Few in death care can match the experience and perspective of Thomas J. Anderson—fourth-generation funeral director, community leader, University of Minnesota Regent, and the voice behind the widely read Funeral Director Daily blog. In this episode of The Direct Cremation Podcast, host Tyler Yamasaki, CEO of Parting Pro, dives into Anderson’s story of legacy, innovation, and gratitude.

From stepping up at 19 to keep the family business alive, to modernizing operations and navigating a successful sale, Anderson’s journey is a playbook for today’s funeral home owners facing an evolving market.

-

Timestamps

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:54 Welcome to the Direct Cremation Podcast!
00:01:06 Welcome, Thomas J. Anderson!
00:02:34 The Anderson Family Legacy and Funeral Business
00:07:01 Expanding the Funeral Business
00:10:52 Innovation in Funeral Business
00:18:47 Selling the Business and Non-negotiables
00:20:41 Value of Brand Name and Pre-need
00:32:01 The Start of Funeral Director Daily
00:33:49 The Growth and Impact of Funeral Director Daily
00:37:51 The Role of "Experiences" in Funeral Services
00:39:32 The Goal of The Funeral Director Daily
00:46:49 Consolidation in Funeral Business: Pros and Cons
00:49:02 Advice for Funeral Home Owners Considering Selling
00:54:57 Speed Round: Future of Various Aspects of Funeral Industry
00:55:17 Alkaline Hydrolysis
00:56:27 Composting/Natural Organic Reduction
00:58:05 Online Cremation Brands
00:58:40 Online Memorialization Beyond Static Obituary
00:59:38 Cemeteries
01:02:55 Women in the Death Care Industry
01:07:31 Online Pricing Transparency and Regulation Changes
01:10:03 Consumer Trends and Traditional Funeral Services

For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail.
A podcast for funeral home owners where we talk about trends & opportunities we see in the funeral home industry. We bring on death care professionals and cremation experts to share what they know.

Click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/3PxOqMO
Find us at https://directcremation.com
Spotify: http://bit.ly/3yDEwj7
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3lj2soT

Want to start a cremation brand yourself? Learn how the some of the biggest cremation brands do it at https://www.partingpro.com

Learn the playbook responsible for growing my family business to over 4500 calls a year without digital marketing: https://wdgroupconsulting.com