He turned his back on his role as an investment banker to enter the funeral profession.

This decision led Christian to Bowral where he decided to purchase longstanding business G. Beavan Funerals.

He recalled it was a desire to care for people and the scenic location of the Southern Highlands which prompted him to make the final call.

During his time in the profession, he said his view on death had remained the same.

"I think I always had a steady outlook on death and I think it's a part of the natural process," Christian said. "For myself, what the business has given me is a greater understanding of people as a whole."

Located in Station Street, the funeral home has stood in the same location it did when it was established in 1883.

When Christian received the keys to the business, he decided to leave the building as it was with the exception of a new lick of paint. He said he wanted to leave the house as close to the original design as possible, as he found people in the area had a long and strong affiliation with the business. As a result, the premises has retained a home-like feel, complete with a pet cat named George.

Christian said George was an important part of the team as he provided "pet therapy" for families during their time of need.

"If there's a family that's feeling particularly distressed, George walks in and the next minute, the focus is on him," he said. "He sits among them, they talk to him and pat him - it breaks the ice."

Christian said the business had strived to uphold the philosophy of founder Geoffrey Beavan which was "caring for people."

He said there was history in the walls of the building as he had heard countless stories from generations of families.

"Families look forward to telling their loved one's story," Christian said. "Some of them were over 100 years old and what they've lived through is amazing."

Christian said the funeral profession could be a challenge at times and it took a special kind of person to work in the industry.

"We look for someone who is compassionate and who understands a person's loss," he said.

"At the end of the day, you have a responsibility to care for a person's loved one - their family places their trust in you and you've got to cherish that."

With a long history of service in the Southern Highlands, Christian said he and his colleagues hoped to continue to care for people for many years to come.