About Us
Mission Statement
Kelco Supply Company is the supplier dedicated to serving funeral professionals. Our core mission is to provide our clients with the same exemplary-level of service and respect that they provide for the deceased and bereaved.
Core Values:
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Honesty
Our interactions with business partners reflect truthfulness and integrity. We are open and honest in dealing with each other as colleagues.
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Trust
We serve our business partners with the knowledge that they have an expectation of us; meeting their business needs. They depend on Kelco to deliver. We trust in each other that each is working for the overall success of Kelco.
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Cooperative
We have set the stage to have a supportive working environment and a collaborative work ethic. We are a team of people who work together for the mutual benefit of all involved.
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Appreciative
We are tremendously grateful for our customers and staff members. Without them we would cease to exist. We strive to be supportive, encouraging, and responsive in all of our transactions and communications with those that surround us.
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Respectful
We are courteous and gracious in all interactions with business partners and colleagues alike.
Our Team
Mr. Leo Hodroff
Kelco Supply Company was founded in 1939 by Mr. Leo Hodroff. Originally named the L.H Kellogg Chemical Company. At the time, he was attending the University of Minnesota, completing a degree in Mortuary Science, as well as working in his family's funeral home. With Mr. Hodroff's keen sense of vision, and a $100 bank loan, Kelco began to grow.
In 1971, Amedco, a corporate firm, acquired the company from Mr. Hodroff, and retained ownership until 1986, when they sold to Service Corp International. (SCI) Even though Kelco remained a successful business, it just wasn't part of SCI's overall plan for their future, and in 1990 they offered the sale of the company to Nira Mesker, who was the Controller for more than 15 years, and had been with the company since 1971.
Nira Mesker
Nira was quite an entrepreneur, and decided to take on the challenge of owning her own business. This transition back to a privately owned company was smooth, and positioned the company for continued success at a much faster pace.
Nira went right to work with explosive growth over the next several years. During this period, Nira started to groom her children as part of her succession plan. Although, all of Nira's three children worked in some capacity within the business, her daughter, Alicia Carr was the only one to take an interest to the business and the industry.
Working side-by-side, learning all aspects of the business from shipping and receiving, to customer service, to the financial accounting pieces, Alicia enjoyed working for her mother.
Alicia Carr
So, groomed as she was, Alicia was offered a place in management in 2001 when Nira decided it was her time for retirement. Little did she know that just two years after retirement, Nira would fall ill with cancer and it would take her life in just two short years. Nira lost her battle with cancer in May of 2003.
Determined to continue the legacy of which her mother had started, Alicia bought the company out of her family's estate in 2004 and took over as the new owner. Kelco continues to be an independently owned, family run business. Alicia is determined to operate as a successful business for her clients, as well as the extremely dedicated and talented employees who work here. The cornerstone of Kelco's business will always remain the same; we are committed to Service.
Our Staff
Our Partners
In alphabetical order left to right.
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American Society of Embalmers
WebsiteThe American Society of Embalmers promotes excellence in the 21st century practice of mortuary arts and sciences. Currently has over 600 members from 45 states in the U.S. and 18 foreign countries. Membership is comprised of a broad base of professional, academic, student and supplier members.
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Better Business Bureau
WebsiteKelco Supply Company has been a BBB Accredited Business since 02/06/1976. We currently carry an A+ rating and are very proud to have never had a single complaint filed.
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Casket & Funeral Supply Association of America
WebsiteFounded in 1913 as the Casket Manufacturers' Association of America, the Casket & Funeral Supply Association of America is proud to represent the interests of member suppliers to licensed funeral homes and licensed funeral directors.
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Cremation Association of North America
WebsiteFounded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an International organization of over 1,500 members, composed of cremationists, funeral directors, funeral home operators and owners, cemeterians, industry suppliers and consultants.
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International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories (IAOPCC)
WebsiteThe International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the standards, ethics, and professionalism of pet cemeteries and crematories around the world.
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International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association
WebsiteInternational Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral service, cremation and memorialization profession.
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The Minnesota Funeral Directors Association
WebsiteConnects people, resources, ideas, solutions and best practices.
A statewide resource dedicated to supporting our member's growth professionally, ethically, and operationally. Our mission is to enhance and support funeral service excellence through our programs, legislative representation and service to Minnesotans. -
National Funeral Directors Association
WebsiteNFDA is the leading and largest association for the funeral service profession.
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National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, Inc.
WebsiteA membership association of professional funeral directors and morticians and embalmers, whose members and members-at-large are also members of state associations of funeral directors, morticians and embalmers dedicated to promoting the common professional and business interests of its members.
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New Jersey State Funeral Director's Association
WebsiteThe NJSFDA assists funeral service professionals by providing them a consistent voice in government and offering guidance regarding federal and state regulations governing the industry. Along with its affiliated entities, it strives to promote mortuary science and works toward elevating the professional character and education of funeral directors.
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Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science
WebsiteThe Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science has been providing training for students entering funeral service for over seventy-five years.
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Selected Independent Funeral Homes
WebsiteAn international association of independent and locally owned funeral homes whose members pride themselves on utilizing best practices in serving families and individuals during their times of need.
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Women's Business Enterprise National Council
WebsiteFounded in 1997, The Women's Business Enterprise National Council is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States.
