Partner Spotlight: A Q&A with Matthew Van Drimmelen, Owner & President of Full-Circle Aftercare
Partner Spotlight: A Q&A with Matthew Van Drimmelen, Owner & President of Full-Circle Aftercare
After years working on commuter rail projects and right of way, Matthew Van Drimmelen’s career took an unexpected turn. In 2013, a friend introduced him to a pressing problem in funeral service: families struggling with the complex logistics of closing estate issues after the loss of a loved one. Inspired to make a difference, Matt founded Full-Circle Aftercare.
Q: What inspired you to transition from civil engineering to founding Full-Circle Aftercare?
A: I really stumbled upon it, but it started with a conversation I had with a good friend who works in a funeral home. He was tasked with meeting families after funerals to discuss options and pre-planning their own funerals.
The phenomenon he noticed was that every family he met with whether rich or poor, organized or not, with kids or without, was incredibly stressed about what happens after a funeral. These families really had nowhere to turn. We just don't think about that part of death. We focus on the legal side, like transferring assets, but not on the emotional side or the logistics of everything that person’s life touched, be it a credit card, a government benefit, or a Facebook account…everything must be updated.
He explained it to me like this: I had just moved, and he asked, “How many people did you have to contact to update your address?” I realized, out of the woodwork, everything had to change. Now imagine that process multiplied tenfold when someone passes away. Families are given checklists of what to do, but they’re grieving, and calling businesses in that state is incredibly awkward. You're sitting on hold thinking, “My wife just died, and I have to cancel the cell phone?” It’s difficult for everyone involved.
He told me the average family takes a year and a half to make these notifications, and many miss a lot. For example, Social Security looked at widows who should have received an increased benefit after a spouse’s death, only 18% received it. That means 82% were underpaid for the rest of their lives. Attorneys don’t handle this type of work, and no one else does. Families need a service with no sales pitch or ulterior motive, just help. I couldn’t sleep for days thinking about it. My own wife and I decided this needed to be done. Government work was fine, but I realized it was time to move on.
Q: Can you walk us through the typical journey of a family when they engage with your team?
A: Our service is gifted by Keohane. During the initial meeting with the funeral director, families start the process because they need to order death certificates. The funeral director explains all the people that need to be contacted, which can feel like a heavy burden. Then the
funeral director introduces our service, saying something like, “One of the things that makes our funeral home unique is that we have someone assigned to help you. Use them as much as you’d like and it’s completely free.”
We reach out and schedule an appointment when the family is comfortable. Some want to start right away; others wait a few weeks. The first step is discovery: figuring out what needs to be done. This might involve pulling credit reports to see open accounts, or we might use information the family has already organized. We then create an action plan and do everything the family wants us to do.
We handle notifications, paperwork, and calls to companies, organizations, and government agencies. Families can stay on the phone with us or let us handle it independently. There are a few things we can’t do, like change a car title or handle probate; we can guide families on those tasks, but otherwise, we handle everything. Typically, a family is completely done in two to three weeks, rather than years.
Q: How do you ensure that families feel supported, especially when dealing with businesses while grieving?
A: This is where the human touch comes in. One of our founding principles is helping women, particularly those re-entering the workforce after caregiving, rebuild their resumes. Many people we hire are mothers or caregivers who need work experience, and helping families allows them to gain the skills and experience they can showcase in future jobs.
There’s a certain personality type required to help these families. You can’t be too patronizing or too pushy. Our team meets families where they are emotionally, guiding them step by step. Some widows have never touched the checkbook; others are financially savvy and just need a partner to make sure everything is completed.
The calls we handle (such as canceling services or notifying agencies) can be tedious and stressful. Our team protects the family from the transactional side while allowing them to ask questions and stay informed.
Q: Do you have a particularly memorable situation that highlighted the significance of your service?
A: There are so many, but one stands out. A young widow, whose husband was military, had three small children. He became terminally ill, and she quit her job to care for him full-time. When he passed, she had no support and no knowledge of how things worked. The landlord threatened eviction if the rent wasn’t paid.
In just two and a half hours, we had everything organized: notifications were complete, she received life insurance and Social Security benefits she didn’t know about, food stamps, and local community support. At the end of that call, she said, “I can do this.” I broke down, it was incredible to see someone go from complete hopelessness to having a plan, resources, and the confidence to move forward for her children.
Q: Where do you see the future of aftercare services heading?
A: Aftercare will remain human-centered. AI and digital tools can help with tasks like finding assets or filling out paperwork, but grieving families need real human interaction. A computer can’t provide the warmth, empathy, and understanding that a person can. Technology will enhance efficiency, but the human touch will always be essential.
Q: Can you share your experience working with Keohane specifically?
A: Keohane is exceptional. Their attention to detail is elite. They treat every family as individuals that need care. From the moment you arrive, staff greet you, guide you, and make the experience feel personal. They focus on service first, and it’s an honor to be a small part of that process.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: I would like to clarify that we are not a legal service. Attorneys are important for estate closure, but we handle the practical tasks that families don’t want an attorney doing.
We also provide five layers of fraud protection for every family. Every year, 2.5 million deceased individuals have their identities stolen, often while families are trying to wrap things up. Our program protects families and their estates in ways they may not even realize, providing safety and peace of mind during a difficult time. Beyond these safeguards, the heart of our work remains the same: offering comfort, clarity, and compassion when families need it most.
What began as a single conversation between friends has grown into a national movement of care and compassion. Thanks to Van Drimmelen’s vision, countless families now have the guidance and support they need to move forward with confidence after loss. https://www.full-circlecare.com/
