Dan Isard

Do you feel attacked by price shopper calls?  In the Finance 101 column for the November issue of The Director, Dan  explains why Price shoppers present an excellent opportunity to educate people about their options when planning a funeral and to show how your firm rises above the lower-priced others. They are here to stay – Finance 101 – November 2015

Recently President Obama proposed several changes to the employment law and in specific circumstances signed an executive order to have these rules apply to federal workers.  Over the past several months our clients have been reaching out asking for clarification and we thought it was important to share some of these questions and our responses.

Are you are bogged down by the busywork of tracking bills and payments? Have you found yourself being in a less-than-ideal relationship with your vendors and suppliers? Then there’s a chance your accounts payable are out-of-control.  In this issue of Accountability, Diane describes ways to evaluate your processes and clean up your accounts payable.

Dear Dan, I remember very clearly getting my first paycheck. I remember a deduction described as “Social Security.” I remember reading articles predicting that Social Security would be bankrupt by the time I was ready to draw on it. Well, today I am 60 years old, and I just wrote to Social Security to get a copy of my benefits. Now I write to you for advice on which option I should elect. I am confused as to when to take Social Security. I am married and my spouse works with me in the business I own. My daughter will be my successor. The business and its real estate have no debts. So, when should I begin to take Social Security? Signed, No Idea in the Hills of Kentucky  Dear No Idea, When to take Social Security is not a […]

In speaking to a colleague recently, the topic of entrepreneurship came up. He remarked that successful entrepreneurs make a decision and do not second-guess themselves. They choose a path and move forward with guts and gusto. Shortly thereafter, I received a call from my sister, who is a regional sales director. A few minutes into our conversation, I made a comment that ended with the phrase, “There is hope.” Her response was, “In the world of sales, hope is not a strategy.” It was barely 8 a.m. and already my mind had been challenged by two poignant thoughts. As I drank my coffee, I reflected on these conversations and how they relate to funeral service. Most of us do not see ourselves as an entrepreneur or salesperson. However, the truth is that we are both. As business owners, we are responsible […]