Case Study: Jacobson Professional Staffing

Jacobson Professional Staffing (JPS)Founded in 2011 | Serving Funeral Professionals Nationwide

Jacobson Professional Staffing was founded by Jay Jacobson to meet a growing need in Iowa’s funeral service industry: providing reliable, licensed fill-in staffing for funeral homes. Over time, JPS expanded to offer business consulting and staff training services tailored to the specific challenges of small funeral operations.

With a deep understanding of funeral home operations and the pressures of declining margins, JPS helps clients streamline their businesses, modernize service offerings, and train staff in areas like customer service, professional conduct, and communication. JPS is now recognized as a trusted partner for funeral homes across Iowa, combining professionalism, strategy, and compassion to help operations thrive.

Overview

Jacobson Professional Staffing (JPS) was established in 2011 by Jay Jacobson to meet a critical need in Iowa's funeral service industry: providing reliable, short-term coverage by licensed professionals. Over time, the company expanded its mission to help small funeral homes across Iowa remain competitive in a rapidly changing market. Today, JPS offers not only staffing support but also targeted business consulting and specialized staff training tailored to the needs of local funeral operations.

Founder Vision

Jay Jacobson, a licensed funeral director and seasoned business leader, saw firsthand how even well-run funeral homes struggled to find temporary licensed staff during absences or peak times. His vision was clear: provide professional, dependable relief staffing while maintaining the highest standards of care. As the industry evolved, so did JPS — into a consulting and training partner for funeral homes navigating the pressures of modern service expectations and shrinking profit margins.

Phase I: Licensed Staffing Solutions in Iowa

Challenge:Small and independent funeral homes in Iowa often lacked resources to cover short-term vacancies without service disruption.

Solution:JPS created a network of trusted, licensed professionals ready to provide fill-in coverage across the state, minimizing operational interruptions while maintaining consistent service quality.

Outcome:- Established a dependable pool of licensed Iowa-based professionals- Supported rural and urban operations alike- Earned a statewide reputation for discretion, professionalism, and reliability

Phase II: Iowa-Focused Business Consulting

Market Shift:As customer preferences shifted and margins declined, Iowa funeral directors began looking for expert guidance on how to modernize and stay competitive.

Response:JPS expanded into business consulting, with a focus on:- Operational efficiency and expense management- Local market analysis and service package redesign- Branding, marketing, and community engagement strategies- Planning for generational succession in family-run firms

Impact:- Helped numerous Iowa funeral homes streamline operations- Supported transitions from traditional to modern service offerings- Strengthened long-term sustainability and local reputation

Phase III: Professional Development & Training

Identified Need:JPS clients frequently cited the need to elevate their team's professionalism and customer interaction skills.

Service Expansion:JPS introduced practical, Iowa-specific training programs for funeral home staff, including:- Customer Service and Family Engagement- Professional Ethics and Conduct- Communication with Grieving Families- Support with Licensing, CEUs, and Certification

Results:- Training delivered across diverse Iowa communities- Notable improvements in family satisfaction ratings- Funeral homes achieving higher internal consistency and employee morale

Results and Highlights

- Trusted partner to small and mid-sized funeral homes across Iowa- Client satisfaction consistently above 90%- Recognized as a leader in funeral staffing and consulting within Iowa

Conclusion

Jacobson Professional Staffing is more than a staffing firm — it is a trusted partner to Iowa funeral homes seeking long-term success. Through a combination of hands-on consulting, practical training, and deep industry knowledge, JPS empowers funeral service professionals across the state to navigate challenges, serve their communities with excellence, and grow with confidence.