PASSION,
CLOSENESS,
AND INNOVATION
MAKE A TRUE FUNERAL PROFESSIONAL
By Lic. Oscar Padilla, CEO of J. García López, Mexico
he 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
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.
30
No. 111 – AUTUMN 2025 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MAIN TOPIC