John Lindquist pays WSU students a visit

John Lindquist visited with Weber State students as a part of the Ralph Nye lecture series on Thursday, offering his advice about keeping options open, always having the next project in mind and the perils of becoming a workaholic. Lindquist is the president of Lindquist Mortuary, a family business in the Weber and Davis County communities dating back to 1867. Lindquist said he is constantly thinking up new and different ways to expand his business and continue being an entrepreneur. One of the ways Lindquist has done this is by adding new features to the mortuary business, like witnessing the cremation of a loved one. The actual cremation cannot be witnessed, but people are allowed to see their loved one being loaded and the door being closed. Families can even opt to push the start button. "This is something that, if you are not of that mindset, sounds pretty rough - and it is to me," Lindquist said. "However, it is something that a lot of people wish to do and that is what we have provided for them." Lindquist also ventured into the insurance industry by starting Great West Insurance. The company first operated out of the Lindquist Mortuary headquarters in Ogden and has now grown into a multi-million dollar company. Lindquist also took his love for baseball and the community and invested in The Ogden Raptors baseball team. "Always think like an entrepreneur," Lindquist said. "Always invest your own time and money into yourself like any good entrepreneur." Dean Gale of WSU's business administration program said students need to keep in mind there are many options. Students should always have an open mind and attitude when thinking about their careers and future. "You will see one door close, but several others open," Gale said. Lindquist warned WSU students about becoming workaholics. "I went to work when my kids were asleep and came home when they were asleep," Lindquist said. "I regret a lot of what I missed. Don't go overboard." Lindquist said he loves his work and can't wait for Monday mornings. He doesn't allow any of his employees to stay late. "Life's too short to waste it in a mortuary," he said. Lindquist reminded students to give back to the communities they live in.