In this press release from last Thursday it was announced that some leadership position changes at publicly held funeral home and cemetery operator Carriage Services were underway.  First and foremost was the announcement that former company Chief Operating Officer and President Carlos Quezada was being promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective immediately.

 

In the position of CEO, Mr. Quezada will replace the company founder, and CEO for over 32 years, Melvin Payne. Payne will immediately move to a the position of Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.

 

Here’s what Payne said in the press release about the promotion of Mr. Quezada, “When I created the Company’s Strategic Vision and Principles Group in June 2021, a team consisting of four executive leaders including myself, we noted it was the first step in our CEO succession planning. The past two years have been a thoughtful, deliberate and intense period of learning, leading and preparation to ensure the seamless transition we announce today. I could not be more excited and confident in Carlos and his ability to thrive in the CEO role, as he has continued to take on additional responsibilities and lead transformational growth throughout the Company since he first joined Carriage in 2020. The Board has also recognized his talent and achievements, which culminated in appointing Carlos as President in 2022, and ultimately electing him to serve on the Board as Vice Chairman earlier this year. Carlos is a thoughtful and strategic leader who, I am confident, will lead Carriage to achieve our Bold Ten-Year Vision . . .”

 

Quezada made this comment, “I am honored and deeply humbled to assume the CEO role at Carriage. As I step into this position, I am acutely aware of the significance of the transition, as Mel has served as the sole CEO of the Company since its founding more than 32 years ago. I commit to our employees and shareholders that I will lead with the utmost dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our culture . . . ”

 

In another personnel move, Carrage Services also announced that Steve Metzger, the company Executive Vice-President and General Counsel has been named the President of Carriage Services.  Mr. Metzger joined Carriage Services in 2018.

 

Funeral Director Daily take:  If you have followed the public death care markets in the United States for some time this leadership transition probably does not come as a surprise.  As a matter of fact, in Carriage Services’ Q1 Earnings Call on May 23, 2023, Mr. Payne acknowledged some health problems.  Here’s what he said, according to the transcript from Seeking Alpha that gave an inkling that something may be coming in the near future:

 

“Good morning, everyone. It brings me a . . . joy to join you all today following weeks of rigorous rehabilitation. Through support and thoughtful prayers and wishes I have received from so many people across our company during my recovery have been nothing short of heartwarming, even humbling and I will be forever grateful for each and every one of them.

Although my rehab journey to full recovery continues, I am fueled with unwavering motivation and optimism by the overwhelming encouragement from everyone at Carriage, but especially from our senior executive team, Carlos, Steve and Kian, who together with me comprise our Strategic Vision and Principles group. I formed this group of senior leaders almost three years ago as part of my succession plan to serve as a vehicle from which I would develop and mentor the future executive leaders of Carriage. And after working with Carlos, Steve and Kian intimately, over the last two months on various issues for Carriage, I am delighted to report that the future executive leadership at Carriage is indeed in great hands.

Nearly 33 years ago, I embarked on a journey to build a great company in this industry, not to be the biggest, but to be the best. Today I am proud to see that dream come to fruition, as Carriage has evolved into a high-performance culture company. And despite our challenges, which we view as opportunities, our progress is a testament to our unyielding commitment to excellence and our vision and mission of being the best.”

 

From my point of view, it is sometimes difficult for founding executives to completely turn “their” company over to the next leader.  Nowhere is that more evident in the funeral home profession where the next generation many times assumes the mantle of leadership with the past leadership “looking” over their shoulders.

 

I’ve seen these transitions work out great and I’ve also seen these transitions turn into a disaster in our profession.  Many times the results come down to “culture” and “patience”.  If a new leader has different values than the past leader things will change — sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

 

Implementation of changes following a 3-decade leader is also probably inevitable.  However, the old saying that “Patience is a virtue” is a good rule to follow.  Change probably needs to happen in some areas of the operation but instituting change at a rapid pace can cause dissolutionment and friction among the rank and file. . . . .they may get anxious about the next change and not wait around to see it.

 

On the other hand, not making “generational” operating changes and just staying with the old way of doing things — remaining at the status quo operationally — can irritate contemporary rank and file employees who are anxious to move ahead with a more modern business practice.  In other words, Quezada’s upcoming decisons will be important.

 

Mel Payne needs to get credit for building Carriage Services into the company it is today.  It will be interesting to see how Carlos Quezada builds upon the positives of the company while making some changes that are probably necessary.

 

In any regard, it appears Thursday, June 22, 2023, will mark a historic date in the history of Carriage Services.

 

According to the press release, Carriage Services at this time operates 173 funeral homes in 26 states and 32 cemeteries in 11 states.

 

More news from the world of Death Care:

• Families face weeks-long delays for death certificates following system upgrade.  WMAR ABC – 2 Baltimore (MD)
• Kinston funeral home closes doors after investigation found multiple infractions with client care.  The Free Press (NC)
• Marietta’s Castle to host 3rd cemetery tour.  The Marietta Times (OH)
• Liquid cremation provides greener alternative to traditional methods.  News article and voice report.  Minnesota Public Radio  (MN)

 

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