Cemetery & Funeral Professionals:

Gary O'Sullivan, CCFE, Knows Your Profession!

Whether you sell pre-need, manage those who do, or lead a cemetery, funeral home, or combination business — the challenges you face every day are different than those in any other type of business.

I know the Cemetery & Funeral profession.

In 1971, right out of high school at the age of 18, I started selling cemetery property door-to-door. Since then — in a career spanning nearly five decades — I have served the profession in many capacities. From being a sales manager, regional manager, and Senior VP of Sales for a public company, to being responsible for helping companies design and drive their desired culture.

Whenever I work with members of the Cemetery & Funeral profession — delivering keynotes, consulting for companies, providing one-on-one coaching for leaders, providing training in seminars and workshops — the principles and techniques I share are shaped by the prism that is my experience in the profession.

Meet Gary

I am a senior-level executive with proven success in strategic planning, development, management and leadership of operational initiatives in sales and marketing. An accomplished platform speaker, teacher and motivator. I have a unique way of creating synergistic alignment of personal and corporate values and personal accountability.

GO Virtual!

Sometimes it's difficult or costly to schedule live engagements. Using your choice of no– or low-cost technology platforms, you and your staff can have a live experience, virtually anywhere! All that's needed is an internet connection and a connected devise – whether it's a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, smart TV or big screen!

Read about GOing Virtual

Shop

The store offers a variety of products to help you build your business. Whether it's books, audio, video or e-books you're looking for. It's here.

Check this I.D. When Interviewing Candidates

When interviewing a prospective hire, be sure and check his or her I.D. No, this video is NOT about asking for a candidate's driver's license, social security card, or college transcript. It's about determining the CHARACTER of the person. In this video, I'll tell you what the "I" and "D" stand for and why they are independent and interdependent. I'll also explain the dangers of having the wrong balance of "I" and "D".Watch

3 things you must be if you want to succeed in sales

Have you ever wondered why some people do better in sales than others? What I've learned over the course of nearly 5 decades in direct sales is that there are three things salespeople must be if they want to have consistent or above-average sales. In this short video, I'll explain these three things and their impact on your ability to have more control over your future in direct sales.Watch

How Long Does It Take?

Much of the consulting I do these days centers around corporate culture — specifically, helping business owners and leaders actively design their culture. In doing so we often have to help them define their mission, beliefs and values. This process allows the leaders to explain why they exist as a company and how adhering to their defined beliefs and values is designed to influence their behaviors — allowing them to accomplish their mission. Guess what's the first question most leaders have about this process?Read

Don't take our word for it...

Carlos Quezada

Since 2010, Gary has helped me develop several programs and implement several programs; from sales and talent development to creating a successful culture in our organization. Through this programs we have been able to help hundreds of sales counselors and… Read the full testimonial “Carlos Quezada”

Carlos Quezada

Managing Director HS-Texas

Service Corporation International

Robert Fells

I have known Gary O’Sullivan for many years. In all my dealings with him I have found him to be a person of the highest professional character and personal integrity. His dedication and commitment to our profession is unwavering, and… Read the full testimonial “Robert Fells”

Robert Fells

External Chief Operating Office

ICFA

Nadira Baddeliyanage

Gary O’Sullivan, CCFE, is a legend in our industry and has revolutionized the way sales teams interact with families. The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association has had the honor and privilege to work with Gary for more than 30… Read the full testimonial “Nadira Baddeliyanage”

Nadira Baddeliyanage

Director of Operations

ICCFA

Rick Hulkenberg

I have heard a lot of theory and ideas. I can say without reservation that Gary O’Sullivan knows how to reach the sales person on the street. I’ve watched Gary, and it’s quite clear that he is in the business… Read the full testimonial “Rick Hulkenberg”

Rick Hulkenberg

President

Didasko Communication, LLC

Marla J. Noel

Gary O’Sullivan is the consummate professional…. I have a vision of Fairhaven being so superior in customer service… The process has been a challenge… Gary understood, and helped to improve the process. We have enjoyed working with Gary, although he… Read the full testimonial “Marla J. Noel”

Marla J. Noel

Former President

Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary

Jeff Kidwiler

Gary has been a part of my success not just from consulting, sales training, public speaking and leadership development – He has helped me be successful on a daily basis as a result of his “Life” coaching which is a… Read the full testimonial “Jeff Kidwiler”

Jeff Kidwiler, CCE

President

Blackstone Memorials

Read more testimonials

The Invisible Force: How organizational culture impacts people and profits

Research in organizational behavior and performance clearly indicates that companies with strong cultures outperform organizations with weak cultures. In this presentation, you will learn about companies whose cultures have allowed them to achieve unprecedented success.

Requirements for a Strong Culture

Organizational culture is either formed by design or by default. Understanding the critical aspects that are required to create a strong and positive culture is the first step in changing your organization.

The Three Cs of Effective Leadership

There are many things people need from their leaders, but there are three foundational principles that determine leadership effectiveness. This keynote presentation helps leaders put those principles to work.