Posts

The Cost of Cremation

By Funeral Director Daily / May 13, 2022 /

Earlier this week I came across this article on how the State of Hawaii is now poised to become the 22nd state of the United States that will legalize alkaline hydrolysis.  I’ve said before that even though it has been since 2003 that the first state in the country legalized alkaline hydrolysis — that’s almost…

A little discussion with the guys at Funeral Nation

By Funeral Director Daily / May 12, 2022 /

Here is Funeral Nation Episode #248 where I join anchors Ryan Thogmartin and Jeff “The Funeral Commander” Harbeson for a short discussion of all things Death Care. In a short 12 minutes Ryan, Jeff, and I cover a variety of topics including the real disconnect between what some consumers think they are getting with certain…

The pandemic, health insurance and the effects on your business’ future

By Funeral Director Daily / May 12, 2022 /

I’m one that always tries to gather information from whatever source(s) I can when I analyze anything.  As we’ve moved through the Covid-19 pandemic that has been a frustrating proposition, because from my point of view, I have seen analysis and decisions all become too political in nature and I have a hard time deciphering…

The Mondale urn

By Funeral Director Daily / May 11, 2022 /

Editor’s Note:  A technical glitch stopped publication this morning.  But, here you go with today’s article a few hours late.  Sorry. As I write articles in this forum I sometimes have to remind myself that many of my readers are 30 to 40 years younger than I am.  That fact, and the experience of playing…

News You Can Use

By Funeral Director Daily / May 10, 2022 /

Many of our friends in the support service to funeral professionals offer educational experiences through white papers or webinars that are very valuable.  Today I’m just taking the time to get some of the information to you. . . .If you are so inclined get these opportunities for enrichment on your schedule.   From Clifton…

SCI reports 1st Qtr 2022. . . . Preneed hitting on all cylinders

By Funeral Director Daily / May 10, 2022 /

Service Corporation International (SCI), North America’s largest grouping of funeral homes and cemeteries reported their 1st Quarter 2022 financial results last week.  The company reported increased total sales of 3.2% which resulted in 1Q 22 revenue of $1.112 billion as compared to the 1st Quarter of 2021 where they reported sales of $1.077 billion.  That’s…

Wilbert, Park Lawn make acquisitions

By Funeral Director Daily / May 9, 2022 /

We’ve mentioned that many death care companies are intent on growing and right now many seem to have the cash-flow to fuel those acquisitions that lead to company growth.  Just last week Wilbert, Inc. announced an acquisition of a molding and finishing manufacturer who produces casket hardware, automotive/transportation components, and other consumer products. On the…

Poverty level funerals. . . whose responsibility to pay

By Funeral Director Daily / May 9, 2022 /

“Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted,” It is something that always seems to be around the nexus of free enterprise and government intervention or regulation when it comes to the death care services of those poverty level citizens of our communities.  The “It” is the debate about the value of what…

Increasing funeral home numbers drives Carriage Services results

By Funeral Director Daily / May 6, 2022 /

Carriage Services reported their 1st Quarter of 2022 last week and in doing so highlighted the strength of their funeral home operations.  “Same Store” service contracts increased about 3.3% and average revenue on those services increased 1.2% over the same period of last year which led to a Funeral Home Operating Revenue increase of $3.3…

“Journey to Serve” highlighted at Military.com

By Funeral Director Daily / May 5, 2022 /

I just returned from an annual event that takes place each year and benefits the Funeral Service Foundation and the ICCFA Educational Foundation.  The event, dubbed The Memorial Classic and started by Johnson Consulting Group founder Tom Johnson over 40 years ago completed its 2022 event last week.   I’ve been fortunate to have been a…