In this episode of The Rest, Tony Russo dives into the importance of “being the face” of your funeral business to establish authentic community trust. From the upcoming ICCFA Experience to legislative shifts in Illinois, we cover the latest trends in death care and the technology aiming to simplify family arrangements.

Key Discussion Points

* The Power of Authenticity: By sharing real, unpolished moments, professionals can build a unique level of trust with their local communities.

* Media Spotlights:

* Rebecca Case of Case Funeral Home uses regular local news segments to demystify deathcare for her neighbors.

* Kathleen Wagner Elfner uses “raw” social media videos to document renovations and connect with her community.

* David Ucci of Hills Skeffington Funeral Home highlights industry collaboration as local competitors help his business rebuild after a fire.

* Parting Stone’s Global Reach: A look at a Metro UK feature detailing how David Bailey used solidified remains to take his father on a final 500-mile road trip.

* History in Duluth: Tony reviews a PBS North feature exploring the evolution of funeral service from furniture making to modern cremation societies.

* Legislative News: The Illinois House has passed HB 5425, moving the state one step closer to legalizing human composting (terramation).

* Cemetery Tech Evolution: An introduction to Guidant, a new platform from George Owens and Michael Cooperman that introduces “Buy Now” functionality for cemetery plots online.

In this episode of On the Clock, Tony Russo speaks with Maureen Krienen, a fourth-generation funeral director and candidate for an at-large position on the National Funeral Directors Association Board of Directors. Krienen discusses her transition into ownership of her family’s firm and her motivations for seeking a national leadership role.

Professional Background

* Experience: Krienen has been a licensed funeral director since 2017.

* Current Role: She serves as the president of her family’s funeral firm in Wilmington, Delaware, after purchasing the business from her father at the end of last year.

* Local Leadership: She is the immediate past president of the Delaware State Funeral Association, with her term concluding in October.

Key Industry Issues

* Staffing and Retention: Krienen identifies staffing as the most significant challenge facing the industry. She notes high burnout rates—often within five years—and emphasizes the need for firms to become “ideal employers” by offering better work-life balance and inclusive environments for younger professionals.

* Licensure: Regarding the debate over split licensure (separating embalmer and funeral director licenses), Krienen advocates for maintaining high professional and public health standards regardless of the specific license level.

* The Value of NFDA: For small, family-owned firms, Krienen describes the NFDA as a “lifeline” and “safety net,” providing essential resources such as legal counsel, standardized forms, and federal advocacy.

Advocacy and Engagement

* Legislative Action: Krienen shares her experience participating in the NFDA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., where she lobbied representatives on industry-related bills.

* National Programs: She highlights the impact of the National Emerging Leadership Program and the Women’s Conference in fostering professional camaraderie and connections.

In this episode, host Tony Russo sits down with Nadira Baddeliyanage, Executive Director of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, to celebrate her 30-year milestone with the organization. Nadira shares her journey from “cleaning the database” to leading the association through a transformative era where leadership must be both the “brains and the face” of the profession.

The conversation dives deep into the ICCFA’s critical advocacy work in Washington, D.C., the upcoming “ICCFA Experience” in Fort Worth, and the unique, immersive educational environment of ICCFA University.

Subscribe now for expert insights, legislative updates, and exclusive educational highlights.

Key Highlights

🏛️ Advocacy at the Capital

Nadira discusses her recent trip to Washington, D.C., highlighting the federal-level work the ICCFA performs for its members.

* The “Body Broker” Issue: Pushing for the Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act to ensure transparency and regulation in non-transplant tissue donation.

* The Funeral Expenses Act: Lobbying for legislation to allow tax-free HSA funds to cover funeral costs.

* Cemetery Trusts: Seeking increased tax deductions for cemetery plots.

🎡 The “ICCFA Experience” (April 29 – May 1)

Learn how the ICCFA is “shaking things up” by moving away from traditional convention formats.

* Music Festival Inspiration: The convention now features three stages, exhibits, and education all in one high-energy Expo Hall.

* Integrated Learning: Breakout sessions and meals happen within the hall to foster constant connection and innovation.

🎓 ICCFA University (July 17 – 22)

Nadira shares why this week-long program at Emory University is her favorite educational initiative.

* Specialized Colleges: From Cremation Services and Land Management to Technology and Leadership.

* Scholarship Opportunities: The ICCFA Educational Foundation awards 100 scholarships annually to help professionals attend.

* Lifelong Connections: Beyond the curriculum, the university builds a support network that graduates rely on for years.

Notable Quotes

“I think the brains also has to become the face because we are serving communities and people that are very visual these days ... they want to relate better.” – Nadira Baddeliyanage

“Something I learned in this profession early on is people love to share and people love to help each other.” – Nadira Baddeliyanage

Resources Mentioned

* ICCFA Experience: Fort Worth, Texas (April 29 – May 1).

* ICCFA University: Atlanta, Georgia (July 17 – 22).

* Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act.

In this episode, Tony Russo breaks down a high-stakes week in the funeral industry, from executive departures at Park Lawn to significant legal and regulatory shifts in Texas and beyond.

Top Stories

* Park Lawn Executive Shakeup: Major leadership changes as Jennifer Hay, Mat Forastiere, and Jay Dodds are dismissed. Tony discusses the appointment of Markus Sturm and Steve Shaffer and its imlications.

* Homesteaders and Consolidation: An exploration of how Homesteaders has increasingly moved toward financing industry consolidation and its complex, often quiet relationship with Park Lawn.

* Everstory EEOC Lawsuit: Updates on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission suit against Everstory Partners (formerly StoneMor) regarding allegations of segregated bathroom policies at a Memphis cemetery.

* Texas Funeral Service Commission Resignation: Kristen Tips has resigned as executive director. Tony speculates on the factors behind this departure, including ongoing lawsuits and upcoming investigative reporting.

* Texas Fugitive: News on Javian Major, a figure involved in several ruined funerals, who is currently on the run after having his license revoked.

Legislation and Licensing

* Human Composting in Oklahoma: Oklahoma State Senator Casey Murdock defends a human composting bill, criticizing “intentionally uninformed” opposition while addressing the economic benefits for families.

* Dual Licensure Debate: Inspired by Rachel Mackey’s testimony to the D.C. Council, Tony examines the pros and cons of dual licensure for funeral directors and embalmers.

Market Watch

* Earnings Season Preview: Carriage and Matthews International announce maintained dividends as the industry prepares for Q1/Q2 earnings reports.

The “Final Whistle”

* Tony reflects on a unique funeral trend from the UK: “final whistle” services for soccer fans, and how the sport serves as a poignant metaphor for the end of life.

In this episode of On the Clock, Tony Russo sits down with Shelby Ogozaly, a first-generation funeral director and NFDA at-large candidate. As part of a notably younger wave of leadership in deathcare, Shelby discusses her journey from being the youngest female president of the Allegheny County Funeral Directors Association to running for a national board position. She shares her vision for a more progressive future that respects tradition while embracing modern memorialization and professional advocacy.

Join us for more insights on industry trends, from rising cremation rates to the new era of professional funeral advocacy.

Key Topics Covered

* The Rise of Young Leadership: Why Shelby chose to get involved early in her career rather than waiting for decades of experience.

* Reimagining Cremation: How funeral directors can educate families on the vast options for memorialization, visitations, and personalized services even when choosing cremation.

* The Future of the Industry: A look at the shifting landscape of funeral service, including the projected rise in cremation rates and the trend of downsizing or selling properties.

* Advocacy and Representation: Shelby’s goals for the NFDA, focusing on listening to the membership to drive education and support for both owners and non-owners.

* Women in Power: The shift toward more female representation in executive death care roles and the impact of mentors like Ellen Wynn McBrayer.

In this week’s episode, Tony Russo breaks down the latest shifts in the death care industry, from innovative “witness cremation” practices to legal battles over human composting. We also look at the collapse of a digital arrangement startup and the ongoing regulatory struggles involving pre-need funeral contracts.

In This Episode:

* Reframing Cremation in Tucson: How Bring’s Broadway Chapel is turning witness cremation into a “memorializable event” and why offering it as a standard part of the process is a game-changer.

* Expansion: A South Carolina funeral home family buys a downtown event center to offer celebrations of life without the overhead of a traditional funeral home branch.

* The Human Compost: Fresno County considers a ban on human compost as fertilizer following a “poorly managed crisis” and public pushback against Earth Funeral.

* NIMBY vs. Conservation Burials: The Jefferson Land Trust in Washington tries a “door-to-door” education approach after zoning and neighbor complaints stalled their previous burial ground project.

* The Preneed Problem: Licenses are suspended in Indiana and Missouri as investigators find over a million dollars in unfiled or unauthorized funeral contracts.

* Tech Industry Exit: Why digital arrangement platform Repose.io shuttered in March despite strong funeral home adoption.

In this episode of On the Clock, Tony Russo sits down with Steven Johnson, CFSP, a first-generation funeral director from Western New York who has overseen massive business growth, expanding from four to eight locations in just five years. Steven pulls back the curtain on his “secret weapon” for organic growth: Earned Media.

He shares how funeral directors can stop “begging” for coverage and start becoming a primary source for local news, while also discussing his current run for the NFDA Board of Directors.

Love deep dives into business growth? Subscribe for weekly insights that help you master your craft and stay ahead of trends.

Key Takeaways

* The Power of the Press Release: Steven explains how simple PR efforts for awards or events like the Pursuit of Excellence award or the NFDA Advocacy Summit provide opportunities to build community trust.

* Growing through Acquisition & Intent: Learn how Steven tripled his call volume in five years through a mix of strategic acquisitions and organic community presence.

* The Value of the NFDA: From world-class continuing education to networking with vendors (like mycelium/mushroom casket makers), Steven discusses why national involvement is vital for the modern director.

* A New Generation of Leadership: Steven discusses his decision to run for an “At Large” seat on the NFDA Board and the importance of bringing a younger voice to the industry’s highest levels.

Timestamped Chapters

* [00:00] Introduction to Steven Johnson and H.E. Turner & Co.

* [01:25] Scaling from 4 to 8 locations: The growth story.

* [02:27] Why you must be your own biggest advocate in the media.

* [03:26] Turning “boring” industry events into local news headlines.

* [06:22] Dealing with “bad actors” and controlling the narrative.

* [10:31] Why the NFDA matters (and yes, mushroom caskets).

* [14:20] Running for the NFDA Board: The need for younger voices.

In this episode, Tony Russo sits down with Pablo Metz, co-founder of Germany-based Circulum Systems, to discuss the operational and technical realities of bringing Terramation to the U.S. market. Metz shares how his background in tech and problem-solving led him to develop the soil-transformation process with his partner.

Metz breaks down the “Three Pillars of Respect” that guide their technology, focusing on the family’s grieving process, the safety and dignity of the funeral home staff, and environmental efficiency.

Subscribe for insights into the green revolution transforming funeral service. Don’t miss an episode.

Key Takeaways

* The Wholesale Model: Circulum Systems operates as a technology and service provider, partnering with local funeral experts rather than competing as a direct-to-consumer funeral home.

* The 40-Day Cycle: The transformation process takes exactly 40 days, a duration that aligns with biological requirements and carries significant symbolic weight across multiple faiths.

* Microbial Heat vs. External Energy: The process relies entirely on natural microbial activity, reaching temperatures of 160°F to eliminate pathogens without supplemental heating elements.

* Operational Footprint: The standard starter setup of 10 vessels requires approximately 2,500 square feet.

* Capital Investment: The estimated investment for 10 vessels, including necessary post-processing units for soil and bone refinement, is roughly $1 million.

* Logistics & Aesthetics: Vessels are designed with wheels for easy movement into chapels or funeral homes without requiring a forklift for basic setups.

* Soil Output: On average, the process produces approximately 200 pounds of nutrient-rich soil per decedent.

Resources Mentioned

* Circulum Systems: circulumsystems.com

* Green-Wood Cemetery: New York partner site

* TerraCon: The industry conference where Metz connected with U.S. providers

In this week’s roundup, we dive into the major shifts impacting mortuary education, a bittersweet farewell to a historic Polish funeral home, and ongoing legal battles regarding religious burial rights in Minnesota. We also look back at a personal essay about Black casket salesmen and tease a massive new data report from the Johnson Consulting Group.

Key Stories This Week

* Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science Major Changes: Following a year of student protests and leadership turnover, CCMS has announced it is rejoining Xavier College and selling its 16-acre site for $7.2 million. We explore what this means for the future of private mortuary schools and the shift toward online credentialing.

* A 119-Year Legacy Ends: The Giminski-Wysocki funeral home in Syracuse is closing its doors. Known for serving the Polish community, the home’s remaining antique furniture is being sold via an estate sale, highlighting the challenges of maintaining traditional physical estates in a changing market.

* Religious Rights & Green Burials in Minnesota: An update on the legal “limbo” facing a conservation burial ground and a new lawsuit against Estes Funeral Chapel and Elmhurst Cemetery regarding the alleged refusal to accommodate Islamic burial rites.

* History of Segregation in Casket Sales: A look at a personal essay detailing the experiences of Black casket salesmen at Batesville during the 70s and 80s, including the landmark anti-discrimination suit against Hillenbrand Industries.

* Industry Data Deep Dive: The Johnson Consulting Group released an analysis of over 650,000 records. Preliminary findings show that 10.2% of surveys generate leads, primarily in grief support and pre-need services.

In this episode of On the Clock, Tony Russo sits down with Rehan Choudhry, founder of Chptr, to discuss the company’s growth and future. Chptr has expanded from a niche concept to a broad service provider. The conversation focuses on how the company is streamlining obituary distribution and helping funeral homes reclaim digital traffic from third-party aggregators.

Key Discussion Points

* Market Scaling: Chptr has secured partnerships with major funeral groups including Milestone, Anthem, and Heritage.

* Broadcast Integration: The company is now under contract with over 75% of television stations in the U.S.

* Operational Efficiency: By reducing the unit cost of a televised obituary, Chptr aims to make broadcast announcements a standard, often complimentary service for families.

* Digital Ownership: Rehan explains the importance of funeral homes maintaining ownership of their content rather than allowing traffic to be siphoned by outside platforms.

* Service Automation: A “white-glove” slideshow service handles production tasks that previously consumed funeral directors’ time.

* Stay Tuned: A national campaign is planned for late April to highlight the role of funeral directors as essential community responders.