March 22, 2021
Published by 
Stephanie Ramsey on March 22, 2021
Stephanie Ramsey 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 […]
February 21, 2021
Published by 
Doug Gober on February 21, 2021
Doug Gober on February 21, 2021Business Financing Services is one of our service areas that we are always asked for insight and guidance on. For this month’s column, we answer a very common question related to succession planning and financing. Continue reading below as Doug Gober, Partner provides some insights. Question: I am ready to sell my business to my son. How can he secure the financing necessary to buy my business? Doug Gober: Many potential business owners who need to transition their businesses are convinced that either their children or key person can’t secure the financing necessary to transition the business to them. With the sellers help and understanding of the process, the lending is available for the next generation of independent business owners. On a regular basis, we are assisting in securing financing which allows for independent funeral service to continue. The idea that […]
December 21, 2020
Published by Doug Gober on December 21, 2020
Doug Gober on December 21, 2020We want to continue to provide you with insight and guidance on Pricing. For this month’s column, we spoke with Doug Gober again as he answers more popular pricing questions. Continue reading below as we provide information on competitor pricing and package pricing! Question: Should I match my competitors’ prices? Doug Gober: The critical element of pricing should be how you want to be seen in the marketplace. Because the market is so segmented, it is challenging for a funeral home to be all things to all people. It would be beneficial to define who you want to be in the marketplace rather than who and how your competitors are. This idea of determining your position is certainly more important than seeing what your competitors in the market are doing. In some cases, you may not be at the same […]
November 23, 2020
Published by Doug Gober on November 23, 2020
Doug Gober on November 23, 2020One topic we continue to be asked for insight and guidance on is Pricing. For this month’s column, we combined all of the most popular pricing questions into one comprehensive article. Continue reading below as Doug Gober, Partner provides information on setting prices, when an how often should we change prices, and more! Question: How should I set my prices? Doug Gober: Historically, Funeral Directors were notorious for comparing their prices to their competitor’s prices or they would take their best guess at what they are worth. Legitimately a firm should evaluate what it costs them to operate their entity. Every enterprise has different cost structures to operate One firm may be paying off debt while the other has been paid off for 20 years. Just that one item alone could alter how retail prices should be set for each […]
October 25, 2020
Published by Doug Gober on October 25, 2020
Doug Gober on October 25, 2020One service area that we are always asked for insight and guidance on is our Business Financing Services. For this month’s column, we combined all of the most popular financing questions into one comprehensive article. Continue reading below as Doug Gober, Partner provides some insights on SBA financing, debt refinancing, borrowing limits, and more. Question: Why would I want to get SBA financing instead of going to my local bank? Doug Gober: Since its inception, SBA lending has become very popular because it opens the door to a larger base of entrepreneurs transitioning into businesses. It does so by reducing the amount of initial investment required and extending the terms on of the loan. Unless you have significant investment dollars available, it is difficult for quality, skilled people to become a business owner using conventional lending. Conventional commercial lending effectively […]
September 21, 2020
Published by 
Nicole Vullo on September 21, 2020
Nicole Vullo on September 21, 2020We were recently asked what the process would entail for a successful business owner to now branch out and explore new business ventures, specifically Pet Services. John T. McQueen, CFSP, Director of Client Experience provides some insights on how to expand your business and where to begin. Question: My family and I have been running a successful funeral home for many years. We have begun to look into new ventures to expand our business and are interested in pet services. What advice can you offer us and where do we begin? John T. McQueen: Pet services can be a great addition to your funeral home offerings, but it must be well-thought out and planned. There are also three basic models you can use to start a pet business – pet burials, pet cremations, and combination. Most funeral homes that start […]
July 22, 2020
Published by 
Gabriel Ngo on July 22, 2020
Gabriel Ngo on July 22, 2020One of the hottest topics coming out of the Foresight Funeral and Cemetery Consumer Behavior Study has been Pricing. Gabe Ngo, Director of Business Development, provides some insights on how to be more transparent with pricing. Question #1: How do we best address price transparency, given the complex design of the GPL? Question #2: How do I put my complicated FTC mandated pricing online in a way the consumer will understand and not drive the consumer away? Gabe Ngo: These are two great questions that I would like to attempt to tackle in answering them together. Yes, General Price List (GPL) requirements are complex and complicated—most notably for the lay person and consumer to follow and understand. On the surface, it is actually quite easy to just have your GPL scanned and posted on your website in the name of […]