Explore every episode of the podcast The Direct Cremation Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Top 3% | Will de Michaelis (PartingPro) #1 | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:14:33 | |
In this solo episode, Will de Michaelis is back in the pod to dive into data collected from more than 500 funeral homes and uncovers the operational patterns shared by the industry's highest performers. These elite firms represent just 3.7% of the funeral homes studied, yet they consistently handle 1,000, 2,000, and even 3,000 cases annually. Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want 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 | |||
| Selling Caskets at Cost and Making More Money | Tom Anderson (Funeral Director Daily) #68 | 19 Nov 2025 | 01:21:28 | |
Few in death care can match the experience and perspective of Thomas J. Anderson—fourth-generation funeral director, community leader, University of Minnesota Regent, and the voice behind the widely read Funeral Director Daily blog. In this episode of The Direct Cremation Podcast, host Tyler Yamasaki, CEO of Parting Pro, dives into Anderson’s story of legacy, innovation, and gratitude. From stepping up at 19 to keep the family business alive, to modernizing operations and navigating a successful sale, Anderson’s journey is a playbook for today’s funeral home owners facing an evolving market. - Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want 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 | |||
| Avoid Losing Customers on the First Call | Ashley Jones (Parting Pro) #67 | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:47:32 | |
When a family calls your funeral home, they are not shopping for a product. They are searching for peace of mind. If you lead sales, answer phones, or manage training for your team, this is a masterclass in turning a price inquiry into a real relationship! #FuneralHomeSoftware #CremationSoftware #FuneralManagementSystem - Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want 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 | |||
| NCAA Champion to Death Care CEO | Donnell Beverly, Jr. (Russel Westbrook Enterprises, Eazewell) | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:50:52 | |
What begins as a story about basketball evolves into a powerful conversation about grief, legacy, and the future of funeral service software. It’s personal, smart, and packed with fresh ideas! 💡 #FuneralWebsiteBestPractices #FuneralIndustry #DeathCareLeadership #OnlineFuneralArrangement #FuneralHomes #AfterDeathCare #Eazewell #DirectCremationPodcast - Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro - For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want 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 | |||
| Why Funeral Hires Are Abandoning You | Martha Thayer (Mortuary Training) #65 | 15 May 2025 | 01:14:32 | |
Get ready to dive deep on: 🎓 The truth about what mortuary school really teaches Whether you're a funeral home owner, manager, or just passionate about funeral service—this episode will change how you think about hiring and training. 💡 Don’t miss this must-watch conversation packed with real talk, bold insights, and practical solutions. Watch NOW and subscribe for more content funeral pro tips! 🎙 #FuneralHomeSoftware #CremationSoftware #FuneralDirector #MortuarySchool #FuneralProfessionals #DirectCremation #FuneralTech #FuneralTraining #OnlineCremations #FuneralIndustry Timestamps (00:00:00) Intro | |||
| You Only Need a 2.5 Minute Call with Families | Courtney Gould Miller (President, Tribute Tech) #64 | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:54:01 | |
Courtney spills real-world strategies that helped her: Whether you’re looking to streamline online cremation services, improve your funeral planning software, or explore innovative funeral home ideas, this one’s a must-watch. 👀 Learn how top-performing funeral homes are using cremation software to grow smarter—not just bigger! 💡 #funeralsoftware #cremationsoftware #onlinefuneralarrangements #funeraltech #funeralhome Timestamps (00:00) Intro For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com #FuneralHomeSoftware #CremationSoftware #FuneralTech #AIinFuneralHomes #CremationServices #FuneralMarketing #OnlineCremation #FuneralDirectors #ArtificialIntelligence AI #PartingPro #FuneralManagement #DigitalFuneralPlanning #FuneralDirectorSoftware #DeathCareTech #OnlineFuneralArrangements #FuneralAutomation #MortuaryManagement #CloudFuneralSoftware #FuneralCRM #DigitalDeathCare #FuneralServiceTech #CemeteryManagement #FuneralWorkflow #MemorialPlanning #EndOfLifeTech | |||
| How to Use ChatGPT the Right Way in the Funeral Home | Will Chang #63 | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:47:03 | |
The funeral industry continues to evolve, and artificial intelligence (AI) is driving much of this transformation. In this episode of The Direct Cremation Podcast, CEO Tyler Yamasaki spoke with tech expert Will Chang about how AI is changing funeral home software, cremation software, and online funeral arrangements. Their discussion explored practical ways AI enhances efficiency, improves customer experience, and strengthens marketing cremations. What you’ll learn: Whether you run a funeral home, crematory, or offer online cremation services, this episode is packed with insights on how AI can save time, increase efficiency, and even improve customer service. 👉 Don’t miss out—watch now! Timestamps (00:00) Intro __ For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want 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://www.partingpro.com | |||
| Human Composting: Everything You've Wanted to Know | Micah Truman (Return Home) #62 | 23 Jan 2025 | 00:59:08 | |
What if your final farewell could help the planet thrive? 🌍 In this episode, we sit down with Micah Truman, CEO of Return Home, to explore how Natural Organic Reduction (NOR)—also known as human composting—redefines death care. Micah shares: ✔️ How NOR turns human remains into nutrient-rich soil in just two months Whether you're curious about sustainable alternatives to cremation or looking for innovative ideas in the funeral industry, this episode will leave you inspired! Watch the full episode now to learn how NOR is changing the game. 🔥 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more insights on the future of death care! 🎙️ #FuneralArrangements #EcoFriendlyLiving #DeathCareRevolution #PodcastAlert #HumanComposting #ReturnHome #TheDirectCremationPodcast #funeralhomesoftware Timestamps (00:00) Intro __ For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want 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://www.partingpro.com | |||
| Ladle and the Gramp: A Cremation Story | Caroline Andree (Parting Pro) #61 | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:33:15 | |
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!). (00:00) Intro Whether 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 | |||
| From Fired to 1500 Families | Douglas Klein (Chicagoland Cremation Options) #60 | 26 Nov 2024 | 01:00:25 | |
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 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 Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| The Marketing Secret Your Competitors Have Already Implemented | Albert Chang (Parting Pro) #59 | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:18:52 | |
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: Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| How to Successfully Operate a Cremation and Traditional Brand | Christopher Teel (Bixby Funeral) #58 | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:52:00 | |
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: Whether 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 For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| How to 10x your funeral business | Jeff Smith (Smith Family Funeral Homes) #57 | 29 Oct 2024 | 01:07:29 | |
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 For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| 10 Online Marketing Mistakes You MUST Avoid | Albert Chang (Co-Founder, Parting Pro) #56 | 17 Sep 2024 | 00:38:11 | |
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 For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| From SCI to Successful Cremation Brand | Troy Kaltenberg (Grand Rapids Cremation Services) #55 | 20 Aug 2024 | 00:48:55 | |
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 For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| 60.6% Cremation Rate: CANA Cremation Data Report Recap | Barbara Kemmis (Cremation Association) #54 | 26 Jul 2024 | 00:45:17 | |
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 Link to the summarized CANA report: https://www.cremationassociation.org/industrystatistics.html For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| Unlock Maximum Funeral Home Value: The Key Metric Revealed | Scott Newton (Graystone Associates) #53 | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:55:44 | |
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 For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| Built from Scratch: 4 Locations, 5-Star Reviews, 1000's of Families | Julie Bishop (Crevasse's) #52 | 17 Jun 2024 | 00:35:52 | |
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 For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| Funeral Homes Will Struggle if They Don't Embrace this Trend | Robert Hunsaker (CANA President) #51 | 17 Jun 2024 | 00:44:14 | |
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 For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| Arrangement Secrets Revealed: The Best Selling Urn in 2024 | Caroline Andree (Parting Pro) #50 | 22 May 2024 | 00:36:13 | |
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 caroline@partingpro.com for a copy. Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| "I'm Bullish on Cemeteries!" | Bryce Bunker (After.com, Bunker Family, Gilbert Memorial) #49 | 26 Apr 2024 | 00:48:39 | |
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 For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. 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 | |||
| Jimmy Altmeyer (Altmeyer Funeral Homes): 53 Rooftops, 12,000 families: Perfect Service at Scale | #48 | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:58:42 | |
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 For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. 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 | |||
| How to Build the Perfect Online Cremation Company | #47 | 12 Jan 2024 | 01:11:01 | |
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 For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. 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 | |||
| Ashley Jones (Parting Pro): The Biggest Mistakes That Will Kill Your Cremation Brand | #46 | 15 Dec 2023 | 00:41:47 | |
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 For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. 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 | |||
| Stop Funeral Director Burnout: Breathwork and Meditation Techniques for Funeral Professionals | #45 | 22 Nov 2023 | 00:08:14 | |
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 For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. 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 | |||
| Why You Can't Ignore This New Death Care Group | Erin Creger (Death Care Collective) #44 | 17 Nov 2023 | 00:48:26 | |
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 For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. 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 | |||
| Get Ahead of the FTC's Upcoming Funeral Rule Amendments with Poul Lemasters | #43 | 03 Nov 2023 | 00:57:32 | |
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:
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 | |||
| Sandra Walker (Fairmount Memorial): From Temp to COO: An Unstoppable Force in Death Care | #42 | 02 Nov 2023 | 01:00:01 | |
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 For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. 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 Learn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://wdgroupconsulting.com | |||
| Drew de Michaelis (Omega Society): 4,500 Cremations per Year. How We Did It. | #41 | 26 Oct 2023 | 00:43:13 | |
Scaling a funeral home to serve more than 1,000 families annually demands competent execution and a well-devised business strategy. But to ramp that up to over 4,500 families in a single year requires phenomenal execution, a stellar team, and near-flawless operational efficiency. Drew de Michaelis was the operational maestro behind Omega Society during its pinnacle, when it was serving upwards of 4,500 families each year from just one Southern California location. This achievement was far from coincidental; it was the result of a meticulous, data-focused playbook designed for peak operational efficiency. In this enlightening episode, Drew unveils the essential metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that were the cornerstone of Omega Society's success. Listen in to discover how the right data analytics can ensure both outstanding value for families and optimal operational performance for your team. Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. 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 Learn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://wdgroupconsulting.com | |||
| The Dark Secret Behind Deathcare: Surge of Bankruptcies Coming? | #40 | 12 Oct 2023 | 00:09:12 | |
Funeral home competition is becoming increasingly intense due to a combination of factors, such as the lack of future generations wanting to continue the family business and increased investment in the field. An experienced death care professional had four clients call her in the week before a conference, expressing their intention to file for bankruptcy. This is unprecedented and raises concerns about the state of the funeral profession. The clients that called her shared common themes: low sales, dwindling case numbers, being traditional smaller firms in rural areas, and not keeping up with the times. The clients felt worried, didn't know what to do, and felt they had no other options. They were behind in taking the right actions and felt overwhelmed and stressed. These struggling firms lacked an online presence and digital marketing strategies, and seemed to be operating on autopilot without actively growing their businesses. Are these struggling firms the canaries in the coal mine, indicating trends that other firms may face in the future? For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. 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 Learn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://wdgroupconsulting.com | |||
| Maggie McMillan (Wiefels): Why raising prices, losing customers, can still make more money | #39 | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:56:48 | |
Maggie McMillan quietly runs the #1 funeral company in Southern California, one largest and busiest regions in the country. Serving thousands of families a year. Her expansive funeral empire covers everything from prestigious full-service funeral homes, an eco-conscious natural burial cemetery, a handful of online cremation services, and an essential B2B mortuary services company. Just a few of her properties include: Wiefels & Son Mortuary, Wiefels Cremation and Funeral Services, All California Cremation, Simply Remembered, Joshua Tree Memorial Park. In this episode, Maggie pulls back the curtain on her recipe for success, showing commitment to excellence without resorting to shortcuts. Also, join us as we watch the first real conversation between Maggie and Will as they reflect on their journey as competitors in the fiercely competitive Southern California death care landscape. Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. 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 Learn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://wdgroupconsulting.com | |||
| Let ChatGPT Help Write Emails to Your Funeral Customers | #38 | 28 Sep 2023 | 00:07:25 | |
I want to show you how to let AI help you write email correspondence with your customers. It’s no shock that we write a lot of emails back and forth to our customers everyday. Let’s experiment with ChatGPT to see how it can help respond to a normal customer email. For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. 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 Learn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://wdgroupconsulting.com | |||
| How to use ChatGPT to respond to Google, Facebook, and Yelp reviews on your funeral business | #37 | 26 Sep 2023 | 00:07:56 | |
Now, while AI has some limitations, it also provides tremendous opportunities to save time and outsource things we’re not good at. In today’s video, we will share how to use ChatGPT to respond to google reviews. For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. 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 Learn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://wdgroupconsulting.com | |||
| Jimmy Lucas (Lucas Family Funeral Homes): 16 funeral homes, 110 employees & making it look easy | #36 | 22 Sep 2023 | 00:57:08 | |
Today’s guest is Jimmy Lucas. Jimmy is a licensed funeral director, a certified crematory operator, a licensed advance funeral planner, licensed social worker, co-owner of a quaint funeral and cremation business which consists of over 15 funeral homes, 1 online cremation business, 2 crematories. He has over 110 employees and they serve over 3100 families per year. He’s also currently on the board of CANA, past president of the Texas Funeral Directors Association, and also serves on the advisory board of the Passare. Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. 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 Learn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://wdgroupconsulting.com | |||
| Alexandra Jo: Why Parting Stone isn’t for everyone and that’s ok | #35 | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:52:36 | |
Today’s guest is Alexandra Jo. Alexandra is the host of the death positive Podcast, Death Curious, is a platform for death exploration and a community of like-minded, death positive people. They are also the Director of Outreach and Education of Parting Stone, the company responsible for creating solidified cremated remains — most famously known for their Shark Tank fame. Death Curious Podcast: https://deathcurious.com Timestamps Want 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 | |||
| Self-care in Death Care Part II: How to handle job burnout | #34 | 29 Aug 2023 | 00:21:41 | |
Hi and welcome to the Direct Cremation podcast. I’m your host, Will de Michaelis, death care consultant and former manager of the Omega Society, a large cremation brand that served over 4500 families per year. You’ll notice today, I’m by myself. I’m going to bring you a different kind of content than I usually do with Tyler. We'll be talking part 2 for self-care in the death care profession. My goal is to speak to death care professionals directly and acknowledge those difficulties of the profession and talk about ways to make our way through together. Timestamps Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| Self-Care in Death Care | #33 | 22 Aug 2023 | 00:26:56 | |
Hi and welcome to the Direct Cremation podcast. I’m your host, Will de Michaelis, death care consultant and former manager of the Omega Society, a large cremation brand that served over 4500 families per year. You’ll notice today, I’m by myself. I’m going to bring you a different kind of content than I usually do with Tyler. We'll be talking about self-care in the death care profession. My goal is to speak to death care professionals directly and acknowledge those difficulties of the profession and talk about ways to make our way through together. Timestamps Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| Chris Boggs (Cremation Society of Maryland): How this funeral home does 5,000 calls a year | #32 | 15 Aug 2023 | 00:49:40 | |
In this episode, we bring on Chris Boggs. Chris Boggs is the Chief Operating Officer of the Cremation Society of Maryland, McNabb Funeral Home, Metro Crematory, and Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home. Cremation Society of Maryland alone does 5,000 calls per year. Chris shares the insights in such a running a high volume and efficient deathcare operation. Timestamps Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| Will's Masterclass: Relationship Marketing for Funeral Homes Success | 03 Aug 2023 | 00:28:16 | |
Will de Michaelis is the former manager of the Omega Society, a cremation brand that serves over 4,500 families per year. After spending over a decade growing the Omega Society, Will was able to identify some of the most important elements that made the Omega Society such a huge success. Today, Will is going to share that insight with us and let us know what he’s been working on. Will's Masterclass signup link: https://www.wdgroupconsulting.com Timestamps (00:00) Intro 01:54 Will's takeaways from Omega Society Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| Welton Hong (Ring Ring Marketing): What successful funeral home marketing looks like in 2023 | #30 | 17 Jul 2023 | 00:46:56 | |
In this episode, we bring on Welton Hong. Welton is the founder of funeral home marketing agency Ring Ring Marketing. Welton shares what successful death care marketing looks like in 2023. He tells us the biggest things you need to be doing as a funeral home owner to win more cases today. Timestamps (00:00) Intro Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com | |||
| Kevin Waterston (Cremation Society of Minnesota): Selling a cremation business for millions | #29 | 28 Jun 2023 | 00:52:40 | |
Today's guest is Kevin Waterston. If you could dream up a list of professional death care accomplishments, Kevin has probably exceeded that list. From living above the funeral home until age 21, to then starting, growing, and eventually selling one of the largest cremation societies in the world, and somehow mixing in being a past president of the Cremation Association of North America & Funeral and Memorial Information Council, he has done it all and from speaking with him, he’s still hungry for more. Timestamps
For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at directcremation.com Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at partingpro.com | |||
| The entrepreneurial journey behind Parting Pro | #28 | 14 Jun 2023 | 00:42:26 | |
In today's episode, we're putting Tyler in the hot seat to explore the story behind Parting Pro. Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at directcremation.com Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at partingpro.com | |||
| Should your funeral home handle your own removals? | #27 | 24 May 2023 | 00:36:57 | |
In this episode, we discuss the important topic of removals in the death care industry. Whether you're a new funeral home or an established cremation brand, deciding whether to handle removals internally or outsource them is a critical consideration. We explore the pros and cons of both approaches and provide practical advice for making the best decision based on your business needs. Join us as we navigate this crucial aspect of the industry and offer valuable insights to help you streamline your operations. Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at directcremation.com Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at partingpro.com | |||
| Leili McMurrough (Worsham College): How to hire and retain Gen-Z funeral directors | #26 | 16 May 2023 | 01:28:03 | |
Today’s guest is Leili McMurrough. Leili is a licensed funeral director and licensed attorney in Illinois. She’s also the Program Director AND OWNER of Worsham College of Mortuary Science and an expert on the Gen-Z workforce in the industry. Leili sits on the American Board of Funeral Service Education as the Accreditation Chair, overseeing all the Mortuary Science programs across the country. We’re happy to have her on the podcast to discuss the changing workforce in deathcare and what you should consider when hiring, managing, and retaining young professionals in the death care industry. Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at directcremation.com Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at partingpro.com | |||
| Pierce Dempsey (Leaf Cremation): How this cremation business gained 800+ 5 star reviews | #25 | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:50:19 | |
Today's guest is Pierce Dempsey. As the VP of Operations and Marketing of Leaf Cremation, Pierce has helped the business gather over 900 Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating. Pierce is a 4th generation funeral service provider. And his family business has created quite the funeral service empire in the North Georgia and Central Ohio areas. Pierce is on the Board of Directors for both the Georgia Cemetery Association and the Southern Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association. If there was a 30 under 30 in death care, he would definitely make the list. Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at directcremation.com Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at partingpro.com | |||
| Poul Lemasters: How FTC's Funeral Rule overhaul will affect your business | #24 | 14 Mar 2023 | 00:46:34 | |
Besides cremation, nothing lasts forever. The funeral rule is no exception, every 10 years the FTC has to re-evaluate every rule they have. In the past few years the FTC is looking to make a major overhaul to the funeral rule. In today’s episode, we have Poul Lemasters, death care lawyer to the stars, to update us on all the changes up for evaluation, where we’re at in the process, and what these changes may mean for your funeral home in the future. Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at directcremation.com Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at partingpro.com | |||
| Efficiency or Die: Speaking at 2023 Cremation Association of North America Symposium | #23 | 02 Mar 2023 | 00:47:55 | |
Tyler and Will just got back from the 2023 Cremation Association of North America Symposium in fabulous Las Vegas. Where The Direct Cremation Podcast gave a talk: Efficiency or Die. Today, we’ll debrief you on our experience. Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at directcremation.com Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at partingpro.com | |||
| Jake Johnson (Johnson Consulting Group): How to increase the value of your funeral home business | #22 | 15 Feb 2023 | 01:09:49 | |
Jake Johnson is President and CEO of Johnson Consulting Group, the funeral profession’s premiere funeral home and cemetery broker and consulting firm. Jake is also a successful multi-funeral home owner, a tech entrepreneur, a car collector that would give Jay Leno a run for his money, and a published author. With his book, “Staying Alive in the Funeral & Cemetery Profession.” His experience has made him an expert in funeral home valuations, mergers and acquisitions, business development, and customer experience in death care. Johnson Consulting Group Website Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at directcremation.com Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at partingpro.com | |||
| Nicki Wiedeman (Dead Ringers): How Successful Funeral Homes Should Answer the Phone | #21 | 24 Jan 2023 | 00:45:48 | |
Nicki Wiedeman is the First Call Faciliator of Dead Ringers. Dead Ringers is the death care’s premiere mystery shop provider. Since its founding in 2015, they've placed 8,500 calls throughout the US and Canada. Dead Ringers specializes in systematically helping individual funeral homes improve their phone etiquette. They’ve mastered the art of customer service and help funeral home teams level-up and serve families better. Nicki answered her first customer service call in 1989 for a bank in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has since cultivated a 30-year career in improving the customer experience. She’s on a mission to remedy the subpar service customers receive when calling businesses. Dead Ringers Website: https://deadringers.co Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at directcremation.com Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at partingpro.com | |||
| How building strong hospice relationships grew Omega Society to 4,500 cases a year | #20 | 03 Jan 2023 | 00:37:11 | |
Will de Michaelis grew Omega Society to one of the largest cremation brands in the world with over 4,500 cases a year. In this episode, Tyler sits down with Will to learn how he leveraged strong relationships with hospices to grow. Will walks through his hospice playbook for funeral directors to make their own. Timestamps For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at directcremation.com Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at partingpro.com | |||