Shaping Tomorrow’s Trust: Reflections from 2025 and a Strong Start to 2026

Thank you to Jack Hirsch, President of Funeral Services, Inc. (FSI) for this timely and informative guest post!

As 2025 quickly draws to a close, one theme has emerged repeatedly across our profession: trust and education remain the defining gaps between deathcare professionals and the families we serve. Recent studies reaffirm what many funeral and cemetery professionals have experienced firsthand: consumers are looking for transparency, reassurance, and direct communication as they navigate preneed and at- need complexities. 

Reflections from 2025

While many in the profession report offering robust education and transparent service to families, according to Foresight’s 2025 Funeral and Cemetery Consumer Behavior Study, fewer than four in ten consumers feel they actually received the guidance needed to make informed decisions. This disconnect can leave families feeling uncertain, diminish trust, and ultimately undermine business growth. 

Ongoing industry studies, including the consumer behavior study and others from associations like NFDA, highlight several persistent trends.

• Transparency remains crucial. Consumers value and expect clear and accessible pricing, online information, and an open discussion of options.
• Digital accessibility is a must. Nearly 80% of consumers research options online before making decisions, where they seek pricing, reviews, and the ability to initiate or fully complete contracts digitally.
• Bridge the education gap. While most professionals believe they are providing sufficient education, consumers consistently report confusion, especially around new service options, memorialization, and preneed planning. 

From Insights to Action: Preparing for 2026

Firms must translate consumer expectations into operational improvements. From digital accessibility to financial transparency, the path forward requires aligning internal processes with the evolving needs of the families we serve. To respond to these shifts and focus on driving growth in 2026, funeral home and cemetery leaders should focus on practical improvements that build trust, meet consumer expectations, and strengthen day-to-day operations.

• Enhance consumer programs: Firms should provide an easy-to-navigate website that features clear product and pricing explanations, and offer online arrangement, payment and contracts so families can interact how and when they choose. We can proactively close the education gap with approachable digital resources, virtual tours, and timely communication throughout the consumer journey. Finally, develop an approach to collect reviews, allowing an opportunity to identify improvement areas and bolster trust. 
• Reassess your investment strategy: Critical approaches to maintaining your investments include consistently receiving and reviewing reports on your trust account and scheduling recurring meetings with your investment manager. Closely analyzing whether your current returns are meeting expectations and whether your portfolio is diversified enough to protect against economic fluctuations is integral to the health of your portfolio.
• Streamline administrative processes: Efficiency in administrative processes is crucial for any deathcare firm looking to optimize its operations, and pre-need trust program, in particular. Investing in recordkeeping software is one way to achieve this. Recordkeeping technology allows your administrative team to easily collect, organize, and manage customer data, reducing the risk of informational or mathematical errors that could have costly consequences. Further, it frees up valuable staff time and ensures that your records are accurate and accessible.
• Review regulatory compliance updates: The success of any deathcare firm is dependent on being compliant with state and federal regulations. Laws governing pre-need contracts, trust fund handling, and consumer protection can evolve, so staying informed is necessary to avoid compliance issues.

Industry research continues to drive home the same message – and one that we at FSI also believe: trust is built at the intersection of education, transparency, and compassion. 

In 2026, the most successful firms will be those that clearly display their offerings, embrace the digital expectations of modern consumers, and foster informed, empowered families. By acting on these lessons, deathcare professionals can meet rising consumer expectations and elevate the reputation of the entire profession.

If you own, operate, or manage a funeral home or cemetery you get lots of advice — including from Funeral Director Daily at times.  However, I’ve also learned over 40+ years of business ownership in various enterprises, that while it it good to consider all the advice you get, it is most of the time best to “trust your own instincts on business decisions”.

With most family funeral homes and cemeteries the owners “live” the business.  Even when they are at home or somewhere else, “the business” is usually top of mind.  Because of that situation, nobody should know your business better than you. . . . . and when it comes to “big decisions” nobody should be more trusted to make them than you.

I thought of that the other day while I was running on the treadmill and watching a business channel on the TV.  This information about Ford Motor Company came across the screen.  The information was that Ford was “retreating from the EV (electrical vehicle) market and taking a write-down of $19.5 billion including an $8.5 billion charge for cancelled EV models.”

This quote came from the article, “Ford said it will pivot hard into gas and hybrid models, and eventually hire thousands of workers, even though there will be some layoffs at a jointly owned Kentucky battery plant in the near term. The company expects its global mix of hybrids, extended-range EVs and pure EVs to reach 50% by 2030, from 17% today.”

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  I thought of the “instinct and decision” issue while on the treadmill because I wondered how much Ford was influenced by the “Green movement” of one presidential administration to get so heavy on the way to building EV cars and trucks.  And, on the “Fossil fuel movement” of another presidential adminsitration to now get out of it — or at least tone down the movement.

It reminded me of when I operated our funeral home and had all kinds of advice from client families, clergy, business friends, and many other people who meant very well. . . . . . However, as helpful as they wanted to be, they didn’t understand the Death Care business.  I’m guessing that if I had acted on much of the advice they gave, I would have had to pivot from those decisions as well.

So, listen to advice — that is only being respectful, but make sure that you make decisions firmly on the data you have in place and on your own instincts.

It’s very difficult to compare Ford Motor Company to our funeral businesses, but I question how much Ford listened to the correct data and consumers and followed their instincts or if they simply got caught up in a  “following the herd” mentality when the herd was going in the wrong direction.

More news from the world of Death Care: 

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NGL Matching Funds Propel Selected Educational Trust to $50,000 in Contributions

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — December 9, 2025 — Thanks in part to a generous donation match challenge issued by National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL), the Selected Educational Trust raised more than $40,000 in donations from Selected member firms, individuals, and supporting organizations between September 15 and October 31. With NGL’s commitment to match donations dollar for dollar up to $10,000, total contributions surpassed $50,000.

“The future of funeral service depends on engaged funeral home owners and staff, supportive vendors and organizations that offer robust resources for education and growth,” said Leigh Klemencic, Assistant Vice President – Marketing Communications. “The Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust is one such organization, and NGL is delighted to participate in this gift match. As a member of the Board of Trustees, I’ve had the honor of seeing firsthand the incredible work this organization does and know these funds will go to very good use.”

“We are sincerely grateful to NGL for championing this effort and to every donor who answered the call,” said Stefanie Favia, Executive Director of the Selected Educational Trust. “This match challenge inspired remarkable generosity across our community and directly strengthens the resources we can offer to independent funeral service professionals. By working together, we are advancing education, supporting career development, and investing in the future of our profession.”

With these funds, the Selected Educational Trust will continue its important work of empowering funeral service professionals to thrive in their careers and better serve their communities. This includes connecting independent funeral homes with the next generation of the profession and providing scholarships and progressive skill-building opportunities for funeral service professionals at all stages of their careers.

For more information about the Selected Educational Trust, visit www.selectedtrust.org or contact Stefanie Favia at stefanie@selectedtrust.org.

About the Selected Educational Trust

The mission of the Selected Educational Trust (www.selectedtrust.org) is to provide the best educational opportunities for the advancement and support of all who work within the independent funeral service profession. To fulfill this mission, the Trust provides programs which offer scholarships to mortuary science students and funeral service professionals, online education through its Institute for Exceptional Funeral Service powered by National Guardian Life Insurance Company (www.funeral-institute.org) and networking and employment opportunities through its Workforce Development Centers.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

Selected Educational Trust Receives Grant from Global Atlantic Financial Group to Expand  Workforce Development Programs 

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — March 27, 2025 — The Selected Educational Trust is pleased to announce  that it has received a grant from Global Atlantic Financial Group to enhance and expand its  Workforce Development offerings. With staffing recruitment, training, and retention being among  the most pressing challenges for independent funeral home owners, this funding will provide  critical support and resources to strengthen the profession. 

Through this grant, Global Atlantic Financial Group’s financial support will allow the Trust to grow  its four key Workforce Development initiatives: the Employment Center, Career Center, Mortuary  Science Student Center, and Job Fairs. These programs serve as essential resources for  independent funeral homes seeking to attract, train, and retain top-tier talent within the profession. “We are thrilled to receive this generous grant from Global Atlantic Financial Group to elevate our  Workforce Development programs,” said Stefanie Favia, Executive Director of the Selected  Educational Trust. “This partnership enables us to provide independent funeral home owners with  the solutions they need to address the ongoing workforce challenges. By expanding our initiatives,  we continue our mission of supporting and advancing the independent funeral service profession  through education and career development.” 

The Trust’s Workforce Development programs provide a comprehensive approach to staffing  challenges. The Employment Center allows Selected members to post job openings with broad  visibility, including direct outreach to every accredited Mortuary Science School in the country. The  Career Center connects funeral professionals with potential employers while maintaining their  privacy. The Mortuary Science Student Center serves as a dedicated database of aspiring funeral  service professionals, helping member firms discover emerging talent. Finally, the Job Fairs facilitate direct connections between funeral home owners and Mortuary Science students, with  proven success in employment placements. 

As part of this initiative, the Trust will leverage its pre-existing relationships with mortuary science  schools to directly reach mortuary science students and early-career professionals seeking job  opportunities. New resources will be created and curated specifically for this demographic to  support their professional growth.

“At Global Atlantic Financial Group, we recognize the crucial role that funeral professionals play in  their communities,” said Tim Bridgers, Managing Director of Preneed at Global Atlantic Financial  Group. “By providing this grant to the Trust’s Workforce Development programs, we are investing in  the future of the funeral service profession, ensuring that dedicated professionals continue to  provide compassionate and high-quality care to families when they need it most.” 

This grant underscores the commitment of both organizations to strengthen the independent  funeral service profession through meaningful career opportunities and education. For more  information about the Selected Educational Trust and its Workforce Development initiatives, visit  www.selectedtrust.org or contact Stefanie Favia at stefanie@selectedtrust.org.  

### 

About the Selected Educational Trust 

The mission of the Selected Educational Trust (www.selectedtrust.org) is to provide the best educational  opportunities for the advancement and support of all who work within the independent funeral service  profession. To fulfill this mission, the Trust provides programs which offer scholarships to mortuary science  students and funeral service professionals, online education through its Institute for Exceptional Funeral  Service powered by National Guardian Life Insurance Company (www.funeral-institute.org) and networking  and employment opportunities through its Workforce Development Centers, now powered by Global Atlantic  Financial Group. 

About Global Atlantic 

Global Atlantic Financial Group is a leading insurance company meeting the retirement and life insurance  needs of individuals and institutions. With a strong financial foundation and risk and investment  management expertise, the company delivers tailored solutions to create more secure financial futures.  The company’s performance has been driven by its culture and core values focused on integrity, teamwork,  and the importance of building long-term client relationships. Global Atlantic is a wholly owned subsidiary  of KKR, a leading global investment firm. Through its relationship, the company leverages KKR’s investment  capabilities, scale and access to capital markets to enhance the value it offers clients. KKR’s parent  company is KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR). 

Global Atlantic Financial Group (Global Atlantic) is the marketing name for The Global Atlantic Financial  Group LLC and its subsidiaries, including Forethought Life Insurance Company and Accordia Life and Annuity  Company. Each subsidiary is responsible for its own financial and contractual obligations. These  subsidiaries are not authorized to do business in New York.

Sometimes we make the process of gaining business or market share more complicated than it has to be.  We pay for focus groups and surveys and hiring marketing companies to tell us how to grow our businesses.  All of those methods can help and paying experts in those fields to do just that is many times worth the money paid.

However, I find it interesting that when the world’s biggest company executives and financiers met at the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland last week that one of the most common words used to tell how to earn business in today’s political, cultural, and economic climate was “Trust”.

Here’s an article on the WEF from Yahoo Finance that, in a way, portrays that topic.  When writing on what he learned at the WEF, Yahoo Finance Morning Brief editor Brian Sozzi put this as his number one answer:  “Don’t compromise your values as a leader”.

Doing some research on the subject of “Trust in Business” I came across this 2024 analysis by Price Waterhouse Cooper (PwC) about findings on a “Trust in Business” survey.  One of PwC’s statements in the analysis stated this:  “Consider that 90% of business executives think customers highly trust their companies while only 30% of consumers actually do.”

PwC also made this comment which points out why trust is so important in the perception of your business:  “Trust:  Consumers buy it, employees feel it, and investors demand it”.  Most funeral homes don’t have outside investors, but that statement weighs at least a ton when a funeral home owner realizes how being “trustworthy” moves consumers and employees in their positive perception of the business.

A Newton’s Cradle

We are in 2025 and for about a quarter of a century I’ve felt like America lives in a “Newton’s Cradle” world.  A Newton’s Cradle is the device you see above whereby the concept of energy transfer is shown by the silver balls on either end moving to the extremes while the three middle positioned balls do not move at all.   My take is that the Conservative position is one extreme and the Liberal position is the other extreme. . . . In American politics over the past quarter-century we have seen the extremes move while the vast majority of Americans remain still in their views of moderaton represented by the three silver balls in the middle that don’t move at all.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

One of the casualties of this political reality is that many businesses have moved in a direction, back and forth, when they feel the situation will benefit them.  The easiest way to see this is with social media companies who have moved their rules and restrictions back and forth depending on who is the resident of the White House.

I think in furthering the point of “Trust”, those media companies lose the trust of consumers because of that seeming chase of approval by the party in power.  That comment is actually made in the above-linked Yahoo Finance article.

I also think that that ever-changing philosophy is easily seen by consumers who then lose faith, loyalty, and trust in those companies.  That’s when a switch to another provider of choice may happen.

Like the graphic leading off this article, I think local funeral homes that want to build their business need to exhibit the values of:

• Integrity
• Consistency
• Sincerity
• Reliability
• Competence
• Commitment

It’s my opinion that those funeral establishments and Death Care suppliers that operate in a field of consistently being ethical, sincere, and trustworthy will be the companies that stand-out to their eventual consumers as the company that those consumers will choose.  It’s a process of playing the “long game” where others without this “authenticity” may win a little business in the short-run but never win in the long-haul because of their shifting of values.

Finally, when you look at some of the longevity in years, decades, and centuries, of some family-owned funeral homes this reality is probably already pretty well-known in our profession.

Related:  Here’s a quote from the Edelman Trust Barometer:

“Our work has proven that an organization’s ability to succeed or fail is defined by trust in their mission and leadership, and our industry-leading research explains why.”

Related Article:  “Standing out in a world where trust is in short supply”.  The Rough Notes Company

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Trust vs. Insurance: What’s Right for You?

Wendy Russell Wiener, Bill Williams and The Great Debate at the 2025 CANA Symposium

WHEELING, IL— Imagine you decide to create a preneed sales program—or perhaps your preneed sales platform needs an overhaul. Where do you start? Wendy Russell Wiener and Bill Williams help you tackle step one: whether to sell insurance funded preneed or trust funded preneed. Join them as they take the stage for the Cremation Association of North America’s (CANA) 2025 Symposium. What you learn might surprise you!

What funding method should you offer your clients: trust or insurance? Which is easier to administer? Which is easier for your clients? Which will make you more money now? Which will make you more money overall? How do you know what’s best for your firm? Wendy Russell Wiener, Chair of the Regulatory department for Funeral Services, Inc. and Managing Member of WRW Legal, PLLC, and Bill Williams, Jr., LFD and Former President/CEO of Funeral Services, Inc., bring a point-by-point discussion to The Great Debate: Trust vs Insurance to highlight what is important when choosing a funding method.

“The preneed trust-insurance debate is more pertinent than in years past given the recent economic climate,” explains Bill. “Stubborn inflation is increasing operating costs and, if not held in check, could impact the expense of delivering merchandise and services when a contract turns atneed. Funeral directors are searching for ways to protect operating margins, and trust contracts are appealing because they hold the potential for returns that outpace the cost of doing business.” Their session is designed to give the preneed seller the tools it needs to determine, or confirm, what’s right for that seller.

But it doesn’t stop there. CANA’s Symposium is packed with sessions designed to get you thinking about what furthers your business success:

How can you have it all? Join Wendy Russell Wiener and Bill Williams at CANA’s 2025 Cremation Symposium and discover what’s right for your business. Register now and head to the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino this February 26-28, 2025: cremationassociation.org/success.

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.

Gift Match Challenge Issued by Tribute Technology Helps Trust Raise More Than $50,000

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — November 4, 2024 — Thanks in part to a generous donation match challenge issued
by Tribute Technology, the Selected Educational Trust raised more than $40,000 in donations from Selected member firms, individuals, and supporting organizations between August 16 and September 30, 2024. Combined with Tribute Technology’s pledge to match donations dollar for dollar up to $10,000, these gifts brought the donation total to more than $50,000!

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the incredible response to the Gift Match Challenge,” said Courtney Gould Miller, President of Commercial Markets at Tribute Technology. At Tribute Technology, we deeply support this profession’s future, and it’s truly inspiring to see so many people stand alongside us to make a difference. Each donation represents a shared commitment to this cause, and we are genuinely grateful to everyone who joined us in making an impact. Thank you for being part of something so meaningful!”

“We are incredibly grateful to Tribute Technology for their generous support,” said Stefanie Favia, Executive Director of the Selected Educational Trust. “This matching challenge not only amplifies the impact of our donors but also reinforces our mission to ensure that independent funeral service professionals have access to vital resources. Together, we are helping to shape the future of our profession.”

With these funds, the Selected Educational Trust will continue its important work of empowering funeral service professionals to thrive in their careers and better serve their communities. This includes connecting independent funeral homes with the next generation of the profession and providing scholarships and progressive skill development training for funeral service professionals at all stages of their career.

For more information about the Selected Educational Trust, visit www.selectedtrust.org or contact Stefanie Favia at stefanie@selectedtrust.org.

About the Selected Educational Trust

The mission of the Selected Educational Trust (www.selectedtrust.org) is to provide the best educational opportunities for the advancement and support of all who work within the independent funeral service profession. To fulfill this mission, the Trust provides programs which offer scholarships to mortuary science students and funeral service professionals, online education through its Institute for Exceptional Funeral Service powered by National Guardian Life Insurance Company (www.funeral-institute.org) and networking and employment opportunities through its Workforce Development Centers.

About Tribute Technology

Tribute Technology’s mission is to bring the best technology to all funeral homes, to help communities around the world celebrate life, and to pay tribute to loved ones. Over 9,000 end-of-life providers use Tribute Technology’s software and product offerings, including websites, marketing services, management software, and more. Tribute Technology is focused on helping funeral directors save time on tasks, so they can focus more on connecting with families. Our mission is to give funeral directors everything they need to run their business in one place.

Selected Educational Trust Announces New Appointments to the Board of Trustees

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — October 10, 2024— Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Trustees.

Tiffany Pape Hofer is a first-generation funeral director and owner of Luce, Luze, & Reck Funeral Homes, with four locations in South Dakota. Pape Hofer has been an active supporter of the Trust for more than ten years and was integral in initiating policy changes to the Trust’s Second-Career Scholarship program earlier this year. “I am honored to join the Board of Trustees,” said Pape Hofer. “The Trust’s vital work has a profound impact on the future of funeral service, and being a part of this makes me exceptionally proud.”  

Courtney Gould Miller is the Chief Customer Officer at Tribute Technology, focusing on providing high-quality customer experience journeys for funeral directors and families, along with leading the company’s sales and marketing teams. Gould Miller is a frequent author and speaker in the deathcare and end-of-life industries. Tribute Technology has shown ongoing support of the Trust, including funding matching gift challenges in 2022 and 2024, helping to raise a combined $72,000. “For me, it’s all about giving back to this profession that has given so much to me and countless others,” said Gould Miller. “I’m passionate about helping funeral professionals grow and succeed, and I look forward to working with the Trust to create meaningful learning opportunities that will support our profession for the future.” 

Trustees serve 3-year terms and work to guide the programming and fundraising efforts of the Trust. “We are honored to welcome Tiffany and Courtney to our Board of Trustees during this pivotal moment for our organization,” said Stefanie Favia, the Trust’s Executive Director. “Their diverse expertise and innovative insights will be invaluable as we advance our mission of promoting lifelong learning in independent funeral service and navigate the challenges ahead.”

For more information about the Selected Educational Trust, visit www.selectedtrust.org or contact Stefanie Favia at stefanie@selectedtrust.org. 

About the Selected Educational Trust

The mission of the Selected Educational Trust (www.selectedtrust.org) is to provide the best educational opportunities for the advancement and support of all who work within the independent funeral service profession. To fulfill this mission, the Trust provides programs which offer scholarships to mortuary science students and funeral service professionals, online education through its Institute for Exceptional Funeral Service powered by National Guardian Life Insurance Company (www.funeral-institute.org) and networking and employment opportunities through its Workforce Development Centers.

5 Tremendous Reasons to Try and to Trust Terrybear

How do you quantify trust? It’s not something you can touch, photograph, manufacture, or sell — but it’s crucial to the success of any relationship, whether personal or professional. Your families must trust that you will properly care for them and their loved one, and you have to trust that your partners will provide quality products and reliable services to help you do that well. Terrybear Urns & Memorials is that kind of partner, and that’s why they’ve been a trusted, preferred provider to deathcare professionals for nearly 40 years.

Over the last year or so, Connecting Directors has had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Terrybear team and learn how they strive to serve the profession with care, consistency, and creativity. Here are five things we’ve learned — and that we really, truly want you to know.

1. They’re incredibly innovative

Terrybear’s origin story illustrates their commitment to constant innovation. In 1986, the company’s founder, Terry, was selling stuffed animals on a Minneapolis street corner. When the Twins reached the World Series the next year, he pivoted to selling Twins merchandise outside the Metrodome. Terry continued to expand his inventory, and when he found that one customer was using one of his brass products as a pet cremation urn, the Terrybear we know and love today was born. 

This forward-thinking company has continued Terry’s tradition of pivoting to meet the ever-evolving needs of customers; somehow, they even provide game-changing solutions to problems their customers haven’t even realized they have.

Take the Infinity Urn Vault, for example. Terrybear’s ingenious Infinity Urn Vault doesn’t just solve one problem — it addresses an incredibly wide range of issues. At only 8.2 pounds, the cylindrical urn vault is much more manageable than its concrete predecessors, yet its glass-infused plastic composition doesn’t compromise on strength and durability. It’s easy to store and even easier to share with families, especially as encouragement or incentive for safe, permanent memorialization. 

2. Their technology is top-tier

Ease of use is a theme that runs through everything Terrybear creates, including their digital experience. Memory of a Lifetime®, Terrybear’s online portal, enables directors to share a customized, branded portfolio of products with anyone, anytime, and anywhere. The portal also incorporates Terrybear’s QuickProofs™ technology to personalize urns and other products quickly, accurately, and beautifully.

“With Memory of a Lifetime®, funeral directors can focus on all the other things they have to focus on,” Nikki Nordeen, Terrybear’s Executive Director of Client Success & Brand Growth shared last year. “They don’t have to worry about one little thing, like getting a proof of a personalized product approved. We have taken that worry off of their plates.”

Terrybear continues to innovate Memory of a Lifetime® and other technological tools as they receive feedback or recognize a need. Since launching the portal in 2019, they’ve added options for tracking orders, displaying product availability, easily-searchable descriptions, funeral home branding and pricing, and a convenient URL that allows families to continue their search or personalization process outside the arrangement room.

“When it comes to technology, there’s never a final destination,” Nordeen says. “It’s just constant, continuous improvement.”

3. Custom solutions are a priority

The QuickProofs™ technology may be relatively new to Terrybear, but the company’s commitment to providing highly-personalized products is anything but. Terrybear has always offered unique products that one simply can’t find anywhere else. However, they’ve also become renowned for their ability to add lovely engravings and other customizations and still deliver the product quickly enough for it to become a centerpiece at a service.

“Personalization turns an urn into a memorial,” Brent Thorson, Manager of Client Success & Growth at Terrybear, said earlier this year. “And it’s a value-add for the funeral home. But I’ve seen so many funeral directors who dread it because of a complicated process. Terrybear’s QuickProofs™ process changes that for them.”

The proliferation of deathcare items on platforms like Etsy and Amazon is an indication that consumers are craving unique and creative options. But unlike those products — which are increasingly offered by unreliable sellers — Terrybear’s products are guaranteed to be of the highest quality and backed by people who honestly want to do things right the first time and everytime. 

4. They love pets, too

Speaking of the folks of Terrybear … They’re also diehard pet people! Pet products have been an integral part of Terrybear literally since the company’s birth (remember that origin story?), and they still make sure that pet families are offered as many options and assurances as every other end-user of their products. From the inclusion of pet cremation products in the Memory of a Lifetime® portal to their outstanding Standard Urn Program, pets, their families, and the professionals who serve them are still a priority.  

“We not only focus on the product, but also on the service that helps our customers save time and grow their business,” said Jeremiah Neville, Terrybear’s Pet Client Solutions Manager. “We talk to them, get to know their business. We talk about what competitive advantages they have, what their local market looks like, and we learn what’s going to be the best product to help them grow.”

Like their products for humans, the majority of Terrybear’s massive selection of pet products, which includes everything from urns to caskets to cremation jewelry, can be personalized using the QuickProofs™ technology.

5. They’re bringing a big surprise to NFDA

Customization, innovation, technology, and pet products are just a portion of Terrybear’s ongoing story. They’ve recently committed to an impressive eco-friendly initiative, with the ambitious goal of eliminating 90% of the landfill waste their packaging and other processes originally produced. It’s a project inspired by the company’s impressive set of core values. The company values compassion, commitment, inspiration, quality, doing the right thing, diverse perspectives, and making a difference — and all of these will be on display in October at the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) International Convention & Expo in New Orleans.

In addition, Terrybear has promised to surprise visitors to their NFDA booths with something “exciting” and “interesting” — but that’s about all they’re disclosing about this super-secret project. So be sure to stop by booths 1517 and 1617 when the expo opens on Monday, October 21 and be among the first to learn about Terrybear’s next innovative, problem-solving, and most likely customizable product (or service?)!