Roper & Sons Funeral Home opened its doors in Lincoln, Nebraska in December 1901, when Charles H. Roper began offering funeral services with Charles Beecher. Today, Roper & Sons continues to uphold Charles H. Roper’s commitment to serving Lincoln residents and the surrounding communities as well as keeping the business in the hands of family. Jodi Finch is the Outreach Coordinator for Roper & Sons.
Tell us a little about your business. – It is an honor to be part of a family owned company that has provided services with dignity and integrity for over 110 years. I truly enjoy being responsible for education and outreach at Roper and Sons, and take pride in representing the Roper name throughout the community.
How did you get started in the business? – I joined Roper in May 2013 as Outreach Coordinator. Prior to joining Roper & Sons, I was a Development Director with Girl Scouts, and a grants manager at a community health center.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – My biggest challenge professionally has been moving to a new community, and building new relationships.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My most important professional achievement to date has been earning my Master’s degree. Having the education to back my experience has been one of the most important decisions I have ever made.
Tell me a little about your family. – My husband Shane works at Novartis and is a musician in a local band. My son Travis lives in Omaha and works for my brother’s construction company. My daughter Kylah is a freshman at Peru State majoring in Early Childhood Special Education, and my daughter Madison is a 5th grader at Pershing Elementary.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The biggest turning point in my life so far is when I decided that a positive outlook would get me a lot further than staying a “victim”. Life throws a lot of challenges at us. Giving up old habits and cutting people out of life can be hard, but it is also very freeing.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – My grandfather gave me the best piece of advice I have ever received when I was only seven years old. He had just given us a stubborn old pony; the very first time I rode her, she dumped me in a thistle and went home. I walked home to find Grandpa laughing so hard, he could barely breathe – but he said “You have to get back on and ride.” At the time, all I knew was that I wasn’t too fond of that pony, and that I was as mad as I’d ever been. It took me years to realize “get back on and ride” applies to almost everything – career, relationships, education. Life is going to throw you into a lot of thistles. You have to get back on and ride.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Tenacious
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – Garth Brooks’ “The Dance”
Which talent would you most like to have? – I would love to learn to play guitar.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Until Next Time by Kevin Fox.
What is your favorite movie? – The Breakfast Club
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Honey Creek in Waverly
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – By phone at 402-476-1225, by email at jodi@roperandsons.com, or visit www.roperandsons.com.