ADVANCE your Business Strategy & Leadership Skills with CANA’s Deathcare Business Administration Certification 

Featuring insights and expertise of Bob Boetticher, Jr. and Doug Gober 

WHEELING, IL— In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, training methods have evolved dramatically. Traditional conference settings provide that satisfying social component, while the convenience of a zoom webinar often lacks interaction and idea sharing. That’s why the Cremation Association of North America’s Deathcare Business Administration Certification combines the connection and attention you love about a CANA event with the convenience of an online and self-paced program. Get training in knowledge, skills, and ideas that bring your career to the next level! This unique education experience kicks off April 1, 2026. 

The CANA Deathcare Business Administration Certification is a 10-week, fully digital program designed for both current and aspiring leaders in deathcare. Built for the modern busy professional, the entirely virtual format allows participants to learn anytime, anywhere. Bi-weekly interactive meetings bring real-world scenarios and practical application to this self-paced online training course on management. A practical approach is emphasized in all discussions, where small group conversations go beyond ‘what we learned’ to sharing best practices and strategies that can be used to create on-the-job impact.  

Modeled after an executive MBA curriculum—but streamlined into 10 weeks—the CANA Deathcare Business Administration Certification equips your team with the tools for: 

1. Organization-Wide Leadership 
   Align your team’s vision and goals across departments, using agile strategies to serve the right customers and adapt to an ever-evolving business environment. 

2. Mastery of People Management 
   Learn how to hire, define success, and coach your teams to excel. With systems like one-on-ones and team huddles, you’ll build a culture of empowerment. 

3. Demystifying Financials 
   Focus on building more profitable firms by understanding financial statements and key ratios. Gain practical tools to use in your daily decision-making. 

To deliver this transformative experience, CANA is working with the expert-led learning platform GoalMakers to offer our profession a solution that strengthens your leadership team and directly improves your bottom line. Led by John Cioffi, Chief Content Officer and co-author of The Winning Manager’s Playbook, and program guide Jeremy Wall, the team is enriched with input from leaders from across the profession. Gain invaluable insights by hearing directly from the experts. You’ll be joined by: 

With more than 35 years of frontline and executive experience, Bob “BBJ” Boetticher, Jr. has built a career defined by operational excellence, business leadership, and a deep understanding of funeral home, crematory and cemetery management. He is a second-generation funeral director, Past President of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), and currently serves as Assistant Vice President, Field Digital Experience for Service Corporation International (SCI). Widely respected for his operational fluency, leadership acuity, and ability to bridge the gap between technology and real-world field execution, BBJ continues to shape the future of funeral service through innovation, advocacy, and hands-on expertise.  

Doug Gober began his funeral service career more than 45 years ago as a sales representative in the casket industry. He has earned numerous national awards from various organizations within the death care profession. In his quest to provide funeral and cemetery owners successful business solutions, Doug partnered with The Foresight Companies in October 2018, enabling him to expand his service offerings to include Transaction Advisory, Succession Planning, Business Valuations, and Financing. 

The Deathcare Business Administration Certification targets both emerging and seasoned leaders, ensuring you grasp the intricacies of financials and learn how to apply these skills to maximize your team’s performance, serve the right customers, and enhance their hiring processes—creating an immediate impact on your organization. 

We invite you to learn more about the Deathcare Business Administration Certification and gain practical skills you can apply immediately to grow your business and advance your career. Schedule a meeting with program guide Jeremy Wall and talk about your goals and whether this program is right for you: learn.goalmakers.com/meetings/jeremywall/informational 

Take this opportunity to invest in your team’s growth and gain all the essential business knowledge you need—without years of study or student debt. You’ll earn up to 8 hours of CE from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP). 

Registration is $995, with discounts available for pairs and groups from the same company. In December 2025 and January 2026, register two employees and a third attends for free! Beyond the financial savings, teams that go through Deathcare Business Administration Certification together can make the most significant impact with a shared language of leadership and the tools to create positive change. 

Enrollment is open—secure your spot in this exclusive certification program! Register now at: goalmakers.com/cana 

About CANA 

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization. 

Advance Your Career with ICCFA University’s Immersive, Expert-Led Courses

STERLING, Va. (May 21, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) is proud to announce the return of ICCFA University, taking place July 18–23, 2025, at the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Celebrated as one of the most comprehensive and transformative professional development opportunities in the deathcare profession, ICCFA University offers students a powerful blend of classroom learning, networking, and industry best practices.

With a focus on relevant, real-world education, ICCFA University brings together top experts and practitioners to lead students through in-depth coursework across nine specialized colleges, each designed to target key facets of cemetery, cremation, funeral service, and the suppliers who support the profession. 

The 2025 colleges and their deans are:

• College of 21st Century Services | Dean Glenda Stansbury
  Focuses on innovative service delivery and funeral celebrant training.
• College of Cremation Services | Dean Clift Dempsey, CCrE, CCFE
  Offers multi-tiered cremation certifications and operations management.
• College of Hospitality & Customer Experience | Dean Lori Bolton, CSE, CXE
  Explores event planning, hospitality integration, and personalized service strategies.
• College of Land Management & Grounds Operations | Dean Gino Merendino
  Emphasizes cemetery grounds maintenance, environmental planning, and operations.
• College of Leadership, Management & Administration | Dean Gary Freytag, CCFE
  Delivers results-driven leadership, financial management, and human resources education.
• College of Technology | Dean Nick Timpe, CSE
  Equips professionals to harness digital tools, CRM systems, and AI integration.
• J. Asher Neel College of Sales & Marketing | Dean Patrick Downey, CCE
  Focuses on relationship-based selling, branding, and lead generation strategies.
• Todd Van Beck College of Funeral Home Management | Deans Mike Watkins & Mat Forastiere
  Offers comprehensive insight into funeral home operations and business sustainability.
• School of Graduate Studies | Dean Robbie Pape, CCFE
  Tailored for experienced professionals ready to elevate their leadership impact.

“The ICCFA University experience is unlike anything else in the profession,” said Chancellor Jeff Kidwiler, CCE, CSE. “Students don’t just attend classes—they build lifelong friendships, sharpen their professional skills, and come away with new perspectives that shape their careers.”

Participants can also take advantage of a deeply immersive campus environment with meals, accommodations, and networking activities all under one roof. From student trivia night to Sports Night and a celebratory graduation reception, the University fosters community and professional growth in equal measure.

To learn more about ICCFA University 2025 or to register, visit iccfa.com/university. Class sizes are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

December 23, 2024

Grief is a journey that no one wants to traverse, yet it is a path many will find themselves on when a loved one passes away. As we contemplate the profound impact of loss, it’s vital to recognize how we can reach out and support our friends during their times of sorrow. Understanding our role can foster connection and compassion, especially in a world filled with emotional challenges. When we think about navigating this sensitive subject, finding the right balance between offering support and respecting personal space is essential, particularly as families often seek services from adjacent resources, such as Rochester, NY funeral homes. Understanding Grief and Its Phases Before we can effectively support our grieving friends, we should take time to understand the grieving process itself. Grief is not linear and encompasses various emotions and phases: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The upheaval following a loss can bring about tumultuous feelings, and it’s important to remember that your friend may oscillate between these stages throughout their journey. A critical way that we can help is by being present. Sometimes, your friend may need a listening ear more than they need advice. Allowing them the space to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment can be incredibly beneficial. It may be helpful to encourage them to share funny or touching memories they have of their loved one, a practice that can provide moments of solace amidst the turmoil. Offering Practical Support Helping a friend through grief also means offering practical assistance. Grieving can be an exhausting and overwhelming experience, leaving little energy for everyday tasks. Offer to help with simple chores—cooking meals, running errands, or helping keep things organized at home. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there, offering to shoulder some of life’s burdens, can alleviate the stress your friend is feeling. In addition to offering tangible help, suggesting options from local services can also ease the burden. For instance, if your friend needs support in navigating funeral logistics, it’s wise to mention reputable funeral homes, that they could consider, like Rochester Cremation. Knowing that compassionate professionals are available can bring reassurance and peace to their difficult journey. Creating a Comfortable Environment for Healing When it comes to helping a grieving friend, creating an environment that allows for open conversation is critical. While checking in on them is appreciated, remember to approach them sensitively. Each day might feel different for your friend, so the time you spend together should evolve based on their needs and feelings. Inviting your friend out for a walk—some fresh air can aid in emotional healing—might help distract them from their grief, although it’s essential not to force social interaction if they seem disinterested. The simplest gestures, like a text message to let them know you’re thinking of them, can go a long way, even if they don’t respond immediately. Respecting Boundaries and Understanding Signs of Need While offering support, it’s just as vital to acknowledge when to step back. Everyone’s process is unique, and not everyone is comfortable discussing their grief openly. Pay attention to their cues; if they seem withdrawn or if they indicate a desire for solitude, honor that choice. Encourage professional support if needed. Whether it’s suggesting a grief counselor or attending a support group together, prioritizing their mental health by finding professional help can be a game changer. Informing them about available local resources shows that you care and are looking out for their well-being. The road following a loss is fraught with challenges. Yet, knowing we can play a role in transforming a friend’s grief reality can inspire hope. In conclusion, as we support our friends during these heartbreaking times, let’s embrace compassion and understanding, remembering our larger community as we navigate the journey together. If you have questions regarding resources or services through Rochester, NY funeral homes, reach out for help. The existence of compassionate professionals at places like Rochester Cremation highlights that support is always within reach.