Meet Our Team

Who we are and what we stand for

Our Story

At Funeral Innovations, we are dedicated to creating great software that helps funeral homes grow.

Founded by two of the most innovative young minds within IBM, "innovation" is not just in our name, but it's in our company's DNA. Funeral Innovations is proud to work with only the best, most progressive firms in the industry. We have no customers, only partners in innovation. And we wake up every morning excited to work with these great innovators!

Our Team

  • Greg Young, Business

    Greg Young

    Co-Founder & Hustler

    Greg Young brings broad software experience to the death care industry. Before Funeral Innovations, Greg was a software engineer at IBM, where he received over 10 patents pending, while also gaining experience with technical sales consultant at IBM. Prior, Greg majored in Computer Engineering at Iowa State University.

    Living in Des Moines, Iowa, Greg enjoys biking, drinking beer and visiting the Iowa State Fair.

  • Zack Garbow, Head Geek

    Zack Garbow

    Co-Founder & Head Geek

    Zack Garbow is one of the foremost innovators in the industry, bringing Silicon Valley experience into the death care industry. Previously, Zack was a software engineer within IBM Research, where he gained over 100 patents pending and earned the title of Master Inventor, becoming the youngest Master Inventor in the history of IBM. Zack studied Computer Science and Math at the University of Minnesota.

    Zack enjoys cooking, hiking, drinking coffee and spending time with his wife and two young kids in Colorado.

  • James Arama, Software Engineer

    James Arama

    Software Engineer & Dreamer

    James Arama is a future star of the software world, bringing an unmatched work ethic, curiosity and creativity to the funeral industry. James is a recent graduate from Marist College, with a B.S. in Computer Science. Prior to Marist, James was part of a national championship high school software development team.

    Before joining Funeral Innovations, James interned at Intel Corporation as a Software Apps Engineer

    In addition to creating software, James enjoys expressing his creativity through art and is an avid traveler.

  • Jackie Alcazar, Director of Design

    Jackie Alcazar

    Director of Design

    Jackie Alcazar brings diverse design and social media expertise to the funeral industry. Her strengths include developing new social media campaigns and creating stunning, creative designs. Before joining Funeral Innovations, Jackie worked in communications for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in Des Moines, Iowa.

    In addition to designing, Jackie enjoys salsa dancing, traveling, and DIY home remodeling.

  • Bill Summers, Director of Sales

    Bill Summers

    Director of Sales

    Bill Summers came to Funeral Innovations with 18 years of sales experience in funeral service, and extensive knowledge of sales development and management. Prior to joining us, Bill worked as Regional Director of Sales for Batesville leading a group of field consultants to successfully help accounts in twelve Midwestern states.

    Bill is the father of four and along with his wife Mary Claire they are proud to make Des Moines, IA their home.