Life, Death, and the Funeral Industry

The Problem Solver

Aug 21 2023 • 42 mins

Years of working in the law enforcement gave me the chance to witness the harsh realities of life and death, often leading me to the doors of funeral homes. In a twist of fate, I found myself sitting with Kenneth Sabayos, the founder of Latin Attorney Dad, and Nancy Valeria, its operations VP, as we explored the relatively misunderstood field of funeral home operations. Kenneth and Nancy, with their rich experience in the industry, shed light on the emotional complexities faced by families amidst a loved one's passing, and the vital role that funeral directors play during such times.


Kenneth’s 18-year journey in the industry and his ownership of the only Spanish-speaking family-owned funeral home in Las Vegas adds an interesting dynamic to our discussion. While Nancy brings a business acumen born out of her close connection with Kenneth during the services for her mother's funeral. We also turn our attention to the financial aspects of funerals and burials, particularly for families with limited resources. From loan programs to corporate America, the culinary union, casinos, and victims of violent crimes, we explore the myriad options available.


The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the funeral industry form another crucial part of our discussion. Kenneth and Nancy share their experiences and adaptations during these trying times, revealing the unique challenges they faced in terms of increased demand, need for social distancing, use of technology for remote services, and more. Finally, we round up our intriguing conversation with some unusual stories from their time in the industry, talking about everything from cremation challenges to paranormal activity in funeral homes. Join us as we traverse this journey into a profession that is often overlooked and undervalued but is indispensable nonetheless.