Miguel A. Bandy has worked in the funeral service industry for over two decades. Between 2005 and 2007, he studied applied science at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. Afterwards, he became a funeral director at Crawford Bowers Funeral Homes. Before founding ABC Embalming and Transport, LLC in 2023, Miguel A. Bandy worked as a funeral director and embalmer in some of Texas’s most reputable funeral homes.
Between 2010 and 2012, he worked as an embalmer at Wichita Falls Embalming Service. Subsequently, in 2014, he worked as an embalmer at Porter-Loring Mortuaries. By 2020, he became a funeral director, embalmer, and location manager at Allen Funeral Service, Inc.
Outside of his professional life, Mr. Bandy is a well-rounded individual with different hobbies. He is a lifelong golfer and a former category three cyclist; he once placed in the Tour of Illinois road race and raced for a club team sponsored by Wheel Thing bike shop in La Grange, Texas. He also has a passion for riding motorcycles across the country.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A productive day begins with planning—identifying what must get done and how to prioritize it. Once organized, I move with intention, executing tasks step by step, staying focused on progress rather than perfection.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I rely on a dedicated and capable staff to help translate vision into action. Collaboration, delegation, and trusting the right people with the right roles are essential to making any idea real and sustainable.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The rising popularity of exercise and wellness culture is incredibly exciting. It signals a shift toward valuing health, discipline, and long-term vitality—things that positively affect both individuals and entire communities.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Creating detailed lists helps me stay focused and structured. Checking tasks off as they’re completed not only keeps me on track but also gives a sense of accomplishment that fuels further momentum.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Complete the play—follow through, even when things are tough. Don’t stop short of the finish line; resilience and seeing things through is where growth and results truly live.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe it’s possible to be truly objective about oneself. With practice and honesty, we can learn to separate ego from truth and evaluate our actions and motives clearly—though few are willing to do the work to get there.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Forgive. Carrying resentment or regret is like walking through life with weights on your shoulders. Letting go allows room for healing, progress, and clarity.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step outside and let the sun hit my face. Nature grounds me—it reminds me that everything is temporary and that peace can be found in stillness, even for a moment.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Tenacity has been a key driver—refusing to be deterred by setbacks or negativity. Staying committed, pushing through resistance, and tuning out the noise has allowed me to focus on what matters and keep building.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Not starting strong in college was a setback, but it taught me that education is the silver bullet—an equalizer that opens doors. I overcame it by committing to lifelong learning and refusing to let early missteps define my potential.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Outlook Calendar is my go-to. It keeps me on track, helps manage my time efficiently, and ensures that my commitments—whether meetings or quiet work time—are honored and prioritized.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Bible, particularly the book of Proverbs, offers wisdom that transcends time. Its guidance on character, discipline, and integrity has shaped how I live and lead.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Spartan with Val Kilmer struck a chord with me. It’s a gritty story of perseverance, discipline, and determination—qualities I admire and strive to embody in my own journey.
Key learnings
- Tenacity and forgiveness are essential qualities for overcoming adversity and building a fulfilling life.
- Consistent planning, organizing, and executing are the backbone of productivity.
- Building strong personal and professional relationships can be more powerful than any product or service.
- Self-reflection and the ability to be objective about one’s actions can lead to real personal growth.
- Lifelong learning and valuing education can transform early setbacks into long-term strength.