An alumnus of Xavier University where he studied mortuary science, Lincoln Mason is a business leader and former funeral director. As a fourth-generation owner and administrator of their family business, Mason-Lindhart, LTD, Lincoln Mason was tasked with numerous responsibilities.
During his over two-decades with Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home, Mr. Mason supervised funeral arrangements, worked closely with bereaved families to offer guidance, and ensured clients received professional and compassionate care. His ability to connect with his clients, understand their needs, and offer prompt solutions and support earned him an award from the Iowa Funeral Directors Association.
Before assuming the role of administrator, Mr. Mason worked as a licensed funeral director under the guidance of his father, where he assisted in funeral home management and operations. Earlier, he gained varied experience if the field as an intern with Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa, Iowa.
As he relocates to Iowa’s Great Lakes area, Lincoln Mason plans to utilize his skills and experience to pursue new projects, especially in the investment sector. Outside of his professional ventures, Mr. Mason is a former two-time president of his local Rotary Club chapter and enjoys piloting airplanes and scuba diving.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I focus on three main areas: problem-solving, personal development, and exploring new opportunities.
Problem-solving: I manage household finances, tackle daily issues, and map out future plans.
Personal development: I work on home projects, stay active with regular workouts, and enjoy audiobooks or podcasts.
Research and opportunities: I dedicate time to learning about emerging possibilities that could support my goals.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Visualizing what I want to accomplish is the first step in bringing an idea to life. Equally important is mapping the concrete steps and techniques required to execute it—making lists, researching products, and gathering the resources needed to turn a concept into reality.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited by the growing trend of simplification. Too often, we’re caught up in wants, concerns, and ambitions that don’t truly matter—something I notice especially among young adults. Simplification helps us focus on what’s genuinely important and fulfilling, rather than chasing an image or trying to impress others.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
List-Making: organizing tasks by priority helps me remember what needs attention and visually simplifies the workload.
Discipline: staying committed—whether for business, fitness, or personal goals—is essential to steady progress and eventual achievement.
Distraction avoidance: with endless entertainment just a click away, resisting tempting diversions is challenging but critical to staying focused.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Delay gratification: much of what feels urgent now is unnecessary and will change many times over the years.
Save early: begin building financial security as soon as possible.
Know yourself first: take time to understand who you are before making major, life-altering decisions.
Pursue joy: choose work and activities that make you genuinely happy, so you can look forward to each day.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Something that I believe that almost no one agrees with is that almost no one truly cares about what you do or how you live your life. People may judge or form quick opinions based on surface observations, but those thoughts are fleeting. Before long, they return to the distractions and concerns of their own lives.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I make a continuous effort to improve both my mind and my physical fitness, and I recommend the same to everyone. Reading, listening to podcasts, and learning how others achieve their goals are powerful ways to grow and progress. Regular physical activity can become a habit that strengthens health, enhances appearance, and builds confidence.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I take action to solve the most immediate problem first. Tackling one issue at a time helps break the feeling of overload. If I’m unfocused, I motivate myself to complete a single task and then move to the next. Making a clear list of what needs to be done often simplifies everything and restores direction.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
A strategy that has helped me grow my business and advance in my career is visualizing from the perspective of my clients or employer. By understanding what those we rely on for business or employment want, expect, or appreciate, we can align our actions to meet those needs effectively.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
My biggest career failure was my inability—or at times, unwillingness—to follow the directions of my superiors. This was often compounded by the belief that my own ideas were better. While I’m still refining this skill, I have learned the importance of humility and aligning my approach with guidance from those with experience.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I have become a frequent user of AI, which has greatly helped me clarify ideas and proposals. While I consider myself an above-average writer, AI has shown me ways to communicate more concisely and effectively. I regularly use it to refine proposals, emails, and business plans, ensuring my points are clear and compelling.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I’ve greatly enjoyed a number of nonfiction biographies—it’s inspiring to see how remarkable minds think and work. I also enjoy interview-style podcasts, such as The Joe Rogan Experience, for their candid conversations and wide range of perspectives.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoy movies and series that are serious and believable. Lately, I’ve been rewatching HBO’s The Sopranos, and I also have a strong appreciation for documentaries of all kinds.
Key learnings
- Evaluate yourself: regular self-assessment keeps growth on track.
- Learn from others: observing and listening to others provides valuable insight.
- Focus on self-improvement: ongoing personal development is essential for long-term success.