Meet a Family Service Advisor: Allan O. Gonzalez
How long have you worked at Osceola Memory Gardens? How did you first get into the profession?
I am one of the newest members to Osceola Memory Gardens, I joined them because of their level of professionalism and the desire to always put families first in all they do. I began in this industry over 7 years ago as a consultant for those looking for health or life insurance and noticed just how important it was making sure our final expenses are taken care of.
What is your job like? What are you responsible for in a typical week?
I absolutely love my career, although, typically no one really grows up as a kid wanting to work in this industry. I was first in the medical field prior to insurance, so helping people is something I enjoy providing as a service. However, these days I am no longer practicing and enjoy the way I help families now. As a Family Service Advisor, I give seminars on the importance of preplanning your final expenses and the many benefits of doing so. These seminars are four times a month, two in English and two in Spanish. Then throughout the week I am meeting with families either at the Funeral Home or doing a house call. At that time, I sit down with the families and list out their final wishes and how they would like their services to be performed and once we have a plan in place, I find a way to make it affordable for the family. In doing so we do not leave the burden onto our children and loved ones.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I have quite a few, the seminars are always fun and educational and it gives me a time to meet many people in one room. I would have to say my favorite part is seeing the sigh of relief when they have a plan in place and can rest assure that everything has been handled and watching that peace of mind become a reality for the families.
What do you wish more people knew about funerals and cemeteries?
With our, one day, passing being an inevitable part of life, I wish everyone knew the many benefits of preplanning their final expenses. Preplanning is the best method of making sure all your wishes are laid out and respected at the time of need and the services are done the way you want. It also ensures the price is locked in, preventing inflation becoming a problem in the future, at the time of need. There is so much more but we can leave that for the seminars.
What was the most memorable burial that you've helped with?
One of the hardest but most rewarding was a burial in our area called Babyland. With the plans we offer, it automatically covers children under the age of twenty-one. Unfortunately, this was a situation in which that coverage was utilized. However, the parents did not have to worry about covering the costs of laying their child to rest and we were able to give their baby a beautiful service. I knew then we were doing something good and that we can be proud of.
Do you have any thoughts or recommendations for people who are grieving?
Allow yourself to be vulnerable, let it out however you can as long as it is productive. Grieving is unique to us all yet we all at some point experience it. So, take your time but be daring enough to allow yourself to heal.
Is there anything else that you'd like to share with our audience?
“We bereaved are not alone. We belong to the largest company in all the world – the company of those who have known suffering.”
- Helen Keller
