June 28, 2016
Published by 
Dan Isard on June 28, 2016
Dan Isard on June 28, 2016MANAGEMENT/MAUSOLEUMS Having a family who wants to build a private mausoleum can be a daunting prospect if you don’t already have a section for private family estates. There are a lot of things to consider before you give the go-ahead. Dear Cemetery Impossible, I have a family who wants to build a private mausoleum on our cemetery property. Currently, we do not have a section within my cemetery that is set aside for a private family mausoleum. The footprint of their desired design would cover eight gravesites. I thought I could sell the rights to build the six-person mausoleum using the eight plots at the current price per plot. Can I also charge a fee for our consulting work in meeting, designing and building of the structure? I have so many questions about doing this. Can you help me? Dear […]
June 22, 2016
Published by Dan Isard on June 22, 2016
Dan Isard on June 22, 2016Dear Dan, I have been an owner for 20 years. As an owner, I have hired and fired employees. Part of my job at the end of each year is to decide what bonus, if any, to give to my staff and how much of a raise to give them as well. Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, I now provide benefits for my staff as well. These benefits are not cheap. When employees question their salary, bonus or raise, I am tempted to show them their full compensation, including benefits. What can I include in the compensation figures to relay to them our investment in them as employees? Guilty Employer in Glitter Gulch Dear Guilty, This is a great question. We already know that, as a service business, funeral firms need people to provide the many services […]
June 16, 2016
Published by Dan Isard on June 16, 2016
Dan Isard on June 16, 2016When separate businesses share the same employees, how should overtime pay be handled? Stephanie Ramsey discusses the rules and options in this recent article for American Funeral Director.
May 26, 2016
Published by Dan Isard on May 26, 2016
Dan Isard on May 26, 2016As the cremation rate continues to rise, even funeral service providers who have fully embraced cremation face challenges as the industry continues to change. In the world of an over 50% cremation rate, the question of what to do with cremated remains is asked more and more. The Crisis It has long been cited that the Chinese character for “crisis” is also the same character that is used to represent “opportunity.” Whether you read Chinese or not, it is undisputed that businesses that can best adapt to adverse situations are businesses that will prosper and rise above the rest. In our industry, many see cremation as a crisis. However, some also realize that cremation is not a crisis, but instead it is an opportunity. As the cremation rate continues to rise, even funeral service providers who have fully embraced cremation […]
May 26, 2016
Published by Dan Isard on May 26, 2016
Dan Isard on May 26, 2016Whether you sell to a family member, key person, outside individual or large company, the decision should be made with personal self-interest in mind. Dear Dan, I am 64 years old and the fifth generation of my family to own this business. We go back more than 125 years of family ownership. I have three children and it’s clear to me that none of them wants to continue the family ownership. One tried working in the business but did not like it. I myself, after a 20-year career outside of funeral service, came back into the business when my father got old. I am glad I did for many reasons. However, it disappoints me that this business may cease to be within my family. Frankly, I feel guilty and distraught. What last-ditch effort can I try to get my children […]