ASD named one of America’s Most Innovative Companies

October 23, 2026/Business, Products, Regulations/

Today’s Article includes an NFDA Convention Preview

Who says Death Care is not “innovative”?

Just this week I learned that ASD – Answering Service for Directors was named to Fortune‘s 2026 list of America’s Most Innovative Companies. This honor puts them right up there with Apple and SpaceX in a grouping of innovative companies.

Here’s what Kevin Czachor, ASD FamilyMember – Owner and Chief Marketing Officer said about the selection:

“When we first heard about this, we honestly thought someone was trying to sell us something. We’ve always been proud of the technology we’ve developed and the recognition we’ve received within the funeral profession but seeing ASD on a Fortune list alongside companies like Apple and SpaceX is pretty surreal. We’re a family-owned business that answers phones for funeral homes. To see our name among some of the most innovative companies in America is something we never could have imagined. More than anything, I hope it brings some well-deserved attention to the incredible innovation happening within the funeral service profession.

In a press release put out by ASD after learning of the selection the following was noted:

“Innovation has been a driving force at ASD since the company was founded in 1972 by Martin and Barbara Czachor. Over the decades, ASD has developed numerous patented technologies designed specifically to address the communication challenges funeral professionals face. For the past three years, ASD has served as the official sponsor of the NFDA Innovation Award, reflecting the company’s commitment to not only developing innovative solutions of its own but also celebrating and encouraging innovation throughout the funeral service profession.

Despite its emphasis on technological advancement, ASD has always maintained that innovation should strengthen, rather than replace, the human connections at the heart of funeral service. The company’s technology is designed to support its team of compassionate, professionally trained Call Specialists while giving funeral directors more freedom to focus on serving families.”

Funeral Director Daily take: It’s an ironic twist that before learning of this honor for ASD I had already looked at their blog and its article on the upcoming NFDA Convention to give Funeral Director Daily readers the best knowledge of the convention happenings that I could. So, today you not only get news of this great honor for ASD, but you get their take on the convention with some ideas about how that “Innovation” can help your business. . . . . See you in Charlotte!!

Starting this weekend many in the Death Care profession will be gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina, to celebrate the greater Death Care community. It will be a place to see old friends and learn about new products and technologies. I’ll be there to see what the “up-to-date” solutions are to build business and care for families.

If you will be there say hello to me if you see me in the workshops, keynote sessions, or Expo Hall where I hang out. If you are unable to be in attendance look for upcoming Funeral Director Daily articles in which I will try to let readers know what I learn.

I could try to give you a preview of what is going to happen, but I could not do it any better than it has already been done by the ASD Blog and an article that they published written by Jess Farren. The article is titled “Carolina on our Minds: Your guide to the 2026 NFDA Convention”.

You can access the article here.

The “guide” will introduce you to the convention workshops and their presenters, it will give you information on the Keynote speakers, and will let you know about the Expo Hall and where you can mingle with fellow Death Care workers at what are referred to as fellowship opportunities.

When it comes to ASD, the Answering Service for Directors, which over the years has became much more than that, you will learn of a large (giant) pumpkin coming to their Expo Booth as well as the growth of their cremation scattering company, Cremation Air.

You can also ask the people at ASD about these features that might be right for your funeral home: