In difficult times, Baxter Burial Vault embodies the Great Reliance

Since 1924, Baxter Burial Vault Service provides an important piece of the final care for those who have lost loved ones, including during times of war, terrorism, natural disasters, and pandemics. The organization cares deeply for their customers and ultimately the families they serve. Positivity is essential – the leadership team brings humor and camaraderie into the workplace, encouraging employees to find light in the difficult times. The nature of their business is to handle last-minute needs and changes on a daily basis. In the 1980s, Baxter Burial Vault put in a crematory to provide this service to funeral homes and cemeteries, as many were in neighborhoods that were not zoned for the service. Through industry association and meetings with lawmakers, the company participated in the creation of the Ohio Cremation Law in 1998.

An investment in graphic technology allows Baxter Burial Vault to create customized vault covers, transforming them into integral parts of the graveside ceremony. This customization was significant during the pandemic, as many people lost their loved ones in isolation. Though Baxter Burial Vault is in the manufacturing industry, the company provides a tender service. Ingenuity is vital to figure out new ways to display a vault cover, be in multiple places simultaneously with limited trucks and employees, source materials, diversify services to meet new laws, stay up to date on customers’ licensing requirements and offer continuing education.

Classified as “essential workers,” Baxter Burial Vault created their own “Great”: The Great Reliance. Through the pandemic, team members relied on each other, and their customers relied on them. Their leadership team is authentic: working alongside their employees, rewarding them financially, recognizing their efforts, being vulnerable with their own fears, and reassuring them that they can and will overcome incredible obstacles.

Baxter’s employees come from a 60-mile radius to complete a six-day work week. During the pandemic, they doubled in production and service. Employees stay, thrive, and deeply care about their work. Many families work together at the company: fathers and sons, brothers, cousins, in-laws. Their clients are funeral homes and cemeteries who call daily with immediate or next-day service. Giving is paramount; the organization makes donations to local schools, community events, and other charities and fundraisers. When people are in grief, it is not the time to make mistakes. Baxter Burial Vault is reliable, respectful, and responsible. Their funeral home and cemetery customers trust them, coming back to the company for decades and beyond.

Featured image from left: Holly Baxter Bridgers, Darren D. Baxter, and Trevor D. Baxter (Co-Owners) of Baxter Burial Vault Service

The Goering Center is sharing this content as part of its 2022 Family and Private Business Awards celebration.