Interview with Mike Heflebower, funeral director/owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I started in the funeral industry as an undergraduate student at Hastings College in 1987. I arranged an internship class with a local funeral home and that was it, I had found my calling. I worked with a longtime family-owned firm and was on call over the weekends with a very seasoned older funeral director. I learned a lot from him about the business and how families should be taken care of properly. I graduated from mortuary school in Kansas City in 1990 and was licensed as a funeral director and embalmer in Nebraska that same year.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We are the first and only funeral service provider located in Highlands Ranch. There was a need in the south metro communities for this type of care and so our family decided to move forward with our firm. I am also national board-certified and a licensed funeral director and embalmer. We are a family-owned business with Colorado roots.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: The opportunity to care for those who have lost someone and create enduring relationships with those we serve. Funeral service is a form of ministry in itself. We are on the front line of assisting families through the most difficult times of their lives.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Our biggest challenge at this time is being new in this area. In all of its 32 years, the Highlands Ranch community has had to look outside of itself to find the type of services we now provide.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Many of the larger funeral service providers in the area are owned and operated by large corporations in other states. Many individuals have never graduated from mortuary school, passed the National Board or hold any state licenses.
Profile
Business: Heflebower Funeral Services
Address: 8955 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 100, Highlands Ranch
Hours: Office 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, weekends by appointment. We are always available by phone day or night.
Founded: 2013
Contact: 720-344-6087, heflebowerfuneralservices
Profile
Business: Heflebower Funeral Services
Address: 8955 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 100, Highlands Ranch
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and weekends by appointment. We are available by phone 24/7.
Founded: 2013
Contact: 720-344-6087, heflebowerfuneralservices
Employees: 5
