Brian Joseph joins Danielle Burmeister in this conversation as part of the Calling Hours funeral home owner series. Brian is the owner and chairman of Verheyden Funeral Homes in Detroit, Mich. In their discussion, they explore Brian’s journey as a first-generation funeral director, the leadership lessons he learned along the way and how Verheyden has grown while staying deeply rooted in service and community. Brian also shares candid insights on navigating the unexpected and the resilience required to rebuild after extraordinary challenges. Learn more about Brian’s perspective on leading through crisis and the power of perseverance in this inspiring conversation.

Chapters:

0:39 · Finding the calling.
How Brian discovered funeral service as a teenager and why helping families resonated early on

2:48 · Why Verheyden stood out.
What drew Brian to a high-volume, values-driven firm — even when it meant less pay

4:28 · Mentors and progression.
The influence from seasoned mentors and the inclusion of women in funeral service and how it shaped Verheyden’s culture

8:26 · From apprentice to owner.
Brian’s transition into leadership and the responsibility that came with it

11:35 · Navigating ownership transitions.
Key considerations when buying out partners and honoring legacy beyond price

13:50 · Serving through adversity.
Managing overwhelming call volume, staffing shortages and safety during the pandemic

18:03 · Adapting through technology.
How offering online arrangements through eFuneral supported families through required social distancing

18:43 · Post-pandemic realities.
Financial pressure, changing business trends and rising fixed costs

19:54 · When disaster struck.
The Detroit flooding, catastrophic damage and the fight to rebuild and recover

25:37 · Searching for a lifeline.
How repeated bank rejections stalled recovery — and the financing solution that finally made rebuilding possible

32:10 · From chaos to clarity.
How curiosity, context and someone willing to truly listen helped bring all the pieces back together

35:42 · Steady through the storm.
Staff resilience, trusted partners and the leadership decisions that ensured families were always cared for

41:14 · On the nightstand.
What Brian is reading now — and how daily reflection and self-discipline shape his approach to leadership

42:18 · Purpose beyond the work.
How service, legacy and lifting others up continue to motivate Brian