March 22, 2023
Published by 
Curtis Rostad on March 22, 2023
Curtis Rostad 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. […]
March 20, 2023
Published by 
John McQueen on March 20, 2023
John McQueen on March 20, 2023Learn How to Attract the Right Help & Retain the Staff You Have Drive down Main Street in almost any town throughout the United States and a common sight are signs that consist of two words: “Help Wanted” or “We’re Hiring”. Based on a 2022 funeral industry survey and report, between 2020 and 2030, the U.S. Total Employment Growth Rate is expected to be 7.7%. Of course, the report also shared that the growth rate in the funeral profession is going to be a dismal 4.0%. So how does this compare to other trades in the service industry? According to the Employment Projections by Projections Managing Partnership, bartenders are expected to increase 32.5% and barbers will increase 17.5% during the same period. In addition, dental hygienists will increase 11.2%, EMTs and paramedics by 10.9%, and electricians by 9.1%. What does […]
March 20, 2023
Published by 
Dan Isard on March 20, 2023
Dan Isard on March 20, 2023What Is the Solution for the Continuity of a Perpetual Business? The age of most companies in the United States is relatively young. Even those huge companies on the Dow Jones (DJIA) are on average barely 20 years old. When we use the concept of a cemetery, they are intended to be perpetual. Perpetual is forever, which is longer than 20 years. While the anticipation of an on-going concern might be into perpetuity, no company on the DJIA can assert that they are committed to running their company in perpetuity. That is what makes a cemetery business so unique. Funeral homes are a bit different in their on-going concern mentality. Funeral home owners have a mentality of a perpetual provider. However, their historical reliance on a building makes the funeral home a business that is immobile. This means the business […]
March 20, 2023
Published by 
Chris Cruger on March 20, 2023
Chris Cruger on March 20, 2023A peacetime army often can be effectively led with good administration and management up and down the ranks, with strong leadership at the top. In wartime, leadership is required at all levels. No one has figured out how to manage people effectively in battle, they simply must be led. I am not suggesting that funeral service and wartime are one in the same. However, I do think this analogy does highlight the reality of the times we are facing in funeral service. The radical changes that have impacted our profession has often made it feel like we are in crisis mode. In general, times have been quite good for most of us in funeral service over the past few years. We have been pushed to the limits but have come out better and stronger for it. The pandemic ushered in […]