Jennifer Vaupel
Jennifer Vaupel is the Office Manager at Memorials By Michel in Center Point, Iowa, where she has dedicated over eight years to guiding families through the creation and installation of custom memorials. In her role, Jennifer manages daily office operations, staff scheduling, and project workflows, ensuring every memorial is delivered with precision and care. She serves as the primary liaison between families, funeral directors, cemeteries, and monument crews, coordinating installations and maintaining post-installation relationships to provide comprehensive support.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has emphasized compassionate, grief-informed service and transparent communication. She works closely with families to design meaningful memorials, balancing empathy with professional guidance to ensure each project honors the memory of loved ones. Her commitment to honesty, integrity, and attentive care has earned her the trust of clients and colleagues alike, making her a valued presence in her community.
Jennifer began her professional journey providing in-home care and personal support for seniors, where she developed strong interpersonal skills and a dedication to serving others. She later transitioned into administrative and operations roles, first as an executive assistant and then advancing to her current leadership position in the memorial industry. A 1995 high school graduate, Jennifer combines experience, professionalism, and a heart for service to manage every aspect of Memorials By Michel with excellence.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to overcome challenges, both personal and professional. Each obstacle has been an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen my resilience, shaping the path to where I am today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep learning. Continuously expanding my knowledge and skills has allowed me to adapt, grow, and seize new opportunities throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry that communication is key, especially when working with grieving families. It’s important to communicate clearly with families, colleagues, and care teams, invest in communication training, and maintain support outlets to process the emotional demands of grief work.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s crucial to set boundaries and ensure that the emotional demands of work do not carry over into home life, allowing for personal well-being and sustainable professional performance.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, empathy, and integrity. I strive to approach every situation with transparency, understanding, and a strong moral compass, ensuring that my actions align with these principles.
Locations
Memorials by Michel
Solon, IA 52333