OGR Future Leaders Forum Inspires the Next Generation of Funeral Professionals

Attendees gained fresh insights and connections at OGR’s program for emerging leaders 

INDIANAPOLIS (September 4, 2025) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) proudly announces the success of its recent Future Leaders Forum, presented by Full-Circle Aftercare, held August 25-27, 2025, at the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, an affiliate location of Pollock-Randall Funeral Home in Port Huron, Michigan.

The Forum is designed to nurture and develop the next generation of leaders in the funeral service profession. Over the course of a two-day program, the event gathered young professionals, first and second-career individuals and emerging leaders from across the United States for engaging education, problem-solving exercises and strategic discussions.

“We are consistently impressed by the energy and excitement that Future Leaders bring to OGR,” said Wendy King, Executive Director of OGR. “We are proud to provide a space where emerging funeral professionals can connect, learn, and grow together. Events like this ensure that the profession continues to thrive with fresh ideas and strong leadership for years to come.”

As part of this year’s theme, the 2025 Forum empowered future leaders to “Own the Future,” with dynamic education opportunities, hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions and real-world scenarios. Education sessions covered a wide range of topics relevant to developing funeral directors. Some of the themes in event discussions included generational divide in the workplace, making informed preneed decisions, financial insight, personalized funeral services and the power of moments. Outside of education sessions, attendees also had the opportunity to explore the Port Huron community, taking in the beautiful lakes and lighthouses of the area. 

OGR is grateful for the continued support and partnership with the sponsors of this year’s event, which includes presenting sponsor Full-Circle Aftercare, Express Funeral Funding, Passages International and Johnson Consulting Group. 

“It was inspiring to see the passionate future leaders of funeral service come together,” said Vincent Roberge, Johnson Consulting Group. “We’re honored to have played a part in supporting their growth and are excited about the impact they’ll have moving forward.”

The Future Leaders Forum will return in 2026, but OGR Future Leaders remain active throughout the year. For more information on how both OGR member and non-member funeral homes can get involved, visit www.OGR.org/future-leaders-forum. 

About the International Order of the Golden Rule

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes dedicated to ethical service to all. Founded in 1928, it is our mission to make independent funeral homes exceptional. We do this by building and supporting member interaction, information exchange and professional business development through a wide range of programs, services and resources. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.

OGR to Host Future Leaders Forum

OGR Presents Future Leaders Forum to Foster the Potential of Funeral Home Professionals

INDIANAPOLIS (July 11, 2025) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to announce the upcoming Future Leaders Forum, presented by Full-Circle Aftercare, held August 25-27, 2025, at the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, an affiliate location of Pollock-Randall Funeral Home in Port Huron, Michigan.

This event is designed to nurture and develop the next generation of leaders in the funeral service profession. This two-day program will gather young professionals, first and second-career individuals and emerging leaders for engaging education, problem-solving exercises and strategic discussions.

“We are pleased to host the 2025 OGR Future Leaders Forum in Port Huron,” said Ann Randall, Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. “It will be a great time of sharing, connecting and learning together while enjoying late August in our beautiful Blue Water Area on Pure Michigan’s Thumb Coast.”

The theme for the 2025 Future Leaders Forum is “Own the Future.” Participants will explore visionary concepts and innovative strategies that can help shape the funeral home of the future. The program will feature a diverse range of sessions and activities, including:

• “Bridging the Generational Divide in the Workplace” with Antonio Green, James H. Cole Home for Funerals
• “ Making the Best Choice for Your Preneed” with Andy Weninger, Premier Preneed Marketing
• “ Building a Strong Foundation: Financial Insights from Independent Funeral Homes presented by Express Funeral Funding” with OGR Members Chris Janowiak, Shelly Brown-Chudzinski, Phil Vallelunga, and Sara Walsh
• “ Star Trek and Vikings…. At a Funeral? aka Dare to Use Your Imagination” with Joe E. Pray, Pray Funeral Home 
• “The Power of Moments Workshop” led by Matthew Van Drimmelen, Full-Circle Aftercare
• Optional social activities, including a lighthouse tour and an evening at a local lake house.

“It’s an honor to support the OGR Future Leaders Forum and share knowledge with the rising stars of our profession,” said Matt Van Drimmelen, Full-Circle Aftercare. “Investing in the next generation of funeral service leaders ensures a stronger, more compassionate future for the families and communities we serve.”

Continuing education credits in accordance with state regulations are also available.

To support the attendance of OGR member funeral homes, the OGR Foundation is offering $350 scholarships to the first fifteen (15) OGR member funeral homes who register a staff member for the Future Leaders Forum. 

“As funeral homeowners in an ever-evolving field, we know how important it is to nurture and develop the next generation of leaders,” said Chris Miller, Chair of the OGR Foundation Board. “The Future Leaders Forum is an incredible opportunity for our emerging professionals to gain essential skills, connect with like-minded peers, and grow into the leaders our profession needs. I wholeheartedly encourage you to send your rising stars to this event. With the scholarships available through our foundation, there’s no better time to invest in their future and, in turn, the future of our independently owned funeral homes.” 

Express Funeral Funding is also a sponsor of the event. “EFF is honored to support OGR and is deeply committed to investing in the next generation of funeral service professionals,” said Deanna Wilkinson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Have fun and take this opportunity to grow, connect and lead the way forward in our vital and innovative industry!”

The Future Leaders Forum warmly welcomes participation from both OGR member and non-member firms. For more information and to register, visit www.OGR.org/future-leaders-forum. 

About the International Order of the Golden Rule

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes dedicated to ethical service to all. Founded in 1928, it is our mission to make independent funeral homes exceptional. We do this by building and supporting member interaction, information exchange and professional business development through a wide range of programs, services and resources. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.

Tomorrow will mark the 3rd Tuesday of October and with every 3rd Tuesday comes the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) Peer Support Meeting.  Supported by CANA, here’s what their teaser on this month’s subject says:

“This month, we will host an open forum for discussion on any topic. All are given space to share their stories, but, because respectful listening can also be beneficial, no one will be “called on” to contribute. Even if you don’t have a pressing issue to discuss, the meetings are a valuable place to offer support, too. You can find a community of peers and share your own experience as a means to assist others.”

CANA Peer Support is a valuable tool offered to all Death Care workers,  This month’s online format will be held via Zoom link on Tuesday, October 15, (tomorrow) at 8 pm Eastern Time – 7 pm Central Time.

To register for and learn more about this event you can do so by clicking here.

Here’s more about what CANA says, in general, about their peer support services:

“Open to everyone across the funeral service, virtual peer support meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. It’s a perfect space for funeral professionals to share their experiences and exchange advice and support on topics ranging from working with difficult bosses to dealing with the pressures at home. You’ll come away realizing you’re not alone and your stories are common across borders and job titles.”

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