On September 20th, ASD staff members will take on their greatest physical challenge yet: the IRONMAN Maryland 140.6-mile endurance triathlon, which includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run. We’ve participated in many athletic events in the past, but nothing compares to the intensity and dedication this Ironman requires. We’re pushing ourselves to the limit not only for the thrill of the race, but to honor the funeral profession and give back to a cause that deeply matters to us.
With every mile we swim, bike, and run, the ASD Ironman Team is driven by a powerful purpose: to support funeral service education through the ASD Ironman Fund, benefitting the Funeral Service Foundation. Your support can help us turn this monumental effort into lasting impact. Please consider making a donation today—because Team ASD goes the distance for the profession we love.
Ironman Course
The IRONMAN Maryland is a grueling 140.6-mile endurance triathlon that tests athletes both physically and mentally. Participants begin with a 2.4-mile open water swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride through scenic yet challenging terrain. The event concludes with a full 26.2-mile marathon run, pushing competitors to dig deep and persevere to the finish line. Completing an Ironman requires months of dedicated training, unwavering determination, and a strong sense of purpose. It’s one of the most demanding endurance events in the world—and a true test of the human spirit.
Why We’re Supporting the Funeral Service Foundation
The Funeral Service Foundation plays a vital role in advancing the funeral profession through education, scholarships, grief support programs, and initiatives that strengthen both funeral professionals and the families they serve. By investing in the future of funeral service, the Foundation helps ensure that directors and staff are equipped with the tools, training, and resources they need to provide compassionate, meaningful care. For companies like ASD that are deeply connected to the profession, supporting the Foundation is not just a donation—it’s an investment in the heart of our mission.
When we made the decision to take on the Maryland Ironman triathlon, choosing a cause to support was an easy choice. As longtime supporters of the Funeral Service Foundation, we knew this event was a perfect opportunity to raise awareness and funding for an organization that has given so much to the funeral service community. The Foundation’s values align closely with our own, and we’re proud to go the distance for a cause that uplifts the profession we serve every day. To learn more about the foundation, be sure to check out our blog, 6 Reasons To Support the Funeral Service Foundation.
Meet the ASD Ironman Team
Over the years, ASD athletes have proudly represented our company by competing in a wide variety of endurance races and obstacle courses, including the Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, Philadelphia Half Marathon, Escape the Cape Triathlon, Goliathon, and the local Media 5 Mile Race. These events have challenged us physically and mentally, while also bringing our team closer together and creating a strong sense of camaraderie. But without a doubt, the Maryland Ironman is our biggest and most demanding athletic challenge yet. Preparing for a 140.6-mile triathlon has taken an extraordinary level of commitment, teamwork, and grit—but we’re proud to take it on together in support of a mission that means so much to us. Every mile we train and every finish line we cross is dedicated to uplifting the funeral service profession we care so deeply about.
Juan Silva
As the captain of the ASD Ironman Team, our Lead Creative Designer, Juan Silva, can be credited with much of our team’s fitness culture. When Juan joined our Sales and Marketing team in 2012, his passion for running and commitment to personal growth through exercise quickly caught Kevin’s attention and inspired him to adopt a more fitness-oriented lifestyle. Since then, Juan has taken part in more Team ASD athletic events than anyone else at the company. Outside of our team challenges, he frequently competes in marathons and triathlons on his own, with dozens of races and achievements to his name. Juan’s dedication and consistency continue to motivate others at ASD to push their limits and embrace an active lifestyle.
Kevin Czachor
ASD Family-Member Owner and CMO, Kevin Czachor has been the main driver in encouraging members of our team to take part in fitness activities. For over a decade, he has promoted healthy living habits to ASD staff in many ways, from organizing Team ASD athletic events to gifting the book Good Energy to every person working at ASD, to encouraging daily after work runs with many of our employees. Kevin has taken part in dozens of different fitness activities in the past, but the Ironman Triathlon will be his biggest athletic challenge to date. He is currently enjoying training for the Ironman and cheering on our team as they work to get ready to take on this incredible feat.
Joey Kelley
Without a doubt, ASD Sales Representative, Joey Kelley, is one of the most enthusiastic and dedicated athletes on the ASD Ironman Team. Long before officially joining his family’s business, Joey was already a familiar face at many Team ASD events, starting with his first Media 5 Mile Run back in 2017. His commitment to fitness goes far beyond team challenges—he regularly practices Jiu Jitsu, hot yoga, and other forms of physical training. Joey is deeply passionate about personal growth through fitness. He views every workout as an opportunity to become a stronger, more disciplined, and more resilient version of himself. More than just improving his own life, Joey is driven by a desire to inspire those around him—encouraging others to embrace healthy habits, push their limits, and strive for continuous self-improvement.
Jessica Czachor
ASD Technical Analyst, Jessica Czachor, was already passionate about personal fitness during her college years before joining her family’s business. When she became a part of the ASD team shortly following the pandemic, Jessica became a regular at every ASD athletic event, beginning in 2022 when she took part in both the Tough Mudder and Spartan Race. Jessica brings the same focus and determination to athletic challenges as she does to her work, constantly pushing herself to grow stronger, both mentally and physically. Her commitment to fitness continues to inspire her teammates and motivates others to take on new challenges with confidence.
Craig Meehan
Craig Meehan, National Sales Manager at ASD, first stepped into the world of Team ASD athletics in 2019 when he took on the grueling Tough Mudder challenge. Since then, Craig has become a steady presence at our team fitness events, bringing his signature mix of humor and determination to every race. Craig is known for his positive energy and supportive spirit. His commitment to staying active reflects his drive to grow both personally and professionally. Over the years, Craig has pushed himself outside of his comfort zone, embracing the physical and mental challenges that come with endurance events. He believes that fitness is not just about strength but about perseverance and mindset—qualities that carry over into his leadership role at ASD.
Michael Maurer
Mike Maurer, Operations Supervisor at ASD, made his debut with Team ASD at the 2022 Tough Mudder, quickly proving he was up for the challenge. With a natural competitive streak and a strong team mentality, Mike brought both grit and camaraderie to the event. He’s since become a regular participant, showing that even the toughest courses are no match for determination and teamwork. Mike’s willingness to push himself and support others perfectly reflects the spirit of Team ASD.
Ben Czachor
Ben Czachor, the youngest member of Team ASD, has been taking part in our fitness events since he was just a preteen, beginning with the Media 5 Mile Race in 2018. As the son of ASD Ironman Team leader Kevin Czachor, Ben grew up surrounded by the energy and enthusiasm of Team ASD’s athletic culture. Often competing alongside his siblings, cousins, and friends, Ben has consistently impressed with his speed and determination—earning multiple awards for fastest time. His passion for fitness and natural athleticism make him a standout on the team and a strong example of the next generation carrying the ASD spirit forward.
Steve Ellis
Steve Ellis is a newer face at our Team ASD athletic events, but he’s already embraced the team spirit in a big way. As Jessica Czachor’s significant other, Steve quickly learned that dating a Czachor comes with a healthy dose of athletic pressure. Earlier this year, he stepped up to the challenge by competing in the Escape the Cape Triathlon—and proved he’s more than up for the task.
Why Donate?
An athletic challenge like the Ironman isn’t for everyone—but supporting a meaningful cause is. Even if you’re not diving into open water or running a marathon, you can still make a powerful impact by donating to the Funeral Service Foundation in support of the ASD Ironman Team. Every single dollar raised benefits the future of our profession, helping to fund education, resources, and support for those who serve grieving families every day. No donation is too small—every contribution fuels our team’s motivation and reminds us why we’re pushing through this challenge. Help us go the distance for funeral service—because together, we can make every mile matter.
Related Reading
Donate Now – ASD Ironman Triathlon
6 Reasons to Support the Funeral Service Foundation
Kathy Kelley of ASD Appointed Trustee of Funeral Service Foundation to Enhance Educational Efforts in the Funeral Profession
