For going on seven years now I’ve enjoyed writing Funeral Director Daily.  It keeps my mind working and trying to improve the business I enjoyed working in — a business that I was allowed the privilige to serve families that needed guidance and care at a difficult time of their lives.

I feel the same about Funeral Director Daily. . . .if my thoughts and ideas and perspectives on business operations can make some small improvement in the way you serve families or realize profits I feel like I’m continuing to contribute to the profession.

I do this because I love doing it and hope I’m helping.  It’s not about being recognized for doing so.

However, like everybody else — it’s always a good feeling to be recognized.  I was humbled by being asked to be interviewed by Tyler Yamasaki, CEO of Parting Pro on his podcast, The Direct Cremation Podcast, last month.  Tyler was able to navigate a conversation with me that I think will give you a realistic representation of who I am, where I’ve been, and what I do.  If you want to know more about me and how I operated my funeral home this podcast is for you.

Here’s part of Tyler’s tease for listening. . .

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.

 

and, here is his summation of the podcast. . .

For funeral home owners, Anderson’s story offers a roadmap:

Lead with service. Compassion and transparency never go out of style.

Adapt to change. From pre-need to online cremation services, innovation is survival.

Price for value, not fear. Families appreciate honesty and fairness.

Protect your people. Whether selling, scaling, or starting out, success is shared.

As the funeral profession moves toward digital tools like funeral planning software, online funeral arrangements, and best online cremation software, Anderson’s journey reminds us that technology enhances great service—it doesn’t replace it.

For more information on the podcast and to listen to it, click here.

To learn more about Parting Pro, the #1 Cremation Arrangement software for funeral homes click here.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Okay. . . I’m generally not one to toot my own horn, but I did promise my friend Charis Rethorford, Head of Partnerships and Marketing at Prelude, that I would appear on one of their Zoom webinars to discuss the state of the funeral profession, as I see it,  with her.  If you want to lean in on what Charis and I will discuss make sure that you click here to register for Wednesday’s session sponsored by Prelude.

According to Prelude’s information on the session Charis and I will discuss  “. . . cutting-edge innovations and strategies for funeral homes to thrive in a rapidly evolving market. I will share my insights into challenges like cremation trends, eco-friendly options, and shifting consumer behavior.” 

Quite frankly, I’m looking forward to the session.  It’s not often that I get the chance to visit in a live format with those of you who read Funeral Director Daily.  And, while I’m not exactly sure, I do believe that there may be a way for webinar enrollees to ask questions.

This all takes place on Wednesday, January 29, at Noon Eastern Time, 11:00 am Central Time, and 9:00 am Pacific Time.

For more information on Prelude and where it fits in the Death Care ecosystem you can click here.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”