For Greg Norris, regional director for Homesteaders Life Company, the foundation of a successful preneed sales strategy isn’t flashy marketing or an especially persuasive pitch; it’s discipline.

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This we we speak with Joél Maldonado, "The Grave Woman," and her path into multicultural death care. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding different cultural backgrounds in death care. We also discuss Maldonado's connection to her Gullah-Geechee heritage and its influence on her work promoting culturally relevant death practices.

This episode covers inclusive funeral care with Joelle Maldonado, a grief support initiative from Bob DiPasquale, new NOR offerings at Goes Funeral Care, a cremation pricing spotlight in Florida, and breaking stories from Texas and Virginia. Plus, details on Kates-Boylston’s upcoming Technology Think Tank. Tune in for insights, innovations, and important industry updates in funeral service.

Kevon McKay of Mid-States Recycling and Refining discusses the evolution of cremation metal recycling and the importance of education for crematory owners. McKay will present “Keys to a Successful Recycling Program for your Crematory” at the Kates-Boylston Cremation Innovations virtual event, beginning 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 20.

Click here to register.

This week, we talk changing stereotypes, a pet crematory stepping up, Australia's cultural shift toward cremation, and controversial AI memorialization in Malaysia among other stories. 

In this episode, we speak with Ryan Reyes about how making connections can be a natural part of interpersonal interaction. 

Notes from this week's show. 

• New legislation making it easier for funeral directors to serve trans families regarding death certificates.
• Discussion of various awards relevant to the funeral service industry, including "Ones to Watch," Green Burial Council awards, and Funeral Service Foundation scholarships.
• Commentary on a funeral director's appearance on John Mulaney's talk show.
• Todd Bozell's appointment to the Selected Board and our 2024 feature on him. 
• NFDA Consumer Preference Study
• Wake Forest Law Podcast

Wendy Wiener of WRW Legal discusses the importance of double checking and shares some of her vision for the future of funeral service. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the week’s top stories.

All should be well again soon as Poul Lemasters takes over the reins at Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science following Jack Lechner’s resignation. 

Bio-Response gets a boost from 3 Boomerang Capital’s cash infusion. 

A vertical cemetery in Australia can be seen as a one-upmanship in green burials.

Parting Stone got this cool shoutout in the NY Post, but it also announced its 10,000th customer, which isn’t quite a tipping point but still worth mentioning.

Here’s the (non)story about natural organic reduction not being legal in Louisiana on the heels of NOR passing the Georgia House.

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Damon Wenig explains his view of funeral service as "high-stakes hospitality," highlighting the shift from traditional customer service to delivering an exceptional customer experience.