March 28, 2025
The global nature of today’s economy means that tariffs, or taxes imposed on imported goods, can have far-reaching implications—including within the funeral profession. While many funeral homes may not feel the immediate impact of tariffs, it is essential to remain vigilant and prepared for potential ripple effects on business operations and the merchandise clients depend on. Staying informed and proactive can help professionals navigate these challenges while maintaining the quality-of-service families expect. How Tariffs Impact Merchandise One of the most direct effects of tariffs lies in the cost of funeral merchandise. Many caskets sold in the U.S., for example, are manufactured in countries such as China, Mexico, and Canada. If tariffs are imposed on these imports, the increased costs could trickle down to funeral homes and their clients. For instance, a 25% tariff on a $1,000 imported casket adds $250 […]
November 25, 2024
A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps businesses and organizations assess their internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats they face. The acronym stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. By conducting a SWOT analysis, an organization can gain valuable insights into where it stands in the market, what it does well, where it may be falling short, and how it can capitalize on emerging trends or mitigate potential risks. For funeral home operators, performing a SWOT analysis is crucial to improving service quality, boosting customer satisfaction, and staying competitive in a market that requires sensitivity, professionalism, and trust. What is a SWOT Analysis? A SWOT analysis involves evaluating both internal and external factors that can influence a business’s performance. The internal factors include strengths and weaknesses, while external factors encompass opportunities […]
July 30, 2024
Establishing a funeral home or cemetery business for future success is crucial for its longevity as well as for a smooth ownership transition. You must be proactive in this approach and take early steps as opposed to waiting for when it must be done. We asked Financial Analyst, Luke Potter to go into further detail on the process. Question: What steps can I do now in my business plan to set my funeral home up to be successful? Luke Potter: Setting up a funeral home for future success is essential for ensuring its longevity and the smooth transition of ownership. Proactive succession planning is a key component of this preparation. By identifying and mentoring potential successors early, whether they are family members or key employees, funeral directors can provide continuity and stability. Developing leadership skills and creating a comprehensive transition […]
March 28, 2024
As we guide our clients through the second quarter of the year, the question of seasonality arises as we get closer to Spring and Summer. We asked Financial Analyst, Luke Potter to share his insights on how to set your business up for the slower days of the summer months. Question: “How can we strategically position ourselves for when we approach the slower days in the upcoming months?” Luke Potter: The funeral business is one that operates in a realm where seasons may not always follow the typical patterns observed in other industries. Although the funeral and cemetery profession is not entirely predictable, there are strategies funeral home owners and cemetery operators can employ to navigate the slower days of summer effectively. Your Business is Your Baby Treating the business as if it were family is an essential principle to […]

