FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jay F. Heinrich (719) 783-9099
Local Business Challenges The Traditional Funeral Industry Process
Changing an established culture is no easy feat! That isn’t stopping these three devoted people. They met and came together with a common purpose - to add value and meaning to one of the oldest traditions in history.
It all began two years ago with John Heasley’s idea. He and his partner, Debra Whiteing, of Cuerno Verde, attended a number of funeral services in a short period of time. The experience had left them feeling lost, sad, and needing something more positive to take away with from the experience. Why does a funeral have to be so difficult to deal with? How can it be changed to become a more positive, meaningful experience for not only the family, but for all attendees?
John and Debra tossed around the idea, not knowing exactly how to turn this into a business. They were sure of one thing. The answer was in working wildflower seeds into the service. If they could figure out a way to offer attendees a memento for the life that had passed, it might help celebrate life instead of mourning the passing. It might, in turn, help with the grieving process. This would give everyone attending the service a more meaningful remembrance, thus more value from the experience.
John contacted Marketing Consultant, Jay Heinrich. Jay was the former Vice President and General Manager of Batesville Casket Company-Prime Business Unit. With his 30 years of expertise in sales and marketing, while working with various companies, along with the contacts that he had developed within the industry, the plan began to take shape.
John, Debra, and Jay soon had a clear picture of the company. Forever Wildflowers™ would be a vehicle for families to help pass through the most difficult time in their lives. It would add value to the funeral process and celebrate a life lived.
After a year of planning, Forever Wildflowers™ has been up and running for 6 months. The executive offices and the distribution center are located at 101 South 2nd Street, Westcliffe. Debra handles the administrative procedures, while John developed the system and oversees the operations. John and Debra have hired local contract help to fill orders. Forever Wildflowers™ has provided approximately 20 part time jobs in the community.
Jay works with the sales and marketing demands. Currently 160 firms from Massechusetts to Florida and Virginia to California are on board using the service with great success. New companies are coming on board, daily.
This creative trio is presently working on more ideas and product lines that will be marketed in the near future. Interested individuals and companies may stop by the office or visit their web site at foreverwildflowers.com.
When asked what lies ahead for Forever Wildflowers™, you’re liable to get a quick answer. “Success, satisfaction. Knowing that we are helping families through a critical period in their lives. We are changing culture for the better. Every life is important. We choose to honor every life.