By Lic. Oscar Padilla, CEO of J. García López, Mexico

The funeral industry is a challenging sector, one that few choose to enter. It is rarely among the first investment options - perhaps the last, or not considered at all - mainly due to the lack of information about its operational, administrative, and executive ecosystem.

In Mexico, no university offers a degree in Funeral Directing, as is the case in the United States, so most knowledge is acquired intuitively. Some begin this journey with a background in business administration, adjusting strategies along the way. The closest field that reflects what a funeral service encompasses is hospitality and customer service, principles rooted in the tourism sector - but in this case, applied in situations where families are emotionally vulnerable as they say goodbye to a loved one.

Given this context, I can confidently say that the most successful leaders in funeral service companies are those that are passionate about what they do and believe in the talent of every team member. It’s their responsibility to identify the best people and make them partners in success.

PASSION FOR WHAT I DO has been my most powerful leadership tool, which I developed alongside Ing. Carlos García and Doña Julieta Bravo, founders of J. García López. They taught me that obstacles are overcome through passion and perseverance. These principles continue to guide the business strategies of our company to this day.

Smart execution at the executive level in the funeral industry must include: clear objectives, defined procedures, technological integration, training, and innovation. These elements allow us to differentiate ourselves from companies that harm the sector and hurt families with poor-quality, overpriced services.

Today, technological tools offer the industry efficiency, quality, and transparency in its processes - transforming a difficult moment into a practical and timely interaction, which helps exceed client expectations.
Smart execution supported by IT opens the door to development in what is otherwise a very traditional industry - especially in Mexico, where funerals are deeply tied to cultural customs. The DNA of J. García López is based on three key pillars: innovation, warmth, and customer satisfaction, which have positioned us as a leader in the field.
Staying at the forefront is not always enough; it is necessary to readjust and redirect efforts as often as needed to achieve the transformation that promises the next level in quality, service, and customer care.

The key to being a true specialist in the funeral industry, I would summarize as: making things happen, under the belief that circumstances are created, and results are built - where every team member plays a crucial role in the bigger picture.

The new technological environment we live in goes hand-in-hand with new generations, so the way to connect with younger audiences is through new communication channels, particularly social media and digital content development.

>> Find the complete article and more insights in THANOS Magazine at pages 30-31