Episodes
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What does soup ladle, windy ash-scattering, and funeral home management software have in common? 🥄💨
They’re all part of this can’t-miss episode of the Direct Cremation Podcast!
Join Tyler Yamasaki, CEO of Parting Pro, and Caroline Andre, our merchandising expert, as they share hilarious stories and expert insights into growing your funeral home business with:
✅ The right tools for meaningful cremation arrangements (no more ladle moments!).
✅ Strategies to optimize your funeral arrangement software and online stores.
✅ How to price urns and keepsakes to compete with Amazon, Etsy, and more.
✅ Why Gen Z and Millennials value eco-friendly and discreet cremation merchandise
✅ Proven tips to maximize revenue with funeral service software and e-commerce.(00:00) Intro
(00:55) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:11) Welcome back, Caroline Andree!
(02:03) Personal story: John C. Bailey
(02:55) Memorial service and scattering experience
(05:33) Top reasons why funeral home sales fail online
(06:07) Families need guidance
(08:25) The merchandise is overpriced
(12:47) Merchandise is not varied enough
(19:00) Analyzing pricing and tracking trends
(21:25) Case study: Leaf Cremation
(22:34) Have your merchandise tell a story
(23:52) Understand the standard
(24:54) Case study: Gulf to Bay Cremation
(26:18) Conclusion
(32:21) How to reach CarolineWhether you’re looking to improve your online funeral arrangements, boost sales with the best funeral home software, or simply enjoy a laugh, this episode delivers value from start to finish.
🎧 Watch now, and learn how to enhance your services and grow your revenue with insights into cremation software, funeral tech, and more!
#FuneralHomeSoftware #CremationSoftware #CremationWebsite #FuneralPlanningSoftware #CrematorySoftware #OnlineCremations #FuneralManagementSystem #FuneralTech
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Douglas Klein, the founder of Chicagoland Cremation Options, transformed a career setback into an opportunity to build one of the most innovative cremation brands in the industry.
In a candid conversation on the Direct Cremation Podcast, hosted by Tyler Yamasaki, CEO of Parting Pro, Douglas shared his journey, strategies for success, and predictions for the future of funeral services. His insights offer a roadmap for funeral directors aiming to grow their businesses while embracing the changing needs of families.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(01:10) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:25) Welcome Douglas Klein!
(02:24) Douglas' entry into deathcare
(06:34) Challenges of running a business
(08:11) Establishing Chicagoland Cremation Options
(09:29) Growing the business
(10:02) Key strategies for growth
(10:49) Marketing and customer engagement
(13:01) Importance of personal presence
(13:34) Communicating with clients
(16:25) Impact of the pandemic on business
(18:13) Growth mindset and responsible expansion
(21:31) Handling different client requests
(23:01) The importance of personal engagement
(26:51) Understanding call conversion and cost per case
(32:41) The role of competition in the market
(33:14) Predictions for the future of deathcare
(37:57) The impact of third-party merchandising
(40:55) The impact of third-party vendors
(42:48) Changing attitudes towards death
(45:58) Future plans for Chicagoland
(48:30) Avoiding burnout in the deathcare industry
(50:55) What deathcare will look like in 10 years
(54:59) Impact of the pandemic on society
(55:48) Comparing deathcare practices across culturesA podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.
Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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Missing episodes?
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In today’s digital world, a strong online presence is essential for any business—especially for funeral homes, where families often search for services during critical times. In the most recent Direct Cremation Podcast episode, Tyler Yamasaki, CEO of Parting Pro, discussed Google’s Local Service Ads with co-founder Albert Chang. They explain how Local Service Ads can help funeral homes capture leads and reach local families more effectively. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone managing a funeral home, cremation website, or cemetery.
Get your own step-by-step guide to set up Local Service Ads yourself here:
https://learn.partingpro.com/google-local-ads-for-funeral-homeTimestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:44) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:32) What Albert Will Share with Us Today
(02:44) Explanation of Local Service Ads
(03:49) Benefits of Local Service Ads
(04:53) Comparison between Local Service Ads and Search Ads
(05:35) Advantages of Local Service Ads
(06:05) Costing of Local Service Ads
(08:28) Disputing Phone Calls
(09:34) Importance of Local Search Ads
(10:38) Reasons to run Search Ads
(12:21) Process of Getting Screened for Local Search Ads
(15:30) Running Full Service Ads
(16:05) Importance of Business Page Information
(16:38) Understanding and Managing Local Service AdsFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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In this episode of the Direct Cremation Podcast, host Tyler Yamasaki sits down with Christopher Teel, a first-generation funeral director who has built multiple thriving businesses in death care. Discover how Teel went from pursuing law to owning multiple funeral brands, including a high-volume cremation service and a traditional funeral home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
🔥 Listen in as we explore:
• Teel’s unexpected journey into death care
• The rise of cremation rates and how funeral homes can adapt
• The power of sales in the arrangement room and why it’s essential for funeral success
• Strategies to maintain a personal touch, even in online arrangements
• Predictions for the future of the funeral industryWhether you're a funeral professional or just curious about the evolving world of death care, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on more industry insights!
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:56) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:33) Welcome Christopher Teel!
(01:56) Christoper’s journey
(04:53) Salesmanship in a funeral home
(10:28) Christopher's cremation brand: Rivercrest
(16:44) What makes Christopher a good salesperson
(18:00) Meeting every family where they are
(22:25) The crossover between Christopher's two brands
(24:14) Do you mix and mingle staff?
(24:56) What drives Christopher?
(26:46) How Christoper sees the market for his cremation and traditional funeral home brand
(30:10) How important is the 1st call etiquette?
(32:08) Is Rivercrest the most affordable in its area?
(35:56) What's next for Rivercrest Cremation?
(37:44) How Christopher sees the future of deathcare
(40:17) Christopher's celebration/event center
(44:57) What Christopher thinks deathcare will look like in 10 yearsFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Smith, a third-generation funeral director and the visionary behind Smith Family Funeral Homes and Arkansas Cremation. Jeff’s journey is nothing short of remarkable—he has more than 10X’d his family’s business in Central Arkansas, built both traditional and cremation-focused funeral homes, and created a small death care empire.
With 10 years of NFDA’s Pursuit of Excellence awards, his company is set to be inducted into the NFDA’s “Hall of Excellence” for their consistent achievement - a true testament to their dedication and impact in the industry.
Join us as we delve into Jeff's entrepreneurial spirit, the secrets to scaling multiple businesses, and his unique approach to funeral service. This conversation is packed with insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss!
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(01:06) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(02:03) Welcome Jeff Smith!
(02:41) Jeff's deathcare journey
(08:17) Jeff purchasing multiple funeral homes
(15:21) The consistency across Jeff's funeral homes
(21:20) Characteristics to look for when acquiring new funeral homes
(23:32) The thought process behind operating Arkansas Cremation
(32:56) Different levels/packages of direct cremation
(37:19) People becoming less traditional
(39:01) Jeff having multiple acquisitions in 2020-2021
(44:50) Jeff's pre-need life insurance company
(49:04) What's next for Jeff?
(50:01) The story behind the name "Cyrus"
(51:31) What's next for Cyrus Works?
(53:26) Post-covid consumer trends
(56:54) What Jeff thinks deathcare will look like in 10 years?
(01:04:37) Where to find Jeff SmithFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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Want a forecast of your service area or audit of your current Google Campaign? Get it here: https://partingpro.com/marketing-services
Online marketing might seem easy to set up, but getting it right is another story.
In this episode, my co-founder Albert Chang walks you through the top 10 mistakes that could be draining your ad budget.
It’s not just about following the basics or letting Google handle everything—there are seasoned competitors out there who will grab the attention of your families if your marketing isn’t on point.
Let’s make sure your marketing dollars are working hard for you, not going to waste.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:30) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:04) Welcome Albert Chang!
(01:47) What it takes to be really good at digital marketing
(03:37) Top 10 mistakes funeral homes make with their digital marketing
(04:04) #1 Neglecting Negative Keywords
(08:35) #2 Poor Ad Copy
(12:22) #3 Ignoring Ad Extensions
(15:17) #4 Unoptimized Landing Pages
(18:20) #5 Improper Bidding Strategy
(20:38) #6 Lack of Conversion Tracking/ Tracking “Wrong” Conversions
(24:57) #7 Inconsistent Budget Management
(27:34) #8 Skipping Ad Scheduling
(30:28) #9 Lack of Audience Targeting
(32:07) #10 Lack of Keywords Grouping / “Wrong” Keywords Grouping
(34:05) Bonus #11 Not Setting Up Google Business ProfilesFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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From humble beginnings in the death care industry nearly 30 years ago, Troy Kaltenberg's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Starting at Service Corporation International, he cut his teeth in the world of pre-need sales. Fast forward to today, and Troy has built a thriving cremation brand, Grand Rapids Cremation Services, serving thousands of families and earning rave reviews along the way.
In this episode, we dive into the story of this first-generation funeral director who, in just five years, turned his vision into a powerhouse business. Whether you're dreaming of launching your own brand or just curious about what it takes to succeed in this industry, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:53) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:46) Troy's Background
(03:02) Troy took a decade away from deathcare
(05:07) What led Troy to start his own business
(10:20) How did Troy grow so quickly?
(13:39) How to maintain good reviews?
(15:46) How much of Troy's business is in-house vs. using 3rd party
(18:13) Does Troy still see a lot of families now?
(22:27) What's the most important for Troy?
(27:39) Where does Troy see his business going?
(35:34) Any big plans or changes coming to Troy's business?
(36:32) Troy's staff
(38:20) What Troy thinks deathcare will look like in 10 yearsFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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Barbara is back, baby! 🎉
In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Barbara Kemmis, the executive director of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), joining us for the third time! Barbara is here to drop some serious knowledge bombs about the latest cremation trends.
In this jam-packed episode, we dive into CANA's annual report, one of the most comprehensive in the industry. We uncover fascinating insights into death rates and the ever-evolving choices families make between cremation and burial. Did you know that while cremation is on the rise, the growth rate is starting to slow down a bit? Find out why. 📊
We also take a state-by-state tour, revealing some surprising stats. 10 points if you can guess which state finished at just about 32.6% cremation and which state tops the chart with an astronomical 83.1%. 🌎🔥
This is THE episode you don’t want to miss! Hit play and join us for an engaging and informative discussion with one of the industry’s top experts. 🚀👂
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(01:02) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:40) Welcome back Barbara!
(01:58) Quick intro about Barbara
(03:26) What goes into creating the report every year?
(05:58) The next 5 years in terms of growth
(08:19) Why certain states have very high cremation rates
(15:45) We're at a 15-year lag if we follow the Canadian trends?
(18:48) Predictions
(21:27) How long have they been doing the reports?
(26:22) Was there anything in the data that surprised Barbara?
(31:38) What Barbara did in England
(38:37) The upcoming Cremation Innovation ConventionLink to the summarized CANA report: https://www.cremationassociation.org/industrystatistics.html
For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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With three decades of experience, Scott Newton is a seasoned veteran in the death care industry. As President and founding member of Graystone Associates, Scott and his team have been helping funeral homes thrive for over 20 years. After assisting hundreds of funeral homes, Scott reveals the key strategies and metrics essential for growing market share.
In this episode, discover Scott's insights on innovation in death care (a must), adopting a growth mindset (absolutely necessary), and the one crucial metric that drives the highest valuation in the industry [(34:08)]. Gain invaluable knowledge from a true expert—watch now!
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:51) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:21) Welcome Scott Newton
(01:33) How Scott got into deathcare
(03:56) How Graystone helps funeral homes
(10:04) Biggest gaps funeral homeowners overlook
(12:59) Creating new ideas vs. hitting goals
(14:37) Thoughts on this rapid change and how it affects the funeral homeowners
(20:21) Adapting quickly vs. doubling down on what works
(25:27) How Scott would deal with a confused customer
(30:27) "The M&A side of deathcare is more active than it's ever been"
(34:08) How to increase a company's valuation
(40:49) Graystone's marketing strategy
(46:50) What does Scott think deathcare will look like 10 years from now?
(54:32) How to contact GraystoneFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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Running four different locations is challenging. Maintaining a 5.0-star rating on Google for all of them? Almost impossible. But Julie Bishop of Crevasse’s Simple Cremation does it with finesse.
In the latest episode of the Direct Cremation Podcast, discover Julie’s journey from her beginnings to expanding her cremation business to serve thousands of grateful families. Learn her secrets to maintaining a consistent, five-star experience across multiple locations and teams without compromising quality.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:55) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(02:01) How Julie got into deathcare
(05:57) How Julie knew that she wanted to start a cremation brand
(08:07) Was there ever any trepidation?
(09:25) What was Julie's 1st year was like
(10:50) How they got their first 200-300 customers
(12:25) Where is Julie's business now?
(13:30) Hundreds of genuine 5-star ratings
(15:49) Thoughts on the newer disposition types
(19:59) Anything new or different for Crevasse in 2024?
(20:49) Having dedicated staff for each location
(23:08) What the next level of growth looks like for Crevasse
(23:59) How does Julie feel about the direct disposition as a Floridian?
(25:55) Should the direct disposal license be a separate class?
(28:34) Where Julie think deathcare goes in 10 years
(31:02) Would Crevasse add services to capture the outside of the funeral home?For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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In this episode, we’re honored to welcome Robert Hunsaker, a true legend in the death care industry. From his childhood days living in a funeral home with his funeral director father, to working in cemetery groundskeeping, and climbing the ranks at Batesville, Great Western Insurance Company, and Sinosource, Robert's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He’s owned funeral homes, cemeteries, and cremation businesses, and now serves as the president of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA).
But it’s not just his impressive resume that stands out. When Robert speaks about the latest trends, his dedication to education, and the groundbreaking initiatives at CANA, you can’t help but be captivated. In this episode, Robert shares powerful insights and predictions for the future of death care. With his vast experience and deep understanding of the industry, his perspectives are truly invaluable. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by one of the most influential voices in death care today.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:43) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:33) Welcome Robert Hunsaker
(02:00) How Robert started
(06:19) What being president of CANA is like
(08:28) What draws Robert to get involved with CANA?
(09:45) Which season of Robert's deathcare career has been most enjoyable?
(11:18) Big mistakes vendors are making
(14:06) How can funeral owners push forward without being too fast
(18:54) Factors Robert look for when acquiring or starting a business
(20:32) How did Robert know that it's time to sell
(21:46) Exciting trends in deathcare right now
(24:43) What would Robert's cemetery/funeral home/property would look like with unlimited budget
(28:07) What does Robert think deathcare will look like in 10 years?
(30:06) Does Robert think that direct cremation will still grow in the future?
(37:50) What Robert is looking forward to coming out of CANA
(40:24) Final thoughtsFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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Boost your contract totals! Caroline Andree, Head of Merchandising at Parting Pro, reveals the most popular merchandise chosen by families based on exclusive data from thousands of online arrangements at Parting Pro. Learn what's selling and how to tailor your recommendations to maximize your contract totals and provide the most value for families.
If you'd like the insert of the best selling merchandise, please email [email protected] for a copy.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:40) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:33) What Caroline will be sharing with us today
(02:03) Where Caroline gets the data
(03:14) Trends in funeral home merchandise
(06:59) Ways to increase the number of families that choose to purchase memorials
(09:20) Impact of conversations with families
(10:51) Green and sustainable options in merchandise
(14:28) Best-selling urns
(18:47) One mistake that we found
(20:30) Best-selling keepsakes
(23:18) Best-selling jewelry
(27:57) Anything else Caroline found interesting in the data
(30:04) How much merchandise is being sold per arrangement
(30:21) Caroline shares some tips
(31:31) Optimizing merchandise displays
(32:58) Warm-toned merchandise preference
(34:55) Where to find CarolineFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soTWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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At the helm of a successful funeral home, a new cemetery, and a growing online cremation service, Bryce Bunker exemplifies a family-focused, service-centric approach that has propelled him to success in competitive corners of death care.
In this episode of the Direct Cremation Podcast, discover how Bryce's innovative methods have redefined service in the cemetery. Learn about his strategic insights into the fast-growing, highly competitive market of low-cost online cremations, and how his unique blend of compassion and entrepreneurship is setting new standards.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(01:07) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:20) Welcome Bryce Bunker!
(02:05) Exploring Other Paths
(05:28) Bryce's Experience Working in a Startup
(07:14) Innovation and Multi-Generational Owners
(12:19) After.com - Online Cremation Platform
(16:09) Differences and Longevity
(21:09) Bryce Being an Angel Investor
(24:32) Future Plans for Funeral Home and Cemetery
(28:38) What's next for After.com?
(30:44) Bryce's Next Business?
(35:20) "Cemeteries Now Need a Lot of Creativity"
(37:32) What does Bryce think Deathcare will look like in 10 years?
(39:28) Polarization in the Market
(44:12) Final ThoughtsFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at https://directcremation.com
Listen on Spotify or Apple PodcastsWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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Jimmy Altmeyer is as impressive as they come. As a fourth-generation funeral director, he started with 3 funeral homes and has grown his empire into 53 rooftops and serves over 12,000 families each year. While that accomplishment alone is impressive, when you hear how Jimmy talks about the profession and the level of service that he strives to provide to every family that his companies serve, that’s where he really shines.
In this episode, Jimmy gives us a peek into how his funeral homes maintain such a high level of service at a scale larger than some corporately owned groups. You won’t be able to find many others more impressive in death care.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(01:51) Welcome Jimmy Altmeyer!
(02:18) How Jimmy found Funeral Profession
(05:34) Challenges, perspective, and business acumen
(06:26) Building a funeral empire from three to many
(09:05) Building, competing, and acquiring in the death care industry
(13:27) A closer look at traditional, mid-tier, and online-only options
(14:59) Strategic service offerings and and preventing self-cannibalization
(20:03) Navigating the price-driven landscape and rediscovering the value of funeral services
(27:00) Industry giants, legal dynamics, and potential transformations
(28:52) A deep dive into funeral home management strategies
(35:01) Fostering consistency and excellence: Funeral home management insights
(39:41) The purpose of Treasured Memories brand
(48:34) A day in the life of a funeral home entrepreneur
(51:34) Continuing the legacy
(52:33) The art of funeral home acquisitions and cultural alignment
(55:03) Jimmy answers the question: What does funeral service looks like in 10 yearsFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at https://directcremation.com
Listen on Spotify or Apple PodcastsWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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In this episode of the Direct Cremation Podcast, reveal the unexpected challenges behind creating the ideal online cremation service. While it seems straightforward with its streamlined offerings and minimal overhead, there's much more beneath the surface. Uncover the five crucial elements that are essential for success in this unique business. Watch to learn what really makes an online cremation company thrive beyond the basics.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(01:05) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(02:24) Where to start when creating a cremation society
(11:41) Expectations vs. Reality
(15:45) Tips for Funeral Homeowners or Directors: Navigating online arrangement processes
(18:19) The power of a justifiable attractive price
(23:12) Balancing competitiveness and justifiable pricing
(33:18) Essential steps for business excellence
(44:17) Transitioning to efficiency
(50:34) Impact and importance of being proactive
(56:21) Mindset mastery
(01:00:44) Striking the balance between expansion and refinement
(01:05:37) Fun factsFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at https://directcremation.com
Listen on Spotify or Apple PodcastsWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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From answering the phone wrong to nickel and diming your families all the way to the bank, in this episodes of the Direct Cremation Podcast, we discuss some of the biggest mistakes that will absolutely kill your cremation brand.
After managing one of the largest cremation brands in the world (5,000+ cremations/year) to now training and consulting for hundreds of cremation companies across the country, Ashley Jones has seen a lot of different approaches to building a cremation company. In this episode, we discuss some of the biggest mistakes that owners make that have destroyed promising cremation brands.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:37) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(00:46) Who is Ashley Jones?
(01:20) Welcome Ashley Jones!
(01:51) Goal of a low-cost or online cremation brand
(03:03) Discussion on the successful brand Ashley worked for
(04:36) Importance of building relationships with hospice
(06:17) Ashley's role at Parting Pro as a client consultant
(07:22) Red flag: Wrong demographic for online arrangements
(08:25) Red flag: Small population or lack of email usage
(09:48) Red flag: High cost of direct cremation
(11:08) Red flag: Offering online option with a high price
(11:59) Competitors offering lower prices and more value
(13:30) Building a website alone doesn't guarantee success
(16:51) Online presence is crucial for success
(23:42) Online cremation brands are not like funeral director kiosks.
(28:20) Mistake: Assuming a $1,000 customer will become a $4,000 customer.
(34:56) Online brands need to be clear about what they offer.
(36:30) Funeral homes should be happy to serve families at their price.
(37:55) Customers can feel when they are wanted or not.
(39:28) Get honest feedback by having someone call your funeral home.For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at https://directcremation.com
Listen on Spotify or Apple PodcastsWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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The stressful environment of the death care professional can be non-stop. Burnout rates are high, and turnover seems to be an ever-present issue withing the funeral profession. In this episode, Will de Michaelis shares his insightful journey into the world of breathwork and meditation.
While you might think that these are non-sense things for hippies, Will would respectfully disagree. See how breathwork can create lower anxiety, less stress, and the ability to be more connected to people and relationship, the most important facets of death care. "Don't judge a book by it's cover" definitely holds true for this one.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:23) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(00:46) My impression of breathwork and meditation
(02:02) What I found when I started practicing breathwork
(03:04) I might have overlooked what breathwork really is
(03:33) How has breathwork and meditation helped me over the last year
(05:03) My recommendation
Links Wim Hof | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tybOi4hjZFQ
Take a Deep Breath | https://www.youtube.com/@TAKEADEEPBREATH
Joe Dispenza | https://www.youtube.com/@drjoedispenzaFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at https://directcremation.com
Listen on Spotify or Apple PodcastsWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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With over 80% of new graduates of mortuary school being female, the need for a death care group centered around empowering women is becoming increasingly vital. Founded by some of the more influential women in death care, the Death Care Collective is just getting started.
Whether you're an owner, a manager, or even just a new graduate, understanding the challenges and support needed for the new majority of death care is important.
In this episode, we talk to Erin Creger, founding member, as we talk about how this group started out of COVID, grew with some of the most influential women in death care, and what is in store next year.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(01:19) Welcome Erin!
(02:17) How the Death Care Collective started
(08:57) The core values of the Death Care Collective
(11:48) Virtual events
(14:54) What kind of problems does Death Care Collective solve?
(19:15) What is the Death Care collective actively doing right now?
(28:40) Erin's first job
(31:38) Changes Erin have seen over the past 10 years in death care
(37:05) Any new challenges?
(42:28) Anything else we can look forward to from the Death Care Collective?
(43:42) Where does Erin see death care is going in the next 10 years?
(45:30) Where to find Erin or the Death Care CollectiveFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at https://directcremation.com
Listen on Spotify or Apple PodcastsWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
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In this exclusive webinar, co-hosts Tyler Yamasaki and Will de Michaelis sit down with Poul Lemasters, a renowned death care lawyer and key advisor to the FTC’s changes, to speak about the upcoming changes.
In this talk, we discussed:
Why the FTC is amending the Funeral Rule now.Which amendments are likely to change.What impacts this will have on your funeral home.When these changes will take affect.Described as "the most informative webinar I've attended in regards to this topic", this is not one you want to miss.
For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.
Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com -
Sandra Walker boasts an impressive career in the death care industry. She currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Fairmount Memorial Association, overseeing seven memorial parks and a few cremation brands. Additionally, she holds a position on the board of the Cremation Association of North America and is a founding member of the Death Care Collective. This remarkable journey follows nearly two decades of dedication at SCI.
Despite her accomplishments, Sandra humbly attributes her success to great mentors and a support system in death care. However, her path has been marked by unwavering perseverance, hard work, and an unrelenting passion for achieving her goals.
In this episode, you will have the opportunity to hear Sandra's remarkable story, from her aspirations of becoming a lawyer to her initial experiences with a temp agency, ultimately leading to her role as COO. It is an inspiring journey that you won't want to miss.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:49) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(03:51) Sandra's unconventional journey into death care
(10:18) Sandra's transition from wanting to be an attorney to death care
(10:48) Sandra's experience with losing her work visa and finding support
(13:45) Learning at SCI prepared Sandra for success at smaller companies.
(17:31) Sandra's ethnic background
(20:07) The mission of The Death Care Collective
(24:34) There is a shortage of women graduates in the death care industry.
(25:20) Recruiting outside the industry and mentoring can help fill positions.
(27:11) Work-life integration is important for retention and avoiding burnout.
(27:55) The impact of burnout on business and the future of management
(28:57) Balancing recruitment and healthy work culture
(31:15) Future plans for the Death Care Collective
(36:03) Role of a CANA board member
(37:38) What can we look forward to in CANA?
(40:58) Discussion about the FTC panel and proposed changes in death care
(50:31) Challenges and rewards of being a COO of Fairmount
(56:12) What Sandra thinks deathcare will look like in 10 years
(58:13) Where to find Sandra, The Deathcare Collective, and CANAFor Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at https://directcremation.com
Listen on Spotify or Apple PodcastsWant to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com
Learn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://wdgroupconsulting.com
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