Here’s a quick rundown of the week’s top stories. All should be well again soon as Poul Lemasters takes over the reins at Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science following Jack Lechner’s resignation. Bio-Response gets a boost from 3 Boomerang Capital’s cash infusion. A vertical cemetery in Australia can be seen as a one-upmanship in green burials. Pa…

A new MP3 sermon from Heritage Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Memorial Service - Tom Wells - 3/23/2025 Subtitle: Memorial Sermon Speaker: Jarrett Downs Broadcaster: Heritage Baptist Church Event: Funeral Service Date: 3/23/2025 Bible: Ecclesiastes 1:1-4 Length: 68 min.…

Damon Wenig explains his view of funeral service as "high-stakes hospitality," highlighting the shift from traditional customer service to delivering an exceptional customer experience.Por Tony Russo

A new MP3 sermon from Grace Reformed Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Sylvia Ton Funeral Speaker: Peter Van't Hoff Broadcaster: Grace Reformed Church Event: Funeral Service Date: 3/25/2025 Bible: Psalm 121 Length: 79 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Fifth Street PCA is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Rosemary Hamman Memorial Service Speaker: Various Speakers Broadcaster: Fifth Street PCA Event: Funeral Service Date: 3/21/2025 Length: 47 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Covenant Presbyterian Church Cleveland, MS is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Memorial Service for Donna S. Belenchia Speaker: Rev. Tim Starnes Broadcaster: Covenant Presbyterian Church Cleveland, MS Event: Funeral Service Date: 3/22/2025 Bible: Galatians 2:20; John 14:1-7 Length: 43 min.…

In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, we talk with Calvin Amato about his path into the funeral profession. Starting out in hospitality management, Calvin shares how growing up in a small town and spending time living in a funeral home during college sparked his interest in the field. Now certified as a cremation operator, death doula, and fu…

A new MP3 sermon from Grace Community Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Memorial - Edward Walls Subtitle: Memorials Speaker: Various Speakers Broadcaster: Grace Community Church Event: Funeral Service Date: 3/15/2025 Length: 130 min.

These are the stories we mention in this episode: Pet Cremation Experience LinkedIn Industry Listing Wake Forest Law Review NOR as a Service Cemetery Software Webinar Memorial Day Preparations Mother's Day and Pregnancy Loss Memorialization Kate-Boylston Resources and Events Click here for complete show notes.…

Stephanie Castagnier Dunn chief SBA revenue officer for Phoenix SBA a Community Bankshare Company talks about the state of the American small business economy, business loans for refinancing, real estate, and buy-outs, and strategies for structuring deals that benefit all parties while preserving business legacies.…

A new MP3 sermon from Immanuel Bible Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Celebration of Life - Bill Duchow Speaker: Aaron Smith Broadcaster: Immanuel Bible Church Event: Funeral Service Date: 3/14/2025 Length: 83 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Calvary Memorial Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Memorial Service for Julian Johnson Speaker: Pastor Charles Garrison Broadcaster: Calvary Memorial Church Event: Funeral Service Date: 3/15/2025 Bible: Luke 24:5 Length: 47 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Kilgore Bible Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Birne Wiley's Memorial Subtitle: Special Events Speaker: Nathan McCravey Broadcaster: Kilgore Bible Church Event: Funeral Service Date: 3/13/2025 Length: 102 min.

Here are the stories we mention in this episode: Unclaimed Remains Catholic Church on Alkaline Hydrolysis Georgia NOR COVID Story Shepherd Memorial Auction Stephanie Peterson: Painful personal experience shaped ability to help with grief journey After a bad funeral, this Iowa woman became a funeral director to do better for others Covid quadrupled …

A new MP3 sermon from Grace Reformed Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Funeral for Rev. Richard Stienstra Speaker: William Den Hollander Broadcaster: Grace Reformed Church Event: Funeral Service Date: 3/11/2025 Length: 84 min.

Mitch Smith explores the future of preneed funeral planning through the lens of shifting consumer expectations and digital transformation. Click here for complete show notes.Por Tony Russo

A new MP3 sermon from Larne Mission Hall is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Thanksgiving for the life of Mr John Winston Fulton Subtitle: Funeral Services Speaker: Rev. Dr Paul Ferguson Broadcaster: Larne Mission Hall Event: Funeral Service Date: 3/11/2025 Bible: 2 Timothy 2:3-4 Length: 69 min.…

Tanya Marsh talks about the findings in a recent academic survey into the transformation of funerary and disposition practices in the U.S. Discover insights from Marsh’s survey on consumer interest in alternative burial methods and the implications of these trends for the future of funeral service. Click here for full show notes.…

In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, we discuss the Succession Planning Roundtable, a preview of the next column from Steve Lang, and get updates on the continued push to legalize alkaline hydrolysis in Indiana. Mishandled remains in Illinois, and unclaimed remains sorted. A creative columbarium initiative in Nebraska and a Liberty Bell lost…

88% of executives say consumers are changing faster than their businesses can keep up, making it more important than ever for funeral homes to stay relevant. In this session, you’ll discover why reimagining the preneed journey will help you address two of the biggest challenges facing the profession today. Click here for more information.…

A.J. Orlikoff, Interim President of Historic Congressional Cemetery, discusses his role in promting cemeteries beyond burial spaces into community gathering and even leadning centers.Por Tony Russo

Greg Grabowski of Hospice Insights joins us to discuss new ways to engage with hospice and to work toward having funeral directors move further up the continuum of care chain. Building a Comprehensive Hospice CRM: "We do lots of engagements throughout the course of the day. We download every little single idea that we have that have worked.” The Ro…

Matthews International shareholders voted to keep the current board of directors, defeating Barrington Capital’s attempt to change the company’s direction. The U.S. Postal Service is updating its mailing requirements for cremated remains, mandating the use of USPS-provided shipping supplies for domestic and international shipments starting March 1.…

Funeral director Kim Zavrotny, Funeral Professionals Peer Support Program Director (USA), discusses her work with that organization and looks to the future.Por Tony Russo

In this episode we discuss takeaways from the latest earnings report from SCI and their strategies for pre-need sales growth, kick off what it likely to be a long conversation about outdated state funeral laws, highlight an iconic Black funeral director, and celebrate a heroic act by a Rhode Island funeral director. Click here for complete show not…

Madeline Lyles of After Life Mortuary Services talks about her program encouraging teend to go into mortuary science and her hope for funeral directors struggling with the stresses of the job.

Tom Nondorf, editor of American Cemetery & Cremation joined us on “Funeral Service Insider: The Podcast” this week to discuss some of the stories and the magazine’s continuing coverage of what cemeteries can be and how they can continue to thrive. The Future of Cemeteries: "Cemeteries are not anathema to cremation and there's a way in which they wa…

In this episode we explore the ongoing arbitration saga between Matthews and Tesla over the dry cell technology, alongside the intricate proxy fight involving Barington Capital. In addition, we shed light on a burgeoning scandal at Heaven Bound Cremation Service and discuss pivotal industry updates, including new roles on the Maryland State Board o…

In this bonus episode, Manager of Funeral Revenue and Merchandising at Service Corporation International Lacyn Barton talks about how she found her place in fuenral service and ways she lives her passions.Por Tony Russo

In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, we look at Carriage’s quarterly earnings report and the AI reporting on it. We also dive into how memorialization boosts cremation revenue, strategic succession insights, H.E. Turner’s recognition, a quick SGK Brand Solutions update and the question of funeral industry inclusivity challenges. Click here f…

In this episode, we tease a new column by Steve Lang set to debut in the Feb. 6 FSI, and address the recent reporting on Indiana’s state issues. We also talk about a recent crematory approval in Illinois over NIMBY concerns and look at a scandal in Maryland that is being very, very, very well covered.…

Tanya Scotece, Program Coordinator of Funeral Service Education at Miami Dade College, discusses some of her challenges as a death care educator and her reasons for accepting a position on the KB Advisory board.Por Tony Russo

In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, we speak with Jim Luff from Aurora Payments about the complexities of the Credit Card Competition Act and its implications for the funeral industry. Empowering Merchants: "This gives merchants a choice in the fees that they pay, something that's never been offered in the past … every time a merchant accep…

In this episode, we consider proposed tariffs on caskets from China, Mexico, and Canada, a critical legal battle in the 7th Circuit Court over regulations in Indiana. We’ll also explore Utah’s move toward natural organic reduction and those implications and discuss the latest in the proxy fight between Matthews and Barington. There’s also a ton goi…

Katie Hill of Mortuary Lift Company, an inaugural Kates-Boylston advisory board member, shares her company origin story and her hope for the future of death care. Click here for complete show notes.

In this episode, we consider accusations of fraud and misconduct in South Carolina, Indiana's two front battle against the future, a restructuring in Pennsylvania and some positive listener feedback. Show Notes: https://www.kates-boylston.com/fraud-in-south-carolina-fights-in-indiana-and-a-restructuring-in-pennsylvania/article_ed2a463e-d47a-11ef-be…

In this bonus episode Kahlen Knapik of National Mortuary Shipping and Cremation discussed the Kates-Boylston Advisory Board and shares his take on the future of funeral service.

In this episode, we continue our conversation between American Cemetery & Cremation editor Tom Nondorf and Funeral Service Insider editor Tony Russo. In part one we concentrated on the ins and outs of cemetery news. Click here for complete show notes.Por Tony Russo

In this episode, we dive into some significant shifts in the industry, including Matthews International's $350 million transaction and a potential board shakeup. We'll also discuss SCI's recent acquisitions in Arizona and a growing trend of consolidation. We'll also touch on Thacker's acquisition of Southern Legacy Casket, the Hart Island Project, …

Publisher Sofia Goller talks about her advisory board initiative as Kates-Boylston looks to the future of death care. Click here for complete show notes.Por Tony Russo

This week, Tom Nondorf, editor of American Cremation & Cemetery magazine co-hosts the first of a two-part year-in-review episode. The Unique Cemetery Overlooking Sanford Stadium: “They sell plots because the University of Georgia plays pretty good brand of college football. People want to see it. And so, you know, they have that crazy brand of a So…

ICYMI provides commentary on the week’s funeral service news. This Episode Is Sponsored by Passages International Click here for complete show notes.

In this episode we have update on Barington Capital, commentary on the FTC's revived report, continued success in celebrations of life, and more. Kates-Boylston Holiday Subscription Offers Barington Announces Board Picks FTC Still Naming and Shaming a Year Later Recent ‘SendOff’ Funerals Make News Ohio Funeral Directors Expand Event Offerings with …

From the pages of American Cemetery and Cremation we bring you a Christmas travel story that ends where all stories must. Click here for the full story.Por Tom Nondorf

In this episode of Funeral Service Insider, we speak with Angela Woosley, a funeral director who has taken a solo approach to the business, catering to families with requests other funeral directors often won’t accommodate. Modern Funeral Preferences: What I was hearing was not, “Oh, we really want this mahogany casket and this expensive, lined out…

Here are the stories we reference in this week’s In Case You Missed It. Holiday Subscription Special Major Investor Calls for Matthews Shake-up, Will Nominate New Board Mercy University and Pierce Colleges of Funeral Service Agreement Park Lawn Expands Presence in Illinois Response to Park Lawn Expansion White Marsh Saga Continues No Jail for Caske…

Welcome to another episode of "Funeral Service Insider," the podcast In this week's episode, we're bringing you the highlights of notable events and discussions from recent weeks. HR & Leadership Forum Registration Kates-Boylston Announces Newly Formed Advisory Board Termination Gone Wrong Amigone Funeral Home Crematory Ordered to Close Under New Y…

Jennifer Lindell-Roys, location leader for Kersey Funeral Home in Auburndale, Florida, is the American Funeral Director magazine 2024 Funeral Director of the Year. Breaking Barriers in the Funeral Business: “The guy told me that I would have to probably work at Kmart because women weren't really supposed to be in the funeral business at that time.”…

At Kates-Boylston's Dec. 10 HR & Leadership Forum, we will explore strategies for funeral professionals to retain top talent and enhance preneed programs.In this bonus epiusode, we speak with Wanda Sizemore, onboarding specialist at Envision Strategic Partners, about how she built her career as a preneed sales expert and her goals for the upcoming …

In this episode, we cover key industry developments including a preview of Matthews International's earnings, the impact of funeral home consolidations, and the looming Federal Trade Commission rule changes. We also explore unique stories like a Japanese coffin café and delve into the challenges facing a Pennsylvania funeral home company as they na…