Today we’d like to introduce you to John Moody
Hi John, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey to opening Water Bridge Aquamation began in high school, where I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in hospice care. During this time, I connected with a local funeral director who invited me to work at his funeral home. That experience inspired me to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science and led to a 15-year career as a licensed mortician and funeral home manager across three states.
Over the years, I recognized a growing demand for more natural and eco-friendly options in aftercare. This inspired me to introduce aquamation—a water-based alternative to fire cremation—to our community’s pet owners. With Water Bridge Aquamation, Denver’s first pet funeral home specializing in this gentle process, I’m proud to offer families a meaningful way to honor their pets while prioritizing sustainability.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Introducing a new industry, particularly one focused on a form of disposition unfamiliar to most people, comes with unique challenges. Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is not widely known, making it essential to educate the public on its benefits for both their pets and the environment.
The greatest challenge has been education—raising awareness about what aquamation is and why it’s a compassionate, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fire cremation. Many pet owners approach the idea with curiosity and questions. Addressing hesitation has required not only clear communication but also an emphasis on transparency and trust. To achieve this, we’ve opened our doors for tours, partnered with veterinary offices, and participated in community events to ensure families have the information needed to make informed decisions.
Each time we help a family honor their pet in a way that aligns with their values, we see the meaningful impact of our efforts. These challenges have not only strengthened our mission but also reaffirmed the importance of providing innovative, sustainable solutions for pet aftercare.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Water Bridge Aquamation is Denver’s first pet funeral home specializing in aquamation, a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fire cremation. Aquamation uses water and an alkali solution to gently breakdown organic material, leaving behind only the pet’s ashes, which are then returned to the family. This process is not only gentle for the pet but also much more environmentally conscious than traditional cremation methods. Unlike fire cremation, aquamation does not burn fossil fuels, reduces the carbon footprint by up to 90%, and produces no harmful emissions.
What sets Water Bridge Aquamation apart is our commitment to sustainability, transparency, compassion, and innovation in the pet aftercare space. We provide personalized services that allow pet owners to be involved in their pet’s final journey, including final pet viewings and hosting space for euthanasias. Our facility also offers a transparent, educational approach to introducing aquamation, ensuring families feel confident and informed about their decision. We believe pets are family, and we strive to offer them the same dignified care we would want for any loved one.
What we are most proud of is our ability to provide families with a meaningful way to honor their pets while contributing positively to the planet. Additionally, the water byproduct from the aquamation process is a natural fertilizer, which we donate to local farmers, supporting sustainable agriculture and completing the circle of life. Through these efforts, we continue to lead the way in offering innovative, compassionate, and sustainable pet aftercare.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I can’t suggest the SCORE mentorship program and the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) enough. Both of these programs offer invaluable guidance, connections, and resources to help small businesses succeed.
SCORE connects entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who provide personalized advice tailored to your business needs. Their mentors have often walked the same path and can offer insight that’s practical and specific to your industry. The SBDC is another great resource for entrepreneurs looking to network and learn more about the local business ecosystem. It offers workshops, free consulting, and access to tools that can help you refine your business strategies and gain the confidence needed to grow.
In addition to formal programs, I’ve found that attending industry-specific events, local business chambers, and community networking meetups have also provided great opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals. Relationships are invaluable, and the support you can receive from experienced mentors can be crucial as you navigate the challenges of growing your business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.waterbridgeaquamation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterbridgeaquamation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553652150879
Image Credits
Josef Kubelka
