Henry Vinson

The most important thing for any business to grow and to be successful is to know the numbers.

 

Henry Vinson MS, JD, is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for the State of Ohio. He began his career earning his bachelor’s degree from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Sciences. He is a graduate of William Howard Taft University where he attended law school. He earned his Master of Science Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University.

Henry Vinson resourcefully continued his education when he attended The Bolivar School of Aviation. He obtained his licenses & certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration, after mastering several skills. He is a commercially rated pilot for single and multiple engine airplanes. Subsequently, he achieved his seaplane license rating. In addition, he is a certified flight instructor for airplanes and helicopters.

Henry Vinson is a successful well-educated entrepreneur who provided insight into his success. His strategy is to start-off his day at four a.m.. He is in his office by six, giving him a competitive edge and performing as a fierce rival within his industry. The most important element of a business is to know your numbers. He is an avid reader of trade magazines to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and to always be aware of what his competitors are up to. He is a strong believer that in order to be successful, you have to embrace change and continue to evolve, stating, “If we remain the same we will be left behind.” With Henry Vinson’s strategy, he will not be left behind.

Where did the idea for your company come from?

When I was young, I lost many family members. I was exposed to many different funeral services. That is what piqued my interest in the funeral service industry.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I am an early morning person. I am usually up at four a.m. and in the office by six. I do a lot of marketing and advertising regardless of how the business is going. It is not very exciting but it is a big part of my day.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I read a lot of trade magazines. I stay up-to-date on the latest trends. Many of my ideas are derived from staying current with industry trends.

What’s one trend that excites you?

One trend that excites me is a celebration of life. I am getting away from funerals and bodies. Many families are getting away from funerals and viewings. They want to have receptions to celebrate someone’s life. It is very exciting because you are getting more into the business of event planning rather than morticians.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I think the fact that I start my day so early and stay up-to-date on how the industry is moving serves me well. Starting the day early can give entrepreneurs a competitive edge and make a fierce competitor.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell younger Henry Vinson to be patient. Everything in this world comes from being patient, I would also say to be observant, I think that we learn a lot that way. I think we can learn a lot by watching older funeral directors. Their knowledge is valuable.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Being a funeral director is something that many people may frown upon. However, there’s absolutely nothing to feel ashamed of. I take pride in what I do.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Know the numbers. The most important thing for any business to grow and to be successful is to know the numbers. Business finances should not be a surprise.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

One thing that I do that has been a good strategy is to be observant of others. I stay aware of what my competitors are doing. I am constantly changing. In order to be successful, You have to embrace change and continue to evolve. If we remain the same we will fall behind.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

In the funeral services industry, all new businesses face a huge challenge, It is very difficult to compete with well-established businesses. Success takes a considerable amount of perseverance.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Cremation is the wave of the future for the funeral services industry. We have to embrace it. I believe It will be the most sought after disposition within the industry. Especially since families are requesting the celebration of life events rather than funeral services.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

The best hundred dollars that I have recently spent was when I hired a personal trainer. He really worked with me to help me reach my goal. It was truly the best hundred dollars that I have spent.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

We use SRS computing software. It is an excellent home-based business management solution.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

I would recommend the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People written by Stephen Covey. It is a self-help book that provides great business advice. It also gives great living advice.

What is your favorite quote?

Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning. By Denis Waitley

Key Learnings:

● In order to be successful, you have to embrace change and continue to evolve.
● The most important thing in any business to be successful is to know the numbers.
● Always stay aware of what competitors are doing.
● Starting the day early can give entrepreneurs a competitive edge and make a fierce competitor.