May 28, 2026
Published by 
Chris Cruger on May 28, 2026
Chris Cruger on May 28, 2026What new consumer data means for funeral service and cemetery professionals Each year, Foresight studies the evolution of consumer attitudes toward funeral and cemetery services. Over time, our Funeral and Cemetery Consumer Behavior Study has become an annual benchmark for deathcare, and we make a point of sharing its findings with readers of The Director first. The goal of the study is straightforward: to better understand how families perceive funeral and cemetery services, what families expect from providers, and where the two professions can continue to improve. This year’s research includes feedback from more than 5,000 consumers and more than 1,000 funeral service professionals. This is the highest participation in the history of the study. With this level of engagement, the data provides a clear view into how families approach funeral service and cemetery decisions today. The results offer both […]
May 28, 2026
Published by 
Gabriel Ngo on May 28, 2026
Gabriel Ngo on May 28, 2026Arranging the story, not just the service, ahead of time. “Begin with the end in mind.” – Stephen Covey, American leadership expert and author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People I am friends with a retired funeral home owner and operator in Illinois. He ran an incredibly effective aftercare program that families loved. This gentleman, whom I greatly admire, employed a full-time licensed grief counselor and offered free grief counseling up to one year after a loved one’s passing. This aftercare program generated a multitude of leads for preplanning and prearrangement, but it also became a competitive advantage. He was providing the highest level of high-touch service, so he was able to justify higher prices than his competitors. Many thought leaders have written about how well designed aftercare programs can help owner-operators boost preneed business. And many others […]
April 23, 2026
Published by 
Foresight on April 23, 2026
Foresight on April 23, 2026Written 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 […]
April 23, 2026
Published by 
Luke Potter on April 23, 2026
Luke Potter on April 23, 2026Deal fatigue is a phenomenon that occurs during lengthy or complex business transactions, most commonly in mergers and acquisitions where one or both parties experience a gradual erosion of enthusiasm, focus, and motivation to see the deal through to closing. It typically sets in after prolonged periods of negotiation, due diligence, and back-and-forth communication that stretch well beyond the originally anticipated timeline. As weeks turn into months, the cumulative weight of information requests and unresolved sticking points can wear down even the most seasoned dealmakers, causing minor issues and setbacks to become an expensive and drawn-out thorn in the side. The causes of deal fatigue often come down to a lack of organization and a failure to maintain urgency throughout the process. Sellers who are slow to upload requested documents, delayed in responding to questions, or simply unprepared for the […]
April 23, 2026
Published by 
Jared Tanke on April 23, 2026
Jared Tanke on April 23, 2026Featured in American Funeral Director by Kates-Boylston Publications Tom wasn’t just an employee. He was deeply involved in day-to-day operations, trusted by staff and known to families, and already functioning as the operational backbone of the business. He was the clearest choice for an internal business sale. However, Eli wanted clarity. What was the business worth? What would each path cost? What would the transition realistically look like? We completed a valuation, walked through deal structures, and laid out what each scenario meant. At the time, the business was consistently serving more than 300 families per year. Revenue was strong, and cash flow was reliable. The valuation supported a number north of $4 million. For Eli, buying out his uncle would cost him at least $2 million. And that’s when Eli hit pause. The price felt high. The commitment felt […]