Meet Crystal Van Orsdel Marchant

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Crystal Van Orsdel Marchant. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Crystal, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

The path to finding my purpose was shaped by an upbringing deeply integrated with our family business and experiences that began in my early childhood.

From a young age, accompanying my father to work during the summers at our family-owned funeral home, I was immersed in a world that delicately balances empathy with professionalism. These experiences weren’t simply about performing routine tasks; they were foundational lessons in understanding the profound impact we could have through compassionate service. Observing my father, I learned that our role extended beyond organizing services—it was about providing support and comfort to people in their most vulnerable times.

However, the defining moment that solidified my purpose came during my teenage years when I began creating video tributes for families. This task allowed me to merge my creative inclinations with my deep-seated desire to support our community. The first time I witnessed a family viewing a tribute I had crafted, the emotional connection and collective remembrance they shared clarified my role in this work. It was profoundly fulfilling to see how these tributes helped families celebrate and remember the lives of their loved ones. This experience illuminated the unique position I held to facilitate moments of healing and honor.

Motivated by this realization, I pursued a funeral director degree to deepen my ability to assist families more effectively, both in pre-planning and immediate needs. Today, my role involves integrating these early lessons with innovative practices to better serve our community. From introducing remote arrangement capabilities to enhancing our memorial services with modern technology, my aim is to ensure that every family receives personalized care that respects their individual needs and honors their loved ones’ legacies.

At Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services, we are committed to celebrating life uniquely and meaningfully. Each decision I make and service I oversee is driven by a desire to provide unparalleled support and genuine care. Finding my purpose was not a singular moment but a series of experiences that culminated in a deep understanding of the impact our family business could have on others.

In essence, I found my purpose through a commitment to continue a legacy of compassion and innovation—a commitment that every family we serve finds comfort, excellence, and true partnership in their times of need. This is more than a profession for me; it is a privilege and a passion that continues to shape my life and work every day.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

As the Director of Customer Experience and Funeral Director at Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services, I take great pride in blending the rich legacy of our century-old, family-owned business with forward-thinking, compassionate care. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide a deeply personal touch in celebrating and honoring the lives of those we serve.

Our funeral home is more than just a provider of services; it’s a vital part of the community. We offer a nurturing environment where families can find support and unique ways to commemorate their loved ones. The fact that we are family-owned greatly enhances our connection to the community, enabling us to offer a level of personal care and understanding that is deeply rooted in our family’s legacy and commitment.

Innovation and finding personalized options for memorialization are passions of mine. We constantly strive to adapt and innovate, keeping pace with modern needs while respecting cherished traditions. Recent enhancements include the ability to manage arrangements completely online and the introduction of live-streaming services, crucial for today’s need for flexibility and safety. Additionally, we offer distinctive choices for memorials, such as turning cremated remains into diamonds, stones, or even part of a coral reef, along with eco-friendly and green burials. These creative options demonstrate our commitment to providing families with environmentally conscious and highly personalized ways to honor their loved ones.

Our status as a family-owned business not only deepens our commitment but also increases our agility in responding to the community’s needs. This flexibility allows us to quickly adapt, introduce new services, and engage intimately with our community, enhancing our ability to support families in their grief with a personalized touch.

At Van Orsdel, we value our role as a community pillar, dedicated to offering compassionate service and innovative solutions in honoring life. Our mission extends beyond mere business—it’s about fostering a legacy of care, maintaining family values, and ensuring that every family feels truly valued and supported during their most challenging times. As a family-operated establishment, we are proud to make significant contributions to our community, upholding the dignity of life and celebrating its memories in the most meaningful ways possible.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey as the Vice President of Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services, three qualities stand out as pivotal to my success: passion, perseverance, and genuine care. These traits have not only shaped my professional path but have also guided our family business in maintaining a compassionate, innovative service, deeply rooted in a principle passed down from my grandfather: “Focus on serving the families well, and the financial aspect will naturally follow.”

**1. Passion:** My passion for innovation and providing personalized, meaningful memorial experiences has been the driving force behind every initiative we’ve implemented. It’s passion that ignites creativity and fuels the long hours and dedication required in the funeral industry. For those starting their journey, my advice is to find and follow what moves you deeply. This might mean taking on projects that align closely with your interests, even if they seem challenging, and always seeking to learn more about the aspects of your work that excite you.

**2. Perseverance:** The funeral industry, like any field, presents its set of challenges, from dealing with the emotional aspects of the services we provide to navigating the business landscape. Perseverance has been crucial in overcoming these challenges. To those early in their careers, understand that setbacks are not failures but opportunities to learn and grow. Cultivate resilience by setting clear goals and maintaining a positive, solution-focused mindset even when the going gets tough.

**3. Genuine Care:** Genuine care for the families we serve is the cornerstone of our business. This care is what makes our service stand out and is critical in building trust and lasting relationships within the community. For newcomers, developing this quality involves honing your empathetic skills and always placing the needs and feelings of others at the forefront of your actions. Listen attentively, respond with compassion, and always aim to exceed expectations in the support you provide.

For those early in their journey, focusing on these qualities can make a significant difference. Seek mentors who exemplify these traits, engage in continuous learning, and always be open to feedback. Remember, the growth you seek often comes from a blend of personal development and professional experiences. Embrace every opportunity to apply what you learn, and let your passion, perseverance, and genuine care, guided by our enduring family principle, lead you to success.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to introduce me to the family business and nurture my skills, while giving me the freedom to forge my own path. They exposed me to the intricacies of running Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services, from the compassionate care required to assist grieving families to the business acumen needed to keep operations smooth. This early exposure was invaluable, allowing me to gain a deep understanding and appreciation of the industry.

However, they never pressured me into taking a predefined route or insisted that I follow in their footsteps. Instead, they encouraged me to explore my interests and find my own passion within the field. This approach allowed me to develop a genuine love and dedication for the work we do, which I might not have fully embraced had I felt compelled to conform to their expectations.

This blend of guidance and freedom was crucial in helping me become who I am today—a funeral director who not only has a profound respect for our family’s legacy but also a personal commitment to the meaningful work we do. I believe their trust in my ability to find my own way has been essential in shaping my approach to leadership and service within the industry.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,