Our Story
At Funeral Innovations, we are dedicated to helping funeral homes get more business online.
Founded in 2007 by two of the most innovative young minds within IBM, “innovation” is not just in our name, but it’s in our company’s DNA. Funeral Innovations is proud to work with the best, most progressive firms in the industry. We have no customers, only partners in innovation.
We wake up every morning excited to work hand in hand with our partners to help you grow online!
Our Team
Greg Young
Co-Founder & CEOGreg Young brings broad software experience to the death care industry. Before Funeral Innovations, Greg was a software engineer at IBM, where he received over 10 patents pending, while also gaining experience with technical sales consultant at IBM. Prior, Greg majored in Computer Engineering at Iowa State University.
Living in Des Moines, Iowa, Greg enjoys biking, drinking beer and visiting the Iowa State Fair.
Zack Garbow
Co-Founder & CEOZack Garbow is one of the foremost innovators in the industry, bringing Silicon Valley experience into the death care industry. Previously, Zack was a software engineer within IBM Research, where he gained over 100 patents pending and earned the title of Master Inventor, becoming the youngest Master Inventor in the history of IBM. Zack studied Computer Science and Math at the University of Minnesota.
Zack enjoys cooking, hiking, drinking coffee and spending time with his wife and two young kids in Colorado.
Alex McCracken
VP of SalesAlex McCracken brings over a decade of experience helping companies achieve their goals using his software knowledge and in depth business model expertise. Alex’s career has spanned technical and sales positions ranging from digital mapping to consumer drones to the service industry. His passion for helping customers succeed has proven successful across every industry he’s served.
In his free time, Alex enjoys fishing, rafting, snowboarding, traveling, pole vaulting, and any adventure he can find in Colorado and beyond.
Heather McWilliams Mierzejewski
Director of MarketingHeather McWilliams Mierzejewski brings marketing and additional writing expertise to the Funeral Innovations team. She previously covered breaking news, politics and religion for print, digital and radio news outlets before slipping journalism’s tentacles and diving into the digital marketing world. She spent the past 3+ years at a digital advertising agency working on marketing and content solutions for adidas, Reebok and Chipotle among other brands.
When not on the prowl for killer marketing stories, Heather spends time with her active kids and rides her bike on the Colorado byways. She’s always looking for new riding buddies.
James Arama
Software ExtraordinaireJames Arama brings an unmatched work ethic, curiosity and creativity to the funeral industry. James is a graduate of Marist College, with a B.S. in Computer Science. Prior to Marist, James was part of a national championship high school software development team.
Before joining Funeral Innovations, James interned at Intel Corporation as a Software Apps Engineer
In addition to creating software, James enjoys expressing his creativity through art and is an avid traveler.
Jackie Alcazar
Creative DirectorJackie Alcazar brings diverse design and social media expertise to the funeral industry. Her strengths include developing new social media campaigns and creating stunning, creative designs. Before joining Funeral Innovations, Jackie worked in communications for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in Des Moines, Iowa.
In addition to designing, Jackie enjoys salsa dancing, traveling, DIY home remodeling, and spending time with her family.
Jack Tynan
Account ExecutiveDenver native Jack Tynan brings three years of online advertising account management and social advertising experience. Both selling and working closely with clients in a vast range of industries. Jack graduated from Regis University with a degree in Business Administration.
Jack is heavily involved as a coach and mentor with a organization that aims to create educational and enrichment opportunities for youth in underserved Denver neighborhoods through the sport of lacrosse. If not found on the lacrosse field Jack can be found golfing or skiing.
Megan Berberich
Client Success ManagerMegan Berberich brings diverse SaaS marketing and client success experience to the Funeral Innovations team. She previously was the marketing manager at a technology start-up in Des Moines. At Funeral Innovations she focuses on software implementation, customer support and strengthening client relationships.
In addition to client success, Megan enjoys going to concerts, watching Cardinal baseball, weekend road trips around the midwest and being a reading mentor to her mentee.
Brandon Aguirre
Software EngineerBrandon graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in computer science and a focus in software engineering. His passion for computer science shows in his many roles throughout his collegiate career, from helping other students learn the fundamentals of computer science as a learning assistant to taking on funded undergraduate research and even starting his own small tech startup.
Outside of computer science Brandon loves music and the outdoors. On the weekends, you can find him recharging at concerts or hiking and camping with his friends.
Alex Hooten
Development InternAlex Hooten brings three summers of web development experience to the Funeral Innovations team. He previously interned at a digital advertising agency developing websites and managing content for a multitude of clients. He is currently pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science at Colorado State University.
When he’s not coding, Alex enjoys driving, hiking, running, and hanging out with his friends.
Creative Specialists
Jenna
Designer / DeveloperJenna is a web developer and graphic designer based out of Des Moines, Iowa where she grew up. She brings over eight years of experience developing websites and designing projects for small and mid-size businesses in the Midwest.
In her free time, she loves cooking, baking, listening to music, watching movies, and being outside with her two dogs Dumbledore and Zola.
Andrey
Web DeveloperAndrey has 8 years of professional experience as a php and js developer. He specializes in creating websites and webtools for Funeral Innovations and a variety of other clients. Andrey resides in Russia with his wife and daughter.
He enjoys spending his free time with his family or playing tennis.
Gina
Graphic DesignerGina is an artist and design professional, currently working at Sargento Foods, Inc. She started her career in graphic design at the University of Stevens Point. Gina is exceptional in branding design, typography and designing for targeted demographics.
Gina loves animals, traveling and hiking. She recently bought her first home, and resides in Chilton, Wisconsin.
Nicole
Graphic DesignerNicole is the currently the Senior Marketing Consultant for UnitedHealthcare. She has been a professional graphic designer for over 10 years, working previously at Meredith Corporation and Shutterfly.
In her spare time, Nicole enjoys working out, crafting, being outdoors, and spending time with her new baby.
Kim
Death Care WriterKim has written in the the death-care industry for over 15 years. She’s a certified grief counselor, and also holds a Master’s degree in Anthropology.
Kim loves to spend her free time with her grandchildren or reading books about true crime and horror, or watching her favorite show, Deadwood.
Christine
Death Care WriterChristine is a professional freelance writer based in St. Louis, MO with over 8 years of experience in content creation. She writes engaging articles and blog/social media posts, and provides unique content ideas for businesses and professionals in the funeral and cremation industry.
In her spare time, Christine enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors soaking up the sun.
Rachel
Death Care WriterRachel is a licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Crematory Operator who has been employed in the Death Care industry for 9 years. She’s a 2009 Graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and has spent the majority of her career in Louisiana and Texas.
In her free time Rachel enjoys reading and game nights with friends.
