Shrewsbury – Whether expected or not, there is no event more emotional than a death in the family. For the last three years, Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors have taken pride in offering personal and professional services to grieving families that have reframed the approach to focusing on not just the passing but also a way to celebrate a life lived.
In an effort to evolve and grow their business, Heald & Chiampa has entered a vote-in contest for a $25,000 small business grant. The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest was launched in 2012, according to its website, as a way to “help small business owners achieve their dreams.” To enter, companies from across the nation answered the question, “If you were given $25,000 to spend on your business, what would you do with it?” Members of the public can then vote for their favorite small business, up to once a day.
John Heald is one of the three long-time Shrewsbury resident owners of the funeral home, which is located in the historic Sumner House located at 5 Church Road, near the Shrewsbury common.
“Marketing the funeral home is one of the more difficult things we face as small business owners. Our service is one that few think about until the time it is needed arises.? Fortunately our own community initiatives plus the great word of mouth sharing about our distinct style and approach has benefited us greatly,” he said.
“If we were fortunate enough to win this grant, we would view it as a great opportunity to continue to develop new and innovative ways to reach our community and show them what we are all about,” he added.
The public is invited to help Heald &Chiampa by visiting http://smallbusinessgrant.fedex.com/Gallery/Detail/69da8f49-ee35-4945-998b-026099b4092b.
To learn more about Heald & Chiampa visit www.healdchiampa.com.
Heald & Chiampa's official entry answers are outlined below.
1. Give us your elevator pitch (tell us what you sell, what you sell the service you offer)
In a profession dominated by long-established businesses passed by generation to generation – we are a rarity, a start-up funeral home.? We have fundamentally changed the way our community experiences loss.? In short, our approach focuses on celebrating life.
2. What inspired you to get into the business you are in today?
Funeral service is in our blood.? We have worked in the business for 20+ years.? However, our dream was to open a funeral home and in 2009, ?just before our father passed we were able to open the business that has fulfilled our life's goal. What sets our business apart is the manner in which we serve our families.? Part of that includes our partnership with Life Celebration,?” a service that allows us to use photos, personal mementos and print materials for use and display for the families we serve and all the guests that come to our funerals.? Simply said, we are different and the community has responded with overwhelming support.
3. How do you define success for yourself and for your business?
Success is defined by the business we'se built in just over three years and the favorable impression we have made in the community. ?It is defined when a family we have served sends a note with such powerful thanks or posts a testimonial to our site. We have raised the bar for the standard and expectations when people experience a death. Success comes when families will drive the distance to utilize our services because they don's want to settle for less. Success means for us that we are continuing to build a business that allows us to invest back into the community that has acknowledged they want change, options and different experience.