A Dynamic, Driven Duo: Meet The Independent Funeral Group’s Small But Mighty Executive Team
Maryville, TN - Although The Independent Funeral Group has championed, educated, and supported independently-owned and -operated funeral homes since 1995, the executive team responsible for day-to-day operations, managing relationships with members and partners, and furthering The Group’s initiatives have worked quietly, inconspicuously, and relatively unrecognized on a national level … until now.
The Group’s Board of Directors is proud to officially introduce Executive Director Dr. Brad Kuchnicki and Associate Executive Director Christi Moon Robbins, the powerhouse practitioners who have consistently led this rapidly-growing network with the utmost care, dedication, and boots-on-the-ground effort since 2013 and 2018, respectively — all while also operating the East Tennessee Cremation Company in Maryville, Tennessee.
Kuchnicki has been a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 1998, a Certified Occupational Safety Specialist and OSHA Outreach Trainer since 2011, and also runs Funeral Compliance, LLC, an OSHA compliance business for the industry.
“I've been basically working in the business [of deathcare] since 1997,” says Kuchnicki. “It has changed 180 degrees even since I've been with The Group, and The Group is different than it was a year ago — a lot different — benefits-wise, numbers-wise, and in the things we do everyday. But what hasn’t changed is what I tell everyone when they call about membership: ‘We work for you.’”
Although that work can vary from answering procedural questions to helping members find a product that better fits their specific needs, it all boils down to one simple thing: finding solutions that help members remain independent.
“We are just here to provide you with solutions — and to create solutions if needed,” Kuchnicki explains. “We are here to work for you to try to create a close network of family-owned firms and to help them stay family-owned. We're not here to tell you what to do. The owner knows their business more than anybody knows their business. All we can do is be a supportive organization to help you where we can as needed, and to seek solutions for you if possible, when needed.”
Robbins works in lock-step with Kuchnicki, serving not only The Group’s members and partners, but also working directly with practitioners and families as the Family Cremation Center Coordinator and Associate Director of the East Tennessee Cremation Company. She has been a Crematory Operator at the ETCC since 2018, and has been an active Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 2010. Like Kuchnicki, she also teaches many of the group’s continuing education courses, which are offered at no cost to members and for only $25 to non-members.
“We're constantly finding solutions that save time and save real money while creating a stronger network, and one of the ways we do that is by offering continuing education that doesn’t require a practitioner to pay for the class, travel for the day, or stay somewhere overnight,” Robbins explains. “So if we're able to resolve a problem for the funeral home and its employees, like helping them avoid being out of work for a day or two for courses, it's a win-win.”
Robbins also spearheads much of the research, organization, and execution of the major projects for The Group, including the recent offering of group health benefits, which has been incredibly well-received and has resulted in unprecedented growth and continuing interest from potential members. She’s currently exploring several potential offerings that stem directly from members’ needs and requests and underscore The Group’s mission and goals.
About The Independent Funeral Group
Since 1995, The Independent Funeral Group has worked to support family-owned and -operated funeral homes, and now serves as a buying, education, and resource group, committed to preserving independent ownership and strengthening the profession through shared resources and collaboration. Founded by funeral practitioners, for funeral practitioners, The Group champions dignity, service, and community. To learn more about The Independent Funeral Group’s mission, membership criteria, and benefits, visit www.tifg.net, email info@tifg.net, or call (865) 977-0027.
