December 1, 2016
December 1, 2016
Published by 
Dan Isard on December 1, 2016
Dan Isard on December 1, 2016cemeteries-dont-have-preneed-nov11-cem
November 17, 2016
Published by Dan Isard on November 17, 2016
Dan Isard on November 17, 2016DO IT FOR THE HEALTH AND SUCCESS OF YOUR BUSINESS I recently presented a seminar to some 40 funeral home owners, and rather than providing answers to all of their questions, I decided to ask a few of my own. I asked the group, “How many know what a strategic plan is?” I followed up with, “How many performed an annual strategic plan for each of the past three years or more?” Then I asked, “Of those who have performed a strategic plan, did you write the plan down or just do it in your head?” Lastly, I queried, “Of those who have created a strategic plan on paper or in your head, did you communicate that plan to your staff?” Why did I take the time to do this? Well, I had an article to write on the subject, […]
November 14, 2016
Published by Dan Isard on November 14, 2016
Dan Isard on November 14, 2016Many facets of your business are confidential, including credit card and Social Security numbers of the deceased, the names of families served and all prearrangement business relationships. Dear Dan, The craziest thing has been happening. I own a 180 call business with two rooftops. I run one location and my manager of 10 years runs our second location that is 15 miles away. Two weeks ago he tendered his resignation. He did not give me a reason for his departure. He did not answer any questions about what he was going to do or if he was leaving funeral service. Last week, I heard at a Rotary meeting that he bought a building and is working to open a funeral home. Yesterday, I started receiving calls from several of my Preneed families who have received a letter from him announcing […]
November 14, 2016
Published by Dan Isard on November 14, 2016
Dan Isard on November 14, 2016Dear Cemetery Impossible, My cemetery is almost 80 years old. We use a well for our groundwater source. The wellis starting to dry up. My city has told methat if the well dries up, I will be requiredto use a low-lying area for a retaining pond.The alternative is to buy water from the city,which is very expensive.The retaining pond idea scares me,because I have not developed that area yetand the local land architect estimates it wouldcost about $250,000 for a quarter-acre lakesite. What can I do? Sincerely, High and Dry Dear High and Dry, Frankly, based upon today’s interment market, you are lucky that you need to create a lake. I say this from the perspective of cost, features and revising your masterplan. The city water could cos t$20,000 a year in perpetuity. Alternatively, you can finance the cost of […]