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George Owens on funeral home surveys Jul 22, 2025

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What if the key to growing your funeral home was the voices of the families you serve? To protect your level of care today and increase your market share and profitability tomorrow, you need an honest picture of how families view your funeral home. Surveys can provide that invaluable insight. Episode 4 welcomes George Owens, President and Founder of Fortitude Research & Marketing. Along with host Paul Lovelace, the two break down the benefits of funeral home surveys, why families want to fill out your surveys, and the return a strong survey program can bring.

Therapy dogs in funeral service with Bryan Hicks Jul 14, 2025

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In this episode of The Director's Playbook, I explore the unexpected role of therapy dogs in funeral services with Brian Hicks, the general manager at Elmwood Funeral Home. We delve into the journey of introducing Holly, a Goldendoodle, as a comforting presence in a traditionally somber setting. Brian shares his experiences and insights on the benefits therapy dogs bring to grieving families, highlighting Holly's unique ability to sense and provide comfort. We discuss the importance of proper training and the impact on both clients and business. Join us as we uncover the heartwarming stories and practical considerations of integrating therapy dogs into funeral homes, offering a new perspective on support and healing.

Tyler Anderson and the future of preneed Jun 24, 2025

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Consumer preferences are shifting. Operational costs are rising. And funeral professionals face a dual challenge: increasing call volume while growing the average funeral value. One of the most effective solutions is a proactive preneed program. In this episode, host Paul Lovelace is joined by Tyler Anderson, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Precoa. They explore how the focus of preneed has evolved from gaining market share to educating families on the importance of ceremony, ritual, and gathering. They discuss the new funeral consumer, why guiding consumers through the preplanning process is essential to shifting perceptions and creating value, and more.

The importance of succession planning with Jason Gazaille Jun 09, 2025

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According to the National Funeral Directors Association, more than 4,000 funeral home owners are expected to sell their businesses by 2026. This trend is partly why succession planning has become a popular topic among funeral professionals, with many funeral home owners wondering how to get started and what their first step should be. Join us as host Paul Lovelace discusses the importance of succession planning with Jason Gazaille, Vice President of Finance at Funeral Directors Life. The two break down current trends in funeral home ownership, the need for a successor, the negative consequences of not having a plan in place, and more.

Introduction to FD Talks Jan 31, 2025

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FD Talks 40: The Indirect Impact - 4 Questions Funeral Professionals Need to Find Balance Dec 04, 2024

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When was the last time you put yourself first? It might sound strange to put yourself first, especially when there are so many people who need you. However, in order to best care for grieving families, your staff, and your business, you have to first care for yourself. Host Rob Davidson welcomes back Madison Miller, former Miss Ohio winner and daughter of a funeral home owner. Madison shares takeaways from her thought-provoking presentation “5 Fundamentals of Funeral Directing by a Non-Funeral Director” and explains how answering 4 specific questions can help you find balance in caring for yourself, your business, and your families.

FD Talks 39: Connecting with Veterans: A Conversation with Miss Ohio 2023 Oct 18, 2024

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Did you know that according to a survey by the Department of Veterans Affairs, only 29% of veterans understand the burial benefits available to them? Your funeral home can play a key role in educating and building relationships with local veterans. In this episode, host Rob Davidson and Madison Miller, former Miss Ohio winner and daughter of a funeral home owner, discuss how funeral homes can connect with veterans. Madison shares her experience growing up in the funeral profession and why funeral homes should support veterans in their community.

FD Talks 38: Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Managing Stress and Burnout Jun 19, 2024

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Funeral directors do a lot for their businesses and families. But sometimes, all their responsibilities pile up and lead to workplace stress, which can cause lasting burnout.

Fortunately, emotional intelligence can help you lower workplace stress and improve your service to families. Host Rob Davidson sits down with Dr. Melanie Carr, author of Emotional Intelligence for Funeral Directors: The Secret to Less Stress and Burnout at Work, to discuss the importance of emotional intelligence and what you can do to grow in this area.

FD Talks 37: How to Be a Leader Worth Following May 01, 2024

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As a funeral professional, you are responsible for leading families during their greatest times of need. That’s why you must be a leader worth following. Host Rob Davidson welcomes Kris Seale, President and Chief Executive Officer of Funeral Directors Life, back to FD Talks. Kris shares advice he's learned after nearly 40 years of leading people and what helped him grow his leadership skills.

FD Talks 36: Embracing Rest in Your Funeral Home with Sabbaticals Apr 04, 2024

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What would happen if you gave your funeral home’s staff a 30-day sabbatical? Your staff needs to be rested and focused to best serve families, which can be challenging after long seasons of stress and burnout. But if your funeral home operates with a small staff, you may not think your funeral professionals can be gone for weeks at a time. In this episode of FD Talks, host Rob Davidson and Kris Seale, President and Chief Executive Officer of Funeral Directors Life (FDL), discuss the benefits of giving funeral professionals a sabbatical.

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