Business

The transformation of Batesville

By Funeral Director Daily / May 14, 2025 /

    In mid-April I received a press release from Batesville that was titled “Batesville empowers Deathcare professionals with Industry-leading Burial, Cremation and Technology solutions at 2025 ICCFA Exhhibition.”  Since that time I’ve had this article in my mind and thought now was as good as any time to share some of my historical insights…

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Perfection is the enemy of progress. . . and profitability

By Funeral Director Daily / May 13, 2025 /

  I don’t know where I first heard the saying, “Perfection is the enemy of progress”, but it always sounded somewhat strange to me until I really took the time to see what the cliche meant.  To me, it says that we all want progress, but if we wait until the time is perfect to…

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Better Place Forests to become a Non-Profit

By Funeral Director Daily / May 8, 2025 /

    Better Place Forests is one of those ideas whose time has come.  As a 33-year funeral director who has seen the social mores of Death Care move away from the traditional options during that time, I see where there is a place for ideas like Better Place Forest to catch on with a…

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Legal Issues, Buying/Selling, Consumer Attitudes, and Preneed: Great webinars lined up for May

By Funeral Director Daily / May 6, 2025 /

    I was always told that you have to “Learn before you Earn” and now I’m told, and I believe, that “Learning is a lifetime endeavor” —  meaning that you never stop learning.   So, if you believe like me, you can take a look at the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and WilbertEDU…

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Warren Buffett: His management tips would suit your funeral home well

By Funeral Director Daily / May 6, 2025 /

  In 1956 stock analyst Warren Buffett formed what he called Buffett Partnership and in 1970 acquired a textile company called Berkshire Hathaway.  The company assumed that name and went on to become a diversified holding company with Buffett as the main stockholder and Chairman of the Board.  He’s ran that company with a “value…

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Trump’s first 100 Days: Any effect on funeral service?

By Funeral Director Daily / May 2, 2025 /

    We’ve just lived through the first 100 days of the 2nd Trump presidency.  On the equity market front there has been a lot of predictions and a lot of ups and downs. . . . However, as far as funeral service or Death Care goes, where are we and what can we expect…

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Will Gen Z lead the way back to more traditional funerals?

By Funeral Director Daily / May 1, 2025 /

    I think it is a real longshot and we are a long way from proclaiming that the funeral is back in American culture.  However, a couple of indicators show that Generation Z, those who are in today’s age bracket of between 13 and 28 years of age, may be yearning for a life…

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. . . .and the caissons go rolling along

By Funeral Director Daily / April 30, 2025 /

  It will have been over two years since the last horse-drawn caisson carried a United States military member to their grave at Arlington National Cemetery when the horse-drawn caissons are again given that opportunity.   According to this article, “The U.S. Army announced . .  the limited reintegration of the caisson into funeral services…

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Anthem Partners moves websites to Tribute Technology platforms

By Funeral Director Daily / April 28, 2025 /

In a press release from last week funeral home operator and consolidator Anthem Partners announced that they are “developing a strategic partnership” with Tribute Technology.  And, according to this press release, “As the first step in this partnership, all websites for the Anthem Partners’ locations have been updated and moved to the Tribute Technology platform”.…

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SCI’s “Non-funeral home” revenue is growing fast. . . What can we learn?

By Funeral Director Daily / April 24, 2025 /

  Service Corporation International (SCI), the largest funeral home operator in North America, has grown its “Consolidated Funeral Revenue” 20.8% from 2019 (the latest year not affected by the pandemic) through 2024.  Their annual financial report lists this number as $1.92 billion in the year 2019 and $2.32 billion in the most recent year of…

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