Medallion Vault & Casket Company, based out of Billings, Montana, is a second-generation family-run business.
It all started in 1980 when Dave McLendon opened Medallion Vault. Dave specialized in selling fiberglass vaults and stock tanks throughout Montana and Wyoming.
A few years later, Robert “Bob” Foslien joined the business as a partner and the decision was to focus the business on the funeral industry. A line of caskets was added to the offerings, and in 1982 Medallion Vault & Casket Company was created. The partners prided themselves in providing personal, friendly and professional service to funeral homes and ultimately to the grieving families those funeral homes served.
In 1995 Dave retired and Bob took over the business and began expanding the casket lines. His friendly and consistent service led to an expanding territory. Bob personally oversaw deliveries. He would make a point to have all of his caskets delivered to his customers in the morning so he could stop and go fishing on his drive home. He understood the meaning of work-life balance.
That same year, with the company growing, Bob hired John Letcher to help with deliveries. By 2000 another delivery driver was needed, and Sheldon Sollars joined the team. The company continued to thrive.
Bob brought his daughter, Jacqui, and son-in-law, Jeff Courts, onboard in 2004. “We started working and pretty much worked my father out of a job right away, which he wasn’t expecting,” Jacqui recalled. Because Jacqui and Jeff were doing so well, Bob decided he could retire. In 2006 Jacqui and Jeff bought the business.
With new leadership came new lines of caskets to better serve clients and growth in the territory that was served. Steve Wollenberg was hired to help with deliveries in 2007. Sheldon retired in December 2011 and John retired in September 2014.
Then in 2013 Matt Coon joined the team working in both sales and delivery. Matt has 20+ years of experience in the funeral industry and is a licensed funeral director. His experience and expertise made him a perfect fit for the job. The company continued to grow, and in 2014 they hired Harvey Kierkegaard as a delivery driver. By 2022 Matt had become a partner in the business and he currently serves on the MFDA Board of Directors.
“Harvey retired earlier this year,” said Matt. “He was an excellent employee, and he will be missed.”
Today, Medallion Vault & Casket Company continues to serve funeral homes throughout Montana and Wyoming. They offer a full line of American-made caskets, vaults and cremation urns. To learn more, please visit medallioncasket.com.
