Meet Jen: From Cemetery Gates to Tech Innovation

As a former member of the MIS team, Jennifer joined PlotBox as a Solutions Consultant in 2025. Here she explains how her unique perspective has been shaped, in part, by formative experiences working in deathcare, as well as her own personal grief. 

When you were 16, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I was convinced I’d be a writer of children's books - the kind that adults secretly enjoy, too. I actually started college as a journalism major before pivoting to a more "practical" business degree.

I haven't given up on the dream, though! I once wrote a short story called "A Squirrely Christmas Tale," inspired by a real, tail-less squirrel I used to see at the cemetery (I named him Petey).

It’s got some twists and turns involving a Big Slobbery Dog, and I promised myself I’ll get it published someday.

Tell us about your journey through school and your early career.

My path wasn't exactly a straight line. I’m the first person in my family to go to college, coming from a hardworking blue-collar home. (A "special treat" was when my dad brought home a bag of McDonald's burgers!)

Because I started working at a local cemetery at age 17, I had to fit my studies around my 40-hour work week, which meant switching colleges a few times to accommodate my schedule. It wasn't the "traditional" way to do it, but it gave me a "working girl" work ethic.

I eventually earned my MBA, but my real education happened on the grounds of that cemetery.

What is your role now, and how did you get here?

I’ve spent my life in the "front rows" of grief. While working at that first cemetery in high school, I’d walk the perimeter after my shift. For weeks, I passed an elderly man named Eddie who was clearly lost after the death of his wife, Mildred.

Eventually, we became friends, and he shared stories of their 60 years together. That was the first time I truly understood what life, love, and loss were all about.

Later, while working for funeral homes, I met a gentleman who came in every month to pay his wife’s funeral bill with chicken eggs. He wasn't being quirky; he was a farmer making an honest effort to meet an unexpected expense. It taught me how quickly a lack of planning can become a burden.

The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when my own father passed away at just 63. Even with my experience, seeing that price list while sitting next to my grieving mother was daunting. I had to step into "advisor mode" to protect her.

Those experiences led me to technology. I realized that if the people serving families have better tools, the families get better care.

After years at Funeralwise and Batesville (working on the MIS team), I landed at PlotBox. I’m here because I want to ensure that our clients have the best tools possible to do the sacred work they do. Today, I’m a Solutions Consultant, which is really just a fancy way of saying "I’m your bridge from MIS to PlotBox".

Because I know the system MIS users are working with now so well, I can help them to see exactly how this new suite of tools can build on that foundation and take their service to the next level.

What would you say to MIS customers based on your experience at PlotBox?

I know many of you are tempted to "kick the can" down the road because change is uncomfortable. You're likely being bombarded by other software companies right now.

My advice?

Don’t let a low price tag be your only compass. Ask the hard questions, and ask to speak to customers who have needs just like yours.

I have the unique perspective of knowing the MIS system inside and out, while now seeing what PlotBox can do. This team truly cares. PlotBox isn't just "comparable" to MIS in terms of power; it’s the modern upgrade MIS users have been waiting for - mobile, easy to learn, and capable of syncing in real-time to your website so your community can find what they need instantly.

I also know how much of a hurdle data migration can seem, which is why I’m so glad we can offer a zero-cost migration to help you transition. It’s available through June 30th, 2026, so there’s plenty of time for us to chat and see if it’s the right fit for your business.

So, I'm not just a tech partner; I've been in your shoes. I’m here to make sure this transition is the best thing you’ve ever done for your staff and your families.

Got a question on your MIS solution for Jen? Email her here.