An Interview with Owner & Funeral Director, Scott Found
How long have you been a funeral director?
I have been a licensed FD since 1991 and involved in the funeral business since I was 13 years old.
What led you to this profession?
Following my brother Sam’s footsteps.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
For the past 5 years as an owner, I spend most of my day concerned with the operations of Found and Sons. My main concern is always “is it best for our clients?”. I also try my best to be fair with employees and contractors.
What is the most rewarding part of doing what you do?
As an owner, the most rewarding part of my job is supporting community projects that help the youth, veterans and the elderly. As a Funeral Director, the most rewarding part of my job was knowing that I made a very difficult time easier for a family that was struggling with a loss.
What is one misconception that you think people have about funeral directors?
Funeral Directors can sometimes be thought of as not caring or not emotional. In my experience, nothing could be further from the truth. Do we become desensitized to the acute trauma of death? Yes. But, good funeral directors grieve with you, internally. While we may not have all the outward signs of grief, we feel the pain of each family and we internalize the stories and sadness.
If there is one thing that you could inform people about in regard to this industry, what would it be?
There is nothing wrong with price shopping. In today’s economy, every dollar counts. The best question you can ask a funeral director is: What is the bottom line? Make sure that you are comparing apples to apples as pricing structures can vary from funeral home to funeral home.
What advice would you give someone who is considering becoming a funeral director?
Funeral directing is not your normal profession. Do not expect a 9 – 5 job with weekends off, funeral directors serve those in need 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
How does being a funeral director play into your life compared to having a “normal” job How do you manage to keep a good balance of work life and personal life?
The hours of a funeral director can make normal life difficult. You have to be prepared to miss important life events in order to serve the community. It took me 25 years to learn how to balance work and personal time, and I’m not sure I have figured it out yet.
What do you enjoy most about working and living/working in the Culpeper? What are some things that you enjoy doing in the area?
The people and the land is what makes the Culpeper area so awesome to work and live. Folks are down to earth and honest for the most part and the country vistas are beyond compare.
Who is one person that inspires you? What is one quote that inspires you? I seek inspiration daily from many places but most importantly from my family. My twins inspire me to be a better father and person every day. My parents provide wise counsel in my ventures as a new dad and as an example of the ups and downs in a marriage and raising a “Found”. My wife, Jennifer provides me with inspiration to keep going when I want to quit or get down. My favorite quote is “The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
