1. When did you get started in your business?
Omega Funeral & Cremation Service started in 1990 – Erin and I started the business because we saw a need for local family owned business. We wanted to offer dignified and caring services at an affordable prices to the families we serve. We started Omega with $1000.00 and not much in savings. We are very honored to be here today – able to serve our families.
2. How did you get into this business?
Erin pretty much always knew he wanted to be a funeral director – he worked in a local funeral home when he was in high school in Forest Grove, Oregon. Kathy didn’t realize that she wanted to be in the funeral industry until she started college. Both Erin and Kathy love to help and serve the families in a time of need. We are grateful for our staff who is willing to help serve the public.
3. What products or services do you provide to your customers?
Omega Funeral & Cremation Service provides full services, viewings, on site cremation, we work with all cemeteries, we have caskets, urns. We will work with families to customize services to fit their needs and wants.
4. What are the challenges you face as a business owner?
Like many companies today, we struggle with costs going up and trying to keep our fees down, to the families we serve. There are families out there that have a loved one die and there are not funds ~ so we need to be creative sometimes. We want to be able to serve families and serve them well, but the reality is that we need to pay our bills too ~ so we can stay in business.
5. How does your business differentiate itself from the competition?
We are proud that we serve our families to the best of our abilities and that we work with each family to customize the service that they want. We are skilled in serving different religious and cultural needs.
We are one of Portland’s only family owned and operated funeral homes. Omega is positioned to be an economical funeral and cremation service provider. We have a diversified and large selection of caskets, urns and memorial jewelry for the families.
6. Why does your company have loyal customers?
Omega tends to exceed the family expectations. We serve our families well and they will use Omega again in this difficult time in their life. When you think about it when someone needs a funeral home you are entrusting us with one of the most precious “things” in your life. Family that we serve will tell their family and friends when they have a need.
7. What trends are you seeing in your industry?
Whether it be burial or cremation the families are wanting to honor their loved one and at Omega people can do this in a caring and affordable manner.
8. What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned as a business owner?
To listen to the needs of the families we serve. To show respect for the families and to give back to our community. We strive to continue to learn within our industry and out so that we can continue to have good relationships.