January, Smith was a fixture on the football field. From his peewee team’s Junior Super Bowl win to his time as a D1 strong safety to his decades in executive leadership, Smith has trusted that teamwork is integral to any kind of success.

“Football is the ultimate team sport,” he explains. “Nobody can make the play work by themselves. Every player has a role, and success depends on each person executing their assignment. It’s the same in business—everyone plays a part, and when we work together with a shared vision, that’s when the magic happens.”

It’s this ingrained belief in a team dynamic, along with the Zen Buddhist concept of the beginner’s mindset, that has led Smith to surround himself throughout his career with individuals with different skills, opinions, and expertise — and to genuinely value what they bring to the table. It’s why, as a newcomer to the deathcare space, one of Smith’s first actions at Foundation Partners Group was to assemble an advisory board composed of seasoned funeral professionals.

“In most of my roles, I didn’t know that industry when I first started; I didn’t come from that industry,” Smith says. “I’m humble enough to know that I don’t know about the roots of it, and that’s where respect comes in. Even if you have new ideas or maybe other and better ways to do things, you still respect the people who have spent their lives in the industry. Some of the best coaches in sports didn’t play the sport. I bring multiple industry experience and a leadership aspect, and if you can marry that with people with deep subject matter expertise, that’s where the magic happens.”

Smith’s first Community Advisory Board members, Mark Krause, Kevin Waterston, and Rick Tuss, definitely filt the bill as subject matter experts. They represent both multi-generational funeral homes and wildly successful start-ups, with nearly a century of combined deathcare experience as owners, directors, industry advocates, and community leaders. When talking about the board with Smith, it’s evident that each member is actively embracing their position on the team, and that Smith truly enjoys and appreciates their input.

“We text each other,” says Smith, smiling. “I just had dinner with Kevin Waterson at the CANA Symposium in Las Vegas. I met Rick during my second week with the company, and we ended up having a great conversation. These are three longtime icons in the industry, and in my conversations with each of them, they had a genuine interest in wanting Foundation Partners to be successful. They were excited to see a new person in the CEO position, they’re excited about what’s possible, and they want to help. I thought, ‘You’d be a fool not to take advantage of that.’”

Smith’s respect for his advisors is evident, as is his commitment to ensuring every member of the Foundation Partners Group organization knows the importance of their role within the larger team. 

“As a team, you have to have great ingredients — great talent in key roles,” Smith says. “It doesn’t mean everyone is going to be a Heisman Trophy winner, but as long as everyone knows their role and we’re all bound together by a clear set of values we believe in, you can get people collectively excited about a shared vision. That’s where teamwork happens.”

Much like Deion Sanders and Nick Saban, Smith works to “coach up” the people on his team. This doesn’t necessarily mean teaching everyone how to do their individual jobs; it’s bigger than that.

“I see my role as helping them be more effective in their roles,” he explains. “How can I help them engage their teams? How can they communicate more effectively? That’s what I work on with folks. That falls right in line with what you’re trying to do as a coach. If a person is going to play quarterback, I can only help you to some degree if you can’t throw the ball and you can’t read the defense. But I can certainly help you with leadership; I can help how you study, and how you prepare for the game.”

Johnson Consulting Group Adds Laurie Rhea and Tim Wilt to Business Consulting Services Team

Scottsdale, AZ [March 5, 2025] – Johnson Consulting Group is pleased to announce the addition of Laurie Rhea and Tim Wilt to our team as Business Consultants. With extensive experience in the funeral profession, including the ownership and eventual sale of their funeral business in 2022, Laurie and Tim bring a wealth of knowledge to our clients.

In their new roles, Laurie and Tim will focus on developing new opportunities, leveraging their firsthand industry experience to provide tailored consulting services. Their practical insights into funeral home operations and client relations will be invaluable assets to our team.

Laurie is a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and an award-winning restorative artist with over 22 years of experience in the profession. Tim served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps and also attended the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. With over 38 years of experience in the profession, Tim worked at a funeral home for 24 years before purchasing it in 2011. They now reside in Chambersburg, PA. Together, their expertise in funeral home management, operations, and client service make them a tremendous addition to the Johnson Consulting Group team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Laurie and Tim to Johnson Consulting Group,” said Jake Johnson, President and CEO of Johnson Consulting Group. “Their dedication to excellence, strong work ethic, and deep understanding of the funeral profession align perfectly with our mission to deliver unparalleled consulting services.”

Laurie and Tim’s journey in the funeral industry has been marked by a commitment to compassionate service and operational excellence. Their decision to join Johnson Consulting Group reflects a shared vision of supporting funeral homes and cemeteries in achieving their business goals.
“Joining Johnson Consulting Group is an exciting opportunity for us,” said Laurie. “We look forward to contributing to the success of our clients and collaborating with a team that values innovation and integrity.”

For more information about Johnson Consulting Group and our services, please visit johnsonconsulting.com or contact us at info@johnsonconsulting.com or 888-250-7747.

About Johnson Consulting Group

Johnson Consulting Group is committed to providing business solutions and tools to achieve increased performance, profitability, and success as clients navigate their business journey. Our expert services include succession planning, business sales and acquisitions, financing solutions, business coaching, accounting services, performance analysis, customer survey programs, and leadership and management training.

NGL celebrates team members’ impressive achievements and performance

Madison, Wis. (December 31, 2024) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company’s (NGL) inaugural G.R.I.T. Awards were launched during its December End of Year Celebration. The awards incorporate NGL’s vision for the future, Together for Tomorrow, into its team members’ daily professional lives. Peer nominations recognize and celebrate colleagues for their outstanding achievements and performance.

The awards highlight the winning mindsets that need to be demonstrated for everyone to deliver and successfully achieve NGL’s goals and vision.

There are four distinct categories for the G.R.I.T. Awards:

Growth and Personal Development Award – Oscar Hernandez Tinajero, Technical Support

The recipient of this award sets clear professional and personal growth objectives. They hold themselves accountable for their own growth and NGL accountable for support. The individual also embraces courageous conversations and chooses to stay resilient through challenges.

Oscar was nominated four times for the Growth and Personal Development Award. “Oscar is driven to learn and advance his career at NGL by challenging himself,” shares one nominator. “He joined the IT Customer Service team from a business role, volunteered to join the implementation team for the Data Center moveout weekend, and has now volunteered to assist a more technical team in order to challenge himself and further his career. Oscar continues to show a drive to challenge himself to grow and impresses everyone around him with his ability to succeed at those challenges.”

Resilience and Accountability Award – Jen Hatton, Senior Commissions Administrator

This award recipient is resilient and perseveres. They believe in holding themselves and others accountable for actions and outcomes. Commitment to results and follow through is a basis of their work ethic.

Receiving five nominations from her colleagues, Jen was awarded the Resilience and Accountability Award. One person who nominated Jen says, “She sets an amazing example of resilience and accountability on the Commissions team. Jen’s continual commitment to finding solutions and generating new ideas, even in difficult situations, is a testament to her resilience and perseverance. She also leads by example by keeping herself accountable. She freely admits mistakes, along with learning from them, while frequently helping our own team and even other teams identify and overcome challenges in order to succeed.”

Initiative, Drive and Execution Award – Jessica Miller, Assistant Vice President, Financial Planning, Payroll and Disbursements

This award is for the NGL team member who takes initiative with a bias for effective action. They ask for help when needed and look beyond daily tasks to effectively execute plans.

Receiving three nominations for the Initiative, Drive and Execution Award, Jessica incorporates initiative, drive and execution into each of her projects at NGL. “Jessica has worked tirelessly to improve key processes. She drove the implementation of a new accounts payable software which enabled better workflow, tracking and automation of disbursements coding. She overhauled the budget process and has worked collaboratively with every budget owner throughout NGL to help them understand their costs and plan accurately for the coming year. Jessica executes on every task she takes on and has a true drive for excellence. She is a team player and does her best to provide one-on-one customer service to the organization, no matter how busy she is.”

Trust in Each Other Award – Lisa Warner, Claims Adjudicator

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated trust in themselves, peers and leaders. They empower others, is empowered and delegates, as well as fosters open communication by giving and receiving constructive feedback. Collaboration within and across teams is paramount to their work.

“Lisa is always available to help deal with complicated claims or to help train newer members on different types of claims. She has been the point person on several complicated claims this year, some of which have involved multiple beneficiaries who have unique needs and questions. She also has a wonderful personality and adds so much to the team.”

NGL is a life and health insurance company specializing in individual and group products. We offer a suite of innovative insurance products for life’s journey, giving our customers financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind. With 115 years in the insurance industry, we take pride in being there for our customers when they need it most.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.