Todd Carlson - Funeral Directors Life (FDLIC)
Current Position
Executive Vice President of Sales and Chief Sales Officer at Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company (FDLIC).
Professional Background and Experience
Todd Carlson boasts over 30 years of experience in the funeral profession. He has dedicated his career to helping funeral home owners grow and improve their services. Todd holds a Bachelor's degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota and is a licensed funeral director.
Notable Achievements
- Promotions: Todd Carlson was promoted to Executive Vice President of Sales and Chief Sales Officer in January 2015.
- Expertise: Known for building high-volume, profitable sales programs in the pre-need life insurance sector.
- Leadership: Recognized as an exceptional leader and motivator with a passion for understanding people's needs and building others up.
Company Highlights
- Longevity: Funeral Directors Life has been serving the funeral service community for 43 years, and Todd Carlson has been associated with FDLIC for 18 of those years.
- Growth Initiatives: Carlson has been instrumental in offering services to new regions, including the state of Michigan and Pennsylvania and New Jersey, enhancing the company's market reach and establishing new sales development roles.
Personal Anecdotes and Philosophy
- Personal Philosophy: Todd Carlson lives by the advice, "Work fast, throw strikes, and change speeds," inspired by Orel Hershiser.
- Personal Interests: If not constrained by financial considerations, Todd would choose to volunteer as a handyman for elderly ladies needing chores done around their house. This anecdote underscores his community-centric and service-oriented mindset.
- Memorable Turning Point: A notable personal experience that shaped his respect for authority was a stern lesson taught by his father during his teenage years.
Recent Activity and Initiatives
- Team Expansion and Leadership Updates: Regularly posts updates on welcoming new team members and shifts in roles within the company. For instance, Tom Nicklas was announced as the Director of Sales Development for Pennsylvania and New Jersey in July 2024.
- Engagement and Public Statements: Active on LinkedIn, sharing organizational growth, team achievements, and updates about new services and market expansions.
Additional Professional Activities
- Webinars and Speaking Engagements: Featured in webinars discussing industry trends and innovations, such as the new options available for families and the importance of maintaining personal connections in a virtual world.
Company Contact Points
- Funeral Directors Life Insurance Co.: Provides extensive information about the executive team and regularly publishes annual reports highlighting the company's progress and strategic achievements.
Todd Carlson's profound experience, leadership qualities, and strategic role in expanding Funeral Directors Life's service offerings position him as a pivotal figure within the company, making him a key contact for professional engagements within the funeral services industry.