The International Convention and Expo is taking place in Chicago October 26th to the 29th. To get ready for the big event we have 3 convention preview episodes for you. In those episodes, host, Gabe Schauf, is joined by the Innovation Award Finalists, some of the Workshop Presenters, and of course, the Keynote speakers.

In this second episode we will hear from some of our workshop speakers. There will be over 30 workshop presentations for attendees to choose from during the NFDA International Convention and Expo. Topics covered will include embalming, customer service, grief, human resources, marketing and more. In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf is joined by four of the workshop presenters, Anna Nesbit, Jeff Smith, Sherrie Dunlevy and Amanda King to learn more about them and get a sneak peak into what they will be discussing in their presentations

Join us for the International Convention and Expo this October in Chicago and start planning your itinerary today. Check out www.convention.nfda.org for more information.

This episode is sponsored by Legacy.com.

The International Convention and Expo is taking place in Chicago October 26th to the 29th. To get ready for the big event we have 3 convention preview episodes for you. In those episodes, host, Gabe Schauf, is joined by the Innovation Award Finalists, some of the Workshop Presenters, and of course, the Keynote speakers.

In this first episode we will hear from the innovation award finalists. The NFDA Innovation Award is sponsored this year by ASD and gives companies and organizations the opportunity to showcase their new product and service ideas designed to enhance the funeral profession and its function. The finalists this year are Afterword, Healing Path Cemetery, and Passare.

Click here to learn more about Afterword

Click here to learn more about Healing Path Cemetery

Click here to learn more about Passare

Click here to register for the 2025 International Convention and Expo

This episode is sponsored by ASD

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf chats with 5 funeral professionals from around the country to share practical tips and techniques for elevating how to care for families and improve customer service at your funeral home. These are easy, cost-effective, things you can do to make a big difference right away

Guests in this episode include:

- Preston McKee – President of Morris-Baker Funeral Home & Cremation Services based in Johnson City, TN (2:44)

- Nic Stevenson – Funeral Director with Stevenson Funeral Home based in Dickinson, ND (11:18)

- Thomas Harty – Funeral Director with Day Funeral Home in Randolph, VT (15:05)

- Geraldine Oliverie – Owner of Oliverie Funeral Home in Manchester, NJ (22:51)

- Doug Gober – Owner and Partner of Foresight (31:44)

Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, this episode has something for everyone.

This episode is sponsored by Funeral Women Lead. Learn more at https://funeralwomenlead.org/

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf sits down with Eileen Hollis, a licensed funeral director at Hollis Funeral Home in Syracuse, New York, and a prominent social media influencer. Eileen shares her story and experiences behind building a successful online following by openly discussing the funeral profession and demystifying death.

The two explore the unique responsibilities of a funeral director engaging in the digital world, how her social media interactions are shaping the future of the profession, and the impact of public response on removing taboos surrounding death.

This episode is sponsored by Funeral Women Lead.
Learn more at https://funeralwomenlead.org/

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf speaks with Greg Grabowski, author of "Engaging in the Heart of Hospice" and President of Serviam Hospice. Their conversation centers on the vital connection between funeral directors and hospice organizations and how a stronger partnership leads to more comprehensive care for grieving families.

This episode is sponsored by Funeral Women Lead. Learn more at https://funeralwomenlead.org/

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 and welcome to the funeral service profession!

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf sits down with recent graduates Natasha Jules, William Trotman, Trinity Cornelius, and Cameron Smith. They share what inspired them to pursue funeral service, the lessons they’ve learned through their schooling and apprentice experiences, and what lies ahead as they begin their careers.

We wish you a blessed and peaceful Memorial Day. Never forget their sacrifice.

In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf is joined by Lanae Strovers, Iowa funeral director and Trainer with the NFDA. to learn about her organization, The Final Salute.

Since 2018, The Final Salute has worked to locate and identify the unclaimed cremated remains of Veterans, children and civilians and provide them the proper burial services and honors they deserve.

Visit their Facebook page and learn more by clicking HERE.

In this episode, host Gabe Schauf explores the value of mentorship in the funeral profession. Joined by Lauren Budrow, a licensed funeral director and mortuary science educator, and Calvin Amato, a funeral trainee and soon-to-be graduate, the discussion addresses the true meaning of mentorship, its long-term effects on professionals and families, and how both seasoned and aspiring funeral directors can develop meaningful mentor-mentee relationships.

Also, check out the April issue of The Director for a deeper dive into mentorship and more contributions from Lauren and Calvin.

This episode is sponsored by Tribute Technology