Mike Smits
Title: Senior Trainer/Coach
With Graystone Since 2023
Years in the Profession: 40 years
Roles at Graystone: Mike is responsible for delivering the Graystone training modules to both new and existing clients. His training and coaching expertise is integral in the success of the Graystone Funeral Director Bootcamps, hosted at headquarters twice a year.
What Clients Say: Clients appreciate Mike’s passion for funeral service excellence and enthusiasm and knowledge he brings to every training. He adds a personal touch to every training. Mike is an adept communicator and is committed to delivering excellence every day. His operational, management, and customer service experience serves as valued resource to funeral homes. As a previous Graystone client, Mike achieved noteworthy success applying Graystone’s training concepts at his previous firm. His achievements directly reinforce the benefits to all clients who implement Graystone’s training concepts.
Expertise: In Mike’s forty years in funeral service, he has served in the roles of Funeral Director, Location Manager, and General Manager for a large volume funeral and cremation service. With his background, Mike brings consistent and superior customer relation skills in a fast-paced environment as well as a wealth of experience in recruiting, retention, training, overseeing day to day operations and high level communication within a multi-location funeral home.
Passion for the Work: Mike’s desire to excel was evident as Mike was consistently recognized as a “Graystone Great.” He has a tireless commitment to serve people at the highest level and prides himself on creating unique and meaningful services. He has a passion for training and coaching which was demonstrated in his role as general manager and many years of coaching youth sports. He is excited to bring his energy and dedication to connecting and developing other funeral professionals. He also looks forward to utilizing his creativity and funeral service experience to the Graystone team and its clientele.
Prior to Graystone: Mike attended St. Norbert College before receiving his associate degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College. Mike attained his funeral director’s license in 1985. After a brief time in Milwaukee, he relocated to Madison, WI where he excelled until his retirement in December 2022. Throughout his career, Mike has served a diverse community and possesses vast knowledge with a variety of religions and cultures. He was instrumental in growing their business through both acquisitions and organic growth. Under Mike’s leadership, his organization was consistently recognized as a leader in community involvement, innovation, and customer service.