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Chris Cruger
December 20, 2021
Published by 
Chris Cruger on December 20, 2021
Chris Cruger on December 20, 2021“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”– Benjamin Franklin When we gather for the holiday this year, I suggest we take a moment to be thankful. This has been a very long, hard past couple of years. The death care profession has gained new levels of recognition in the media and society. The emergence of the profession as the “last responders” has propelled it to new heights. However, this recognition does not come without a price. Many are worn out, stressed and on their last nerve. The past couple of years have been difficult for most, but extraordinarily so for our profession. To continue to do the incredible work that you do, you must be at the top of your game. Make sure that you are taking care of your –and your staff’s – mental health. There […]
December 9, 2021
Published by Chris Cruger on December 9, 2021
Chris Cruger on December 9, 2021The Renewed Focus on Pre-Need: Giving Consumers What They Want DOWNLOAD NOW While Covid-19 has had massive effects on how consumer perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors have changed at an accelerated pace all across the board, consumer demand for pre-planning is an area that has taken front and center for the funeral and cemetery professional. While the last two years have been taxing across the globe, hitting the psyche of consumers everywhere and in almost every industry, the pandemic has taken a particular toll on funeral and cemetery last responders who have borne the brunt of helping families affected by the virus. Because there is a heightened awareness over one’s own mortality given Covid deaths, there has been a marked change in the attitudes of consumers regarding the value and importance of having pre-arrangements in place. As we discussed in the […]
November 22, 2021
Published by Chris Cruger on November 22, 2021
Chris Cruger on November 22, 2021Strategic and operational plans are not just “set and forget” items. Your business’ growth and success depend on them. One ultimate mistake funeral home and cemetery owners and management make when putting together a strategic plan is confusing it with other types of planning. A strategic plan is a tool that provides you and your business with the framework to accomplish the company’s mission with proficiency and impact. Sorry, folks, the grand blueprint in your mind doesn’t qualify. Your plan really must be measurable and in writing. Typically, your strategic plan will encompass a timeframe of three to five years. It is not something you just set and forget. It should be your playbook for the business. You will constantly monitor and adjust it into a clear annual operating plan and budget. Regardless of what you call it, the point […]
September 21, 2021
Published by Chris Cruger on September 21, 2021
Chris Cruger on September 21, 2021The Democrats who are part of the House Ways and Means Committee have issued an updated draft on the tax legislation. This proposal is one that will have substantial effects to your personal taxes. For the legislation to pass, a minimum of House and Senate Democrats will need to agree, as well as the White House. We will continue to keep an eye on the legislative process closely and providing updates throughout the fall legislative cycle. With the proposed legislation totaling over 800 pages it is a challenge for anyone to offer you a comprehensive analysis. The good news is that a handful of the proposed changes would impact transactions or transfers that are made before the new bill is passed. Many of the provisions would not take effect until January 1, 2022. Highlighted below you will find some of […]
August 24, 2021
Published by Chris Cruger on August 24, 2021
Chris Cruger on August 24, 2021It’s time to decide whether you’ll evolve your business or prepare for succession. The reference to “growth” in the business world does not necessarily coincide with multiple acquisitions. What it does pair with is the word “evolve.” The Foresight Companies’ 2021 Funeral and Cemetery Consumer Behavior Study revealed that consumers are embracing completely new ways of doing things and have no intention of going back to the old ways. They are evolving, and so should we. Empirical insights from the study show this clearly: 74% of consumers expect to find prices online (66% expect to see products online as well). 47% of consumers will not do business with a firm if it does not provide pricing online (if there is an alternative). 32% of consumers’ attitudes about the profession have changed because of COVID. Consumer attitudes about the profession’s ability […]
