This week the boys start with an exciting announcement regarding DISRUPT Media. Then Jeff and Ryan dive into the latest NFDA consumer survey to answer some pressing questions. Last but not least, Tom Anderson from Funeral Director Daily joins in to discuss public companies in the funeral and cemetery space. Take some notes and pay attention, there's a lot to learn on this FN episode!

Follow Tom here: http://funeraldirectordaily.com/

Sponsors:

DISRUPT Media - http://www.DISRUPTMedia.co

Plotbox - https://www.plotbox.io/

C&J Financial - http://www.cjf.com/

We've reached a milestone here on the FN show! We never could've guessed when we fired this show up in 2015, that it would become the staple inside the profession that it is. All of you who have watched and engaged with us through the years are amazing! Without you, Jeff and Ryan would just be shouting statements into nothingness, which would be pretty sad. So, in honor of 200 episodes, today, we're throwing it back to a much different time by re-airing our very first episode.

Sponsors:

DISRUPT Media - http://www.DISRUPTMedia.co

Plotbox - https://www.plotbox.io/

C&J Financial - http://www.cjf.com/

We’ve almost done it! Rain or shine, for better or for worse, through the highs and lows, we have consistently brought you the funeral news, week after week! Now on our 199th episode the whole world is in a state we could not have predicted the first time Jeff and Ryan sat down by the webcams. Now, we’re seeing that everyone is having to interact virtually. Not only are communities watching services online, but, both NFDA and CANA have announced virtual conferences!

We want to hear from YOU!

Do you plan on attending any non-traditional conventions? Let us know!

Sponsors:

CANA: https://www.cremationassociation.org/

DISRUPT Media - http://www.DISRUPTMedia.co

Plotbox - https://www.plotbox.io/

C&J Financial - http://www.cjf.com/

Today Ryan is MIA, so Jeff took over and interviewed three innovators in our profession. Barbara, Elisa, and Kim from CANA join us to discuss the upcoming VIRTUAL 2020 conference. Here at FN we are pumped about this and we don’t want you to miss out. Go ahead and learn more right here: https://pheedloop.com/cana20/site/home/

Sponsors:

CANA: https://www.cremationassociation.org/

DISRUPT Media - http://www.DISRUPTMedia.co

Plotbox - https://www.plotbox.io/

C&J Financial - http://www.cjf.com/

Happy birthday, America! It’s 4th of July week and on this episode Jeff and Ryan discuss holiday plans and why are funeral professionals last in line for PPE gear? The struggles encountered (and overcome) by deathcare professionals during this pandemic raises a plethora of questions. While we applaud and greatly appreciate the NFDA’s efforts, should it really have taken their intercession for the government to recognize the dire and crucial needs of the funeral profession?

Sponsors:

CANA: http://www.gocana.org/cana20

DISRUPT Media - http://www.DISRUPTMedia.co

Plotbox - https://www.plotbox.io/

C&J Financial - http://www.cjf.com/

Price My Funeral - http://www.pricemyfuneral.com

We're reaching the new what we'll call normal. People are adapting plans making adjustments, and trying to get the most out of the summer! This week, Jeff and Ryan take a look at recent funeral news, including the latest FTC statements. Should funeral homes HAVE to show price? Are they better off if they do? The guys get to the bottom of that and more on this FN episode!

Sponsors:

CANA: http://www.gocana.org/cana20

DISRUPT Media - http://www.DISRUPTMedia.co

Plotbox - https://www.plotbox.io/

C&J Financial - http://www.cjf.com/

Jeff and Ryan are back from the future, where they saw today’s guest dominating the sympathy gift scene! Today, Brandon Bruce sits down with the “die”namic duo (funeral puns!) to discuss his company, Food Not Flowers! ALSO, CANA 2020 is going virtual! The guys give the inside scoop and let you know what’s going on with that! We cover all of this and more on this FN week!

Check out this weeks guest: https://foodnotflowers.com/

Sponsors:

CANA: https://www.cremationassociation.org/

DISRUPT Media - http://www.DISRUPTMedia.co

Plotbox - https://www.plotbox.io/

C&J Financial - http://www.cjf.com/

This month, Jeff has had to face the heartbreaking loss of his son, Hunter. Today, he’s back to discuss his experience and to express gratitude to those who loved on him and his family through this whole process. It is incredible how a profession that seems so big can come together to support one of its own. We’re not just business owners, competitors, and professionals - we’re people who want to help other people.

Sponsors:

DISRUPT Media - http://www.DISRUPTMedia.co

Plotbox - https://www.plotbox.io/

C&J Financial - http://www.cjf.com/

This is a unique and unusual funeral nation. As you notice, my co host The Funeral Commander is not with us today. Jeff wanted to share difficult news:

My oldest son Hunter 28 years old died today as a result of a brain aneurysm. He was a gentle spirit with the heart of a warrior. Hunter was born in Greenville NC where he played baseball and football from Little League to Middle School. Gifted with athleticism, good looks, and an affable personality, Hunter enjoyed his young life. Graduating from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham Virginia, Hunter achieved the rank of Captain, He started in both baseball and football. Hunter was awarded the class of 2010 Leadership Award. Soon after, Hunter enlisted in the Army, graduated from Infantry School at Ft. Benning Georgia and served his Country for 6 years. Hunter entered the plumbing field and was working the day of his aneurism.

Hunter McCoy Harbeson is survived by his Wife, Nicole Harbeson of Norfolk Virginia; Father Jeffrey McCoy Harbeson and Wife Candice Gee Harbeson, of Phoenix AZ His Mother Jacqueline Hunter Harbeson of Roanoke VA, Brother Jackson McCoy Harbeson of Roanoke VA, stepbrother Logan Johnson and stepsister Khloe Johnson. Paternal Grandfather Everett McCoy Harbeson of Kill Devil Hills NC, Paternal Grandmother Brenda McMurry and Husband Jay, Maternal Grandmother Diana Watson and husband Buddy of Charlotte NC. Numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends will also miss Hunter’s happy go lucky demeanor.

We are a small and close profession that serves families every day. When we lose a family member and sit as a client versus servant, our position doesn’t change our grief. Hunter’s unexpected loss is a reminder that each day is a gift. Love those close to you, laugh with those that matter, eat the great meal, enjoy the drink, and light the cigar...I would be grateful for the Funeral Nation and the funeral/cemetery community to keep our family in your thoughts as we remember a good man, my son Hunter Harbeson.

The Funeral Commander

On this episode, the boys are back with another special guest! Tom Anderson (Funeral Director Daily) is with us to discuss his publication, why we should break down earning reports, and how the profession needs to embrace technology. Also, did you ever think that drive-thru funerals would be taking place in 2020? We discuss all of this and more this FN week!

Check out Funeral Director Daily: http://funeraldirectordaily.com/

Sponsors:

DISRUPT Media - http://www.DISRUPTMedia.co

Plotbox - https://www.plotbox.io/

C&J Financial - http://www.cjf.com/