Ask the Owner

Written by Jen Graziano, Attorney/Licensed Funeral Director/Owner It can be argued that the funeral industry is the last bastion of humanity.  Of the many great conundrums in our field is it’s inability to be swallowed up by AI.  While the rapidly growing “funeral-tech” industry has eagerly taken up space in our unchartered waters, AI may have found its first glass ceiling in our realm.  Tech disruption is real but how much can they truly disrupt? While the latest tech can assist us in writing obituaries, scheduling appointments, and general administrative tasks, it can not replace the one facet of funeral service that has long set us apart…the human factor.  The funeral industry’s reliance on human capital can not be replaced by artificial intelligence.  When a trembling, choked up voice makes the dreaded call to a funeral home, they need the […]

Written by Jen Graziano, Attorney/Licensed Funeral Director/Owner Every funeral director holds in their possession an arsenal of war stories from the field. From the unique situations we encounter with families, the memorable characters we deal with and the far fetched “asks” we sometimes hear, we see more than most, for sure. I, personally had a recent encounter that left quite an impression, worthy of sharing with my fellow colleagues in my opinion. The story, I hope, will remind us of our role as funeral directors. We are here to literally and figuratively hold the hands of our client families, and how well we do that makes all the difference. I recently had the privilege of meeting with an elderly gentleman, coming to the funeral home to discuss his own arrangements. The purpose of the meeting is one we’ve all heard […]

Written By Jen Graziano, Licensed Funeral Director, Attorney, Founder: RememBar Collection As the saying goes, “you only have one chance to make a first impression”.  How true these words are and the death care realm offers no exception.  As professionals in this sacred space, we are tasked with selling our services, our funeral homes, our memorial products, ultimately even ourselves, in those critical moments of the “first call”.  The “first call”, or the initial encounter is more than securing a client or sale.  Often we are speaking to an emotional caller, one who was reticent to even make the call, or one who likely wishes they were calling any other place but a funeral home or a cemetery.  Some may call with preconceived notions that we, collectively, are scammers looking to take advantage of the most vulnerable or that we […]

Written By Jen Graziano, Licensed Funeral Director, Attorney, Founder: RememBar Collection People often look “outside” to find whatever it is they’re searching for.  Whether outside of their living situation to find a new home, outside a relationship situation to find a new partner, or outside a business situation to find a new idea; there’s a human tendency to look outward.  The irony is what we’re searching for is so often right in front of our eyes. On that note, let’s talk about our funeral home(s), not as business entities but rather, the brick and mortars, themselves.  In our endless quest to offer something new, are we neglecting to look within to see how we can improve what we already have? We take for granted walking through our doors each day and going directly to our respective desk, office and chapels.  […]

Written By Jen Graziano, Attorney, Licensed Funeral Director NY/CT Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home By now anyone who’s had a read of my articles will detect the (not so) subtle theme that labor shortages are crippling our industry.  The result is mounting owner frustration, excess burnout and even premature exits from the business. But maintaining good labor, if you’re blessed to already have it, is key to remaining in this game.  If you are lucky enough to have strong players on your team, dedicated to supporting and advancing your funeral home and brand, cherish them….and make sure they are happy and hoping to remain on board. A simple, “check in” to “check up” on your employees will go a long way.  Weekly “roundup” meetings to address any issues or concerns are a good way to take the temperature of your […]