April 18, 2023
Published by 
Nicole Vullo on April 18, 2023
Nicole Vullo on April 18, 2023One of the great debates in funeral service today is whether you should display your merchandise or offer a digital catalog for your client families to look at. We asked Doug Gober to provide insight and guidance on this important topic. Question: Should I display my casket, vault or urn merchandise in my funeral home or just have a digital catalog? Doug Gober: The key elements to this question are information and control. Ask yourself the following: how does the consumer access information? For today’s consumer, it is mostly online. However, is that the best methodology for a consumer to purchase an unfamiliar product combined with an unfriendly state of mind? Most product purchases made today that are infrequent, higher priced purchases that are not routine are usually done in a positive state of mind. As funeral home owners and […]
March 22, 2023
Published by Nicole Vullo on March 22, 2023
Nicole Vullo on March 22, 2023Each and every day, we use social media whether for business or personal needs. As owners and operators of funeral homes and cemeteries, what are the guidelines for implementing social media policies and can an employee be fired for the content they post? Our Director of Regulatory Compliance, Curtis Rostad provides his insights to this important question below. Question: Can an employee be fired for something posted on Facebook or other social media? Curtis Rostad: In an at-will state, an employee can be terminated for any reason that is not illegal. An employee could not be fired for instance, if they are directing their communication to other employees in an attempt to organize or unionize. An employee cannot be fired for a discriminatory reason. Some labor laws and whistleblower statutes protect workers who complain truthfully about unsafe work conditions, illegal […]
March 21, 2023
Published by Nicole Vullo on March 21, 2023
Nicole Vullo on March 21, 2023If you are planning to sell your funeral home or cemetery business, there are many factors to consider. One that is extremely important in 2023 is the rise of interest rates. Our M&A Analyst, Sierra Heil provides her insight on this vital question. Question: How can I sell my business if interest rates are rising? Sierra Heil: Over the past 20 years, the deathcare industry has undergone significant consolidation. Many industries have become more focused on convenience and value leading to the emergence of large national chains in an industry that at one time was entirely run by independent local providers. As the baby boomer population ages, many people live outside of the areas they were born or away from younger family members, and families often appreciate when firms offer a wide range of services and options for their loved ones. […]
February 2, 2023
Published by Nicole Vullo on February 2, 2023
Nicole Vullo on February 2, 2023DOUG GOBER TO BE HONORED WITH THE ICCFA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION’S LASTING IMPACT AWARD STERLING, VA—January 31, 2023 – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association’s (ICCFA) Educational Foundation will present its Lasting Impact Award to Doug Gober during the 2023 ICCFA Annual Convention & Exposition in Kansas City, Missouri. Doug has logged hundreds of hours as a speaker and educator at deathcare events across the globe and has presented at many ICCFA events including the ICCFA Annual Convention & Exposition, the DEAD Talks Sales Conference, and the ICCFA University. He has earned numerous national awards within the deathcare profession and has served as a consultant for marketing and merchandising projects on an international scale. Doug currently serves on the ICCFA Sales & Marketing Committee. Doug began his career in deathcare 44 years ago as a sales representative for Batesville Casket […]
January 26, 2023
Published by Nicole Vullo on January 26, 2023
Nicole Vullo on January 26, 2023Is one of your goals for 2023 to sell your funeral home or cemetery business? While we are still in the first month of the year, there are various things you need to start now in order to make the transaction a success by the end of the year. Our Senior M&A Analyst, Jared Tanke is back to provide informative insights and the steps you need to take to get the transaction process started. Question: It is my business goal to sell our funeral home in 2023. What do I need to do now? Jared Tanke: To sell your funeral home in 2023, you should start by assessing the current market conditions and determining the value of your business. This is a service that Foresight recommends to all of our clients who are looking to sell, so you can have […]