April 18, 2023
Published by 
Nicole Vullo on April 18, 2023
Nicole Vullo on April 18, 2023Bringing your marketing blueprint to life requires a solid plan but also the flexibility to try new things and change what doesn’t work. I recently finished a book in which the main character and I shared a few things in common. We both love football and we both use algorithms in our careers. Her algorithms were focused on using data to analyze and predict game strategies and mine are focused on crafting the appropriate elements for a marketing strategy. Now, if only I could also marry the star NFL quarterback like she did… But I digress. Every marketing and social media platform uses an algorithm, and whether you like it or not, you need to understand it to be successful in marketing your funeral home or cemetery business. The algorithms determine which content people see every time they check the […]
April 18, 2023
Published by 
Doug Gober on April 18, 2023
Doug Gober on April 18, 2023One of the great debates in funeral service today is whether you should display your merchandise or offer a digital catalog for your client families to look at. We asked Doug Gober to provide insight and guidance on this important topic. Question: Should I display my casket, vault or urn merchandise in my funeral home or just have a digital catalog? Doug Gober: The key elements to this question are information and control. Ask yourself the following: how does the consumer access information? For today’s consumer, it is mostly online. However, is that the best methodology for a consumer to purchase an unfamiliar product combined with an unfriendly state of mind? Most product purchases made today that are infrequent, higher priced purchases that are not routine are usually done in a positive state of mind. As funeral home owners and […]
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 […]