Assurant defines itself as “a leading global provider of lifestyle and housing solutions that support, protect and connect major consumer purchases”. The company released its 2nd Quarter 2020 results on Tuesday, August 4, and in doing so reported a Net Income of $173.5 million, which is up 24 percent from the same period in 2019. …
Today’s afternoon edition of Funeral Director Daily brings you stories about two men on a mission. And, these men live and work in separate hemispheres but both have found a calling among the COVID-19 pandemic. Our first story is that of Brother Ronald Marin and comes to us from the Catholic publication, Crux. Brother Marin…
As a youngster I had it drilled into me that you don’t buy things you cannot afford. . . . .but “affordability” also included the ability to buy things that you didn’t have the money for but you had a solid plan for repayment. That thought process is known as using and building credit history.…
In this press release from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) we learned that Chris E. Christian and Beatrice “Bea” Lewanduski were elected to serve two-year terms on the NFDA Board of Directors. According to the press release Christian is the co-owner of Christian-Sells Funeral Home in Rogersville, Tennessee. The release also states that Lewanduski…
I’m writing this on Monday morning even though you are receiving it as the Wednesday edition of Funeral Director Daily. The freedom to do that (write in advance) once in a while is what makes writing a daily article palatable. I didn’t do a whole lot over the weekend although I did come across this…
BUSINESS
“It’s good enough” — That’s an attitude bound to bring disaster to your business
Last Saturday morning my wife, Angie, and I were having our morning coffee and she was paging through the local newspaper. She made the comment that our recent county fair had a record attendance…
Death Literacy: “Concerns over the rapid rise of Direct Cremations”
“Death Literacy” is something you may be hearing more about in the days to come. This article from SABR-A Care Collective mentions that “Raising death literacy aims to equip people with the skills not…
Keeping your brand relevant with the new consumers
I’ve came to believe that, at least in part, the reason why consumers select a certain funeral home has changed. From my point of view, in days gone by almost almost all funeral home…
FINANCE
Death Care Index (DCI) once again trails major indexes
Over the years I’ve seen many family funeral homes explode in value as they built more market share, acquired more facilities, and simply built a culture of enhancing revenues while at the same…
Matthews International names new President/CEO
It didn’t take long for Death Care conglomerate Matthews International to name a new President and CEO following this August 4, 2026, press release indicating that current President/CEO Josepah Bartolacci would be retiring after more…
A.S. Turner & Sons has a busy summer — adds a funeral home and terramation service line
A.S. Turner & Sons has served the population of Decatur, Georgia, and the greater Atlanta area for more than 120 years. Funeral Director Daily recently mentioned the firm in this article about The Natural…
REGULATIONS
Groundbreaking research from Parting Stone may help you get cremated remains permanently placed
Recently I received a press release from Parting Stone, the solidified remains company, that enlightened me as to some of the reasons so many survivors continue to hold on to cremated remains in…
Oklahoma family business gets initial court win to move forward in casket sales case
According to this recent article from the Institute for Justice the District Court of Oklahoma County has ruled that Casket of Honors owners Candice Mentink and Todd Collard may proceed with their case against…
Empty grave case still perplexing, legal issues pending
Back in December 2025, Funeral Director Daily, in this article, informed you of the case of the empty grave of CBC Canada Royal Glider Pilot Gordon Patrick. If you read the article you…
CEMETERY
Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock visit cemetery movie screening
It’s interesting to me that when I look at the financial results of the public companies in Death Care and also try to understand the continual business potential of Death Care, I seem to…
Everstory Partners aims for more of the “Upper K”
Not every consumer is looking for the $999 direct cremation service. And, the good operators in the Death Care space know that. There are plenty of ways to buy a burger in many different…
Empty grave case still perplexing, legal issues pending
Back in December 2025, Funeral Director Daily, in this article, informed you of the case of the empty grave of CBC Canada Royal Glider Pilot Gordon Patrick. If you read the article you…
CREMATION
Groundbreaking research from Parting Stone may help you get cremated remains permanently placed
Recently I received a press release from Parting Stone, the solidified remains company, that enlightened me as to some of the reasons so many survivors continue to hold on to cremated remains in…
Death Literacy: “Concerns over the rapid rise of Direct Cremations”
“Death Literacy” is something you may be hearing more about in the days to come. This article from SABR-A Care Collective mentions that “Raising death literacy aims to equip people with the skills not…
“Size” has its own set of issues
Great Britain’s Pure Cremation, quite possibly the most successful start-up in the history of Death Care, continues to grow their direct cremation business. And, that growth in itself seems to cause some problems. …
PRENEED
Death Literacy: “Concerns over the rapid rise of Direct Cremations”
“Death Literacy” is something you may be hearing more about in the days to come. This article from SABR-A Care Collective mentions that “Raising death literacy aims to equip people with the skills not…
Pure Cremation exec: Is the “At-Need choice” death market contracting?
The number of deaths in the United States is expected to grow 26.3% from 2019 (the last year prior to the pandemic) until 2040 by certain estimates. Estimates for the number of deaths in…
Anthem Partners announces strategic partnership with Family Shield Credit
In a press release from earlier this week funeral home operator Anthem Partners announced that they have formed a partnership with Family Shield Credit in order to provide families with “flexible, budget-friendly payment options while…
PRODUCTS
Groundbreaking research from Parting Stone may help you get cremated remains permanently placed
Recently I received a press release from Parting Stone, the solidified remains company, that enlightened me as to some of the reasons so many survivors continue to hold on to cremated remains in…
Oklahoma family business gets initial court win to move forward in casket sales case
According to this recent article from the Institute for Justice the District Court of Oklahoma County has ruled that Casket of Honors owners Candice Mentink and Todd Collard may proceed with their case against…
Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock visit cemetery movie screening
It’s interesting to me that when I look at the financial results of the public companies in Death Care and also try to understand the continual business potential of Death Care, I seem to…
