May 25, 2021
Published by 
Nicole Vullo on May 25, 2021
Nicole Vullo on May 25, 2021Buying and Selling continues to be a hot topic with our readers and the profession in general. We were recently asked about the selling process. Chris Cruger provides his insights on this topic. Question: With everything going on right now, should I be thinking about selling my business? Chris Cruger: When considering your options, you need to ask yourself if the time is right to sell? Should you continue to operate? Consider these four issues: Examine your motives for wanting to sell – Is the decision being driven by health reasons, divorce, death, cremation, etc.… – The reason will determine the urgency and timing. Tax Environment – Sellers are able to get a very attractive capital gains treatment right now. A business sold today will have an effective tax rate of approximately 20 percent. That rate could go as high […]
May 12, 2021
Published by Nicole Vullo on May 12, 2021
Nicole Vullo on May 12, 2021In what was undeniably the most transformative time in generations, The Foresight Companies conducted a study of consumers to put empirical data behind the speculative trends about how COVID-19 will impact the funeral and cemetery profession, both in the short-term and the long-term. None of us could have imagined that almost one year after debuting this groundbreaking study, we would still be faced with the challenges of the pandemic. In 2021, the consumers were still talking, and we were listening! Our follow-up 2021 Funeral and Cemetery Consumer Behavior Study not only builds upon many of the key insights that we shared in 2020, but it also delivers new and fascinating findings into the mind of the consumer as we start to move beyond the pandemic. It will also address the opportunities that lie ahead in funeral service including reinstituting consultative […]
May 10, 2021
Published by Nicole Vullo on May 10, 2021
Nicole Vullo on May 10, 2021New experiences, technologies, and changing expectations have even the oldest Americans embracing non-traditional ways of mourning Phoenix, Arizona – May 10, 2021 – As a result of the global pandemic, consumers have experienced new ways of mourning the loss of their friends and family, and that has permanently changed the way they mourn, this according to The Foresight Companies 2021 Funeral and Cemetery Consumer Behavior Study. Nearly 1/3 (32%) of survey respondents say their attitudes have changed as a result of new experiences, including using new technologies and adopting non-traditional approaches to celebration. The global pandemic has necessitated adoption of new technologies and behaviors to the highly traditional funeral and cemetery business, and the FCCBS survey, now in its second year, continues to show that consumers are re-examining even the most fundamental ways consumers mourn. This includes even those groups […]
April 21, 2021
Published by Nicole Vullo on April 21, 2021
Nicole Vullo on April 21, 2021Key elements for creating a successful brand for your business, one that remains true to your core values and purpose. For more than two decades, social media has given many people the ability to market themselves to the world. What started as platforms only for celebrities and athletes quickly morphed into a way for businesses, regardless of size or industry, and your average joes to have their voices or their “brand” heard in an expanded capacity. 2020 was the year, more than any other, that thrust social media and digital technology to the forefront and integrated it into almost every aspect of our daily lives. Phrases like “You’re muted” and “I’m going to share my screen; can everyone see it?” have become commonplace. For me, the increase in usage of and reliance on social media is both a blessing and […]
March 22, 2021
Published by Nicole Vullo on March 22, 2021
Nicole Vullo on March 22, 2021We were recently asked about what policies employers can put in place regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Stephanie Ramsey, Director of Business Analysis provides some insights on this topic. Question: Can we require employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Stephanie Ramsey: There are many people who are divided on whether to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The first question that employers must address is, “Can we require employees to get vaccinated?” The answer to this question varies based on the business you are in generally but is quite simple for funeral businesses. Yes, you can require that employees get vaccinated. The reality is that employers in the funeral industry have a strong justification for this requirement. Their employees are at high risk due to the nature of their jobs. What is meant by the term “high risk?” Funeral employees are at greater […]