Kates-Boylston Publications has been covering death care for more than a century. Funeral Service Insider brings that institutional knowledge to bear on current events with the aim of helping funeral service professionals better understand the present and plan for the future.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Navigating Mortuary School: Real-World Tips for Future Funeral Directors
31:08
31:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:08
In this episode, we speak with five respected funeral professionals providing insights into what to do when considering a career in funeral service. They share the importance of gaining hands-on experience, clarifying goals, and dispelling misconceptions. Click here for full show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Legal Challenges, Historic Openings, and Cemetery Innovations
14:32
14:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:32
Our weekly look at news from around the funeral industry. Marketing Summit Registration How To Transform Your Business with Software Registration Understanding What the Illinois Memorial Fingerprint Suit Means to You Minnesota Cemetery Ban First Black, Woman-Owned Funeral Home in Jefferson Davis Parish Opens Utah Municipal Cemetery Considers Conser…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
A Conversation with New NFD&MA President Shawn'te Harvell
34:49
34:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:49
In this episode, we speak with Shawn’te Harvell, the 69th president of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association. Discussing his meteoric rise in the funeral service industry, Harvell shares insights on the changing landscape of funeral service, the effect of having younger generations in leadership roles, and the importance of rela…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Fingerprint Class Action, Colorado Body Donation Rules, and Other News from Around Funeral Service
11:20
11:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:20
In this episode, we take a look at a class action suit over collecting fingerprints, run down some of the new rules Colorado has enacted to protect consumers against body part traffickers, SCI's continued renovation projects, and back-to-school haircuts courtesy of the local funeral director. Class Action Suit Click here for all the other ICYMI sto…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Earnings Reports, NOR Company Opens in Nevada, Unclaimed UK Remains and More
11:40
11:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:40
In this episode, we run down the implications of this week's earnings calls and their implications. SCI's numbers weren't off the chart, but their new preneed plan is worth hearing. Carriage Services delivered another beat and revealed its success was in cremation. Although lots of states have legalized NOR, Nevada is just the third state where it'…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Professional Development: Multigenerational Wisdom and Bridging the Gap with Sanchez Burns Turner
36:00
36:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:00
This week we speak with Sanchez Burns Turner on what it took to prepare for the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association centennial celebration and his hopes for the future. Burns Turner has been working in the national office for most of his professional career and recently was elevated to National Office Lead in addition to his respons…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Matthews Dividend, Event Centers, and other news from around Funeral Service
13:57
13:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:57
In this week's roundup, we bring you updates on Matthews' dividend payout, a unique funeral band in Singapore, and recent incidents in Iowa. We'll also share the latest appointments and recognitions from around the funeral service profession. Join us as we dive into these fascinating stories and get a glimpse into the ever-evolving landscape of fun…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Licensure Questions, M&A, Promotions, and More
11:00
11:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:00
In this episode, we review the licensure discussions in the U.S. and UK, consider some recent acquisitions, and talk about some promotions and appointments from around the industry. Links to the stories are below: UK Funeral Director Bump U.S. Regulation Commentary Anderson Appointed NGL Pomotions Caldwell Parrish M&A Mohawk Valley Sale…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
End-of-Life Care: Education and Collaboration in the Funeral Industry with Christa Ovenell
41:46
41:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:46
In this week’s episode we speak with Christa Ovenell about her journey from a non-teaching administrator to a funeral director and death doula. Click here for complete show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
More Partnerships, PA Gas Problems, and Legacy Obituary Changes
11:23
11:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:23
This episode of "In Case You Missed It," covers a range of topics, including a partnership announcement between Global Atlantic Financial Group and Service Corporation International, and a new program from Legacy. We also touch on the implications of a gas company decision to stop serving a Pennsylvania funeral home and announce new webinar archive…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Professional Development: Bridging Passion and Purpose with Jedd Lapid
31:53
31:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:53
Click here for complete show notes.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
New Decomp Revelations, Death Certificate Controversy, and Tesla Sues Matthews for $1 Billion and more
14:23
14:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:23
Click here for the complete show notes. Story Links: Delaware’s Death Certificate Practice Challenged New Decomposition Discovery Washington Splits the Difference on Unclaimed Remains Billion-Dollar Matthews Suit
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Park Lawn Next Steps, Cremation Temps Lowered, Found Remains, and more
8:16
8:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:16
Park Lawn has set the record and meeting date for its special meeting of shareholders. This meeting is convened to consider the proposed going private transaction. Under the terms of the transaction, Viridian Acquisition of Homesteaders Life Company and Birch Hill Equity Partners Management Inc., will acquire all outstanding common shares of Park L…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Mortuary School: Beyond Embalming with Faith Haug
44:00
44:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:00
Faith Haug, who runs the mortuary science program at Arapahoe Community College in the Littleton, Colorado, transformed the curriculum by incorporating modern practices and a broader understanding of death care. Click here for full show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Pride-Friendly Funeral Homes, ‘Chop Shop’ Series, and More Succession Issues
12:01
12:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:01
As your trusted source for funeral service news and updates, we wanted to share the links to the stories we covered in this episode of In Case You Missed It. - LGBTQIA+ Funeral website launches - Closure and succession - Performance Tracker X Customer Service Trends & Insight Report Award - 'Chop Shop' Series Announced - Funeral Home Evicts County …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Park Lawn Goes Private, Mr. Gay GB, Cremation Legislation, and more
10:14
10:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:14
In this week's episode, Tony Russo covers some headline-making news in funeral service. From the acquisition of Parklawn by Homesteaders Life Company and Birch Hill Equity Partners Management to the regulatory changes in New York and Pennsylvania, Tony delves into the implications for funeral homes and crematories. He also touches on the noteworthy…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Grief Support: Empowering Grievers with Crystal Webster
30:50
30:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:50
In this week’s episode, Crystal Webster, founder of Sharing Solace, shares stories and insights highlighting the transformative power of community support and the journey from grief to healing. Click here for full show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Illinois Tracking Regulation, Contentious Elections and a New Scholarship
10:52
10:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:52
As your trusted source for funeral service news and updates, we wanted to share the links to the stories we covered in this episode of In Case You Missed It. The debate surrounding preneed sales and a response to a Wall Street Journal article Regulatory developments in the Illinois State House regarding a tagging system for human remains Election c…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Green Funerals: Ceremonial Caskets as an Environmentally Friendly Alternative with Landon Elder
30:45
30:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:45
Ceremonial caskets can be a big part of helping green your business. Click here for complete show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bad Actors Get Caught: Funeral Industry News from FSI
6:00
6:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:00
Click here for complete show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Funeral Service News: Carriage Earnings, Mortuary School Insights, and Stupid Is as Stupid Does
10:43
10:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:43
Click here for complete show notes.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Grief Support: Children’s Books about Death with Amanda King
38:37
38:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:37
In the latest episode of Funeral Service Insider, Amanda Marie Eilis King talks about the importance of children’s books and resources in funeral service. Click here for complete show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Funeral Service News: SCI Lawsuit, Earnings Season Begins, N.Y. Funeral Home Woes and Green Cemeteries
13:17
13:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:17
A roundup of this week's news in the end of life industry. Click here for complete show notes.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Funeral Service News: FTC, DOL and the Weekly ICYMI Roundup
10:07
10:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:07
In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, we discuss how recent FTC and Department of Labor changes could affect funeral service, plus a roundup of funeral service news from the week. Click here for complete show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Tech In Funeral Service: Eco-Friendly, "Frictionless" Death Care with Alexis McCurdy
35:55
35:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:55
Click here for full show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Funeral Service News: American Cemetery & Cremation Editor Tom Nondorf
41:31
41:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:31
In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, Tom Nondorf, who joined Kates-Boylston Publications in late November as the new editor of American Cemetery & Cremation magazine. His responsibilities include finding and developing stories, as well as working closely with writers. Click here for complete show notes.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Empowering the Next Generation: Madeline Lyles on Funeral Service Camp for Teens
36:44
36:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:44
Funeral director Madeline Lyles discusses the summer camp she and business partner Dana Taylor created for young individuals interested in funeral service. Click here for full show notes.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Graves: A Cultural History with Allison C. Meier
38:31
38:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:31
In this episode, we speak with writer and tour guide Allison Meier about burial practices, cemeteries, and her latest book, “Grave.” Meier shares her insights on the cultural and societal significance of graves, drawing from her experiences leading tours at New York City area cemeteries and her profound interest in the storytelling potential at the…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Improving Follow-Up, Phone Etiquette, and Lead Generation with Niki Wiedeman
37:38
37:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:38
In this episode, we speak with Niki Wiedeman, call excellence facilitator for Dead Ringers, a secret shopper/phone etiquette consulting company, about the importance of impeccable customer service when answering the phone. Click here for full show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Rise of Direct Aquamation with Eric M. Bester
44:42
44:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:42
Eric M. Bester talks about "Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation” which was the first standalone facility of its kind in North Carolina, possibly the country. Click here for complete show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Recruitment and Retention Insights with Bob Heidlage
32:30
32:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:30
Bob Heidlage, president and managing partner of Global Recruiters of Batesville, discusses the ins and outs of recruiting and retaining employees in the funeral service profession. Click here for full show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Maximizing Production and Managing Labor Costs with Bill Ford
33:10
33:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:10
In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, we speak with Bill Ford, president of SESCO Management Consultants, about aspects of the Kates-Boylston Compensation Report, which collected a decade’s worth of data from funeral directors and funeral home owners. Click here for complete show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Year in Review with Death-Care Reporter Stan Goldstein
31:36
31:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:36
Stan Goldstein, who writes for both American Funeral Director magazine and American Cemetery and Cremation magazine joins us for our inaugural Year In Review episode. Click here for full show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Funeral Planning Software with Effie Anolik
44:20
44:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:20
Effie Anolik, co-founder and CEO of Afterword, talks about her decision to build a funeral home management platform that helps families arrange funerals online and shares her personal experience of arranging her father’s funeral in 2018. Click here for the full show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Funeral Director of the Year: A Conversation with Patricia Quigley
30:04
30:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:04
An in-depth interview with the American Funeral Director magazine Funeral Director if the Year. Click here for detailed show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Valuing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Funeral Service with Tori Dixon
40:49
40:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:49
In this episode, we speak with Tori Dixon about how to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion while also strengthening your business in the long term. Click here for complete show notes.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Saving Michigan Preneed: A Conversation with Jon O’Hara
29:55
29:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:55
Jon O’Hara, CEO of the Great Lakes Family of Companies in Michigan, which supports funeral homes on their preplanning and marketing, talked about how he worked to change the law in Michigan to allow preneed insurance carriers to continue operating in the state. He said that it was important to have a local voice working on the issue, and that the r…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Solving the Mystery of Unclaimed Remains with Jo Ciavaglia
36:33
36:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:33
In this episode, journalist Jo Ciavaglia talks about the incredible journey she embarked upon with her colleagues to create an unclaimed remains program. From the initial curiosity sparked by stories of homeless individuals passing away, to the development of a comprehensive database and the impact it has had on families and communities, Ciavaglia’…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Hospice and Funeral Home Relationships: A Deep Dive with Greg Grabowski
33:49
33:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:49
Greg Grabowski, hospice professional and co-author of "Engaging the Heart of Hospice,” a book about the relationship between hospice and funeral directors. Written in collaboration with funeral director Lacey Robinson, the book discusses the disconnets and taboos and how to break them. The book is available here. Click here for the show notes.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Creating a Unified Personal and Business Brand with Dr. Camelia L. Clarke
38:17
38:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:17
In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Camelia L. Clarke, who shed light on the evolving landscape of social media and its impact on personal and business branding. She emphasized that it is crucial to define your personal brand, because otherwise someone else will define it for you. This rings especially true in the funeral indus…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Silent Struggle: Battling Burnout with Mike Dixon
37:04
37:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:04
In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, host Tony Russo welcomes Mike Dixon, a veteran funeral director and founder and executive director of Funeral Professionals Peer Support. Dixon is dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of professionals in the funeral service industry. Click here for the show notes.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Power of Earned Media: Danielle Burmeister on Expanding Your Reach and Reputation
32:54
32:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:54
Danielle Burmeister, vice president of marketing for Homesteaders Life Company discusses the best ways to get and leverage earned media. Click here for more info and the transcript.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Doak Morasco on Navigating Climate Change in Cemetery Landscapes
35:11
35:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:11
In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, Doak Marasco discusses the effect climate change has on cemetery landscapes. See full show notes here.By Tony Russo
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Taelor Johnson on Implementing Green Funerals
39:30
39:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:30
On this episode of Funeral Service Insider, Taelor Johnson of Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial talks about that firm’s unique approach to offering green options to their families. Johnson grew up in the funeral business and has seen how it has changed in the last 20 years. Listen to the show for discount a promo code to the Kates-Boylston F…
…
continue reading
Barbara Kemmis, executive director of the Cremation Association of North America, joins host Tony Russo to discuss ways to navigate local opposition when opening a crematory. The Not-In-My-Back-Yard movement is often driven as much by ignorance and surprise as anything else. Working to assuage NIMBYs before they get all het up is easier than trying…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Derek Maher on Maximizing Space and Memorialization
30:29
30:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:29
On this episode of Funeral Service Insider, host Tony Russo interviews Derek Maher - a fourth-generation funeral director, who grew up with death being a normal topic of conversation at the dinner table. Maher emphasizes the importance of having conversations about funeral arrangements well in advance, citing the lack of guidance often resulting in…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Tony Kumming on Acquisitions and Partnerships
26:15
26:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:15
Tony Kumming, the new president of Pinnacle Funeral Service, joins Tony Russo to talk about his vision for growing the company and the shifting concerns surrounding the succession or sale of a funeral home. Kumming has been in the finance end of funeral service for 16 years. He started in 2007 with Keystone which was soon purchased by Service Corpo…
…
continue reading
Samuel Perry, assistant lecturer of mortuary science at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, teaches green funeral practices to future funeral directors. Perry came to funeral service having started as a groundskeeper for his local funeral home in high school. It wasn’t until he started working as a funeral director, though, that he realized he…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Jennifer Wright-Berryman on LGBTQ+ Issues for Funeral Directors
36:09
36:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:09
Jennifer Wright-Berryman, associate professor of social work at the University of Cincinnati, was looking into death care in stigmatized circumstances when she turned her attention to how funeral homes interact with LBGTQ+ people. She found the industry lacking in her initial research into whether funeral home websites were LGBTQ+ friendly. FSI rep…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
"Dr. T." Tanya Scotece on Mortuary School
36:17
36:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:17
Tanya Scotece, program coordinator for the Funeral Service Education Program at Miami Dade College, discusses teaching adults and trends in mortuary education. While there are lots of things she thinks mortuary schools do well, she also recognizes there can be gaps. Scotece speaks at length about how she has made changes in her own program and how …
…
continue reading