Unconventional craftsmanship

Mark Zeabin builds caskets with an artistic edge—and a dual purpose

Zeabin builds another masterpiece. —

Photo courtesy Mark Zeabin

MHP Enterprises, located just outside Nelson, B.C., is not your average family-owned Kootenay business. President Mark Zeabin has become internationally praised for constructing and designing caskets with an artistic edge that sets his business apart.

His reputation as an innovator and artist soared 13 years ago with his creation of coffins that doubled as unique furniture pieces. While some might be hesitant to use a casket as furniture until it is otherwise needed, the masterful craftsmanship behind each one is enough to impress the most skeptical buyer. Zeabin has extended his product line to include everything from casket-themed novelties, to do-it-yourself plans and kits.

"I'm currently patenting my eco-friendly casket kit," said Zeabin. "It's quite unique because there are absolutely no toxic materials used. Solid pine or cedar, all dovetail joinery, (it) goes together in 25 minutes, (has) hemp or unbleached cotton bedding, finished with a canola oil and can ship anywhere in North America in three business days. I've had great feedback so far and have even pitched the idea to the (CBC-TV show) Dragon's Den (they liked it!)"

A family-run enterprise

Zeabin's family has been in the industry since 1927, when his great-grandfather began building coffins. As a Doukhobor, Zeabin has had to balance the need to support his three children with his belief system—one which generally frowns on corporate capitalism.

"It was a real mind twist for many years in business," he said. "On the one hand my way of life is toil and peaceful life, and on the other hand I own a corporation and need to turn a profit. My grandfathers and grandmothers renounced the Canadian education system because they didn't believe in learning about profit and capitalism. In doing so they were heavily persecuted and (had) their children taken away. Here I am running a corporation against the beliefs of those that gave me life.”

In order to find peace with himself and prosperity for his family, this entrepreneur had to take a step back and look at his goals in an ethical context.

“For many years it was difficult for me to want success in business,” Zeabin said. “So how did I get around that? Well, I have to tell myself that my business helps people . . . By helping others I get to do what I love . . . and I don't mind getting paid for that."

A wholehearted approach The enthusiasm that Zeabin exudes is coupled with understandable pride in his products and even a light-hearted approach to a sometimes grim industry.

"I was visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a few months," he said. "While (I was) there an article came out in People magazine about me and my company. I walked into a 7/11, took the magazine off the shelf and opened it to page 97—there I was, in a coffin! I felt pretty darn proud right then.”