Boost your contract totals! Caroline Andree, Head of Merchandising at Parting Pro, reveals the most popular merchandise chosen by families based on exclusive data from thousands of online arrangements at Parting Pro. Learn what's selling and how to tailor your recommendations to maximize your contract totals and provide the most value for families.

If you'd like the insert of the best selling merchandise, please email caroline@partingpro.com for a copy.

Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(00:40) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:33) What Caroline will be sharing with us today
(02:03) Where Caroline gets the data
(03:14) Trends in funeral home merchandise
(06:59) Ways to increase the number of families that choose to purchase memorials
(09:20) Impact of conversations with families
(10:51) Green and sustainable options in merchandise
(14:28) Best-selling urns
(18:47) One mistake that we found
(20:30) Best-selling keepsakes
(23:18) Best-selling jewelry
(27:57) Anything else Caroline found interesting in the data
(30:04) How much merchandise is being sold per arrangement
(30:21) Caroline shares some tips
(31:31) Optimizing merchandise displays
(32:58) Warm-toned merchandise preference
(34:55) Where to find Caroline

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

At the helm of a successful funeral home, a new cemetery, and a growing online cremation service, Bryce Bunker exemplifies a family-focused, service-centric approach that has propelled him to success in competitive corners of death care.

In this episode of the Direct Cremation Podcast, discover how Bryce's innovative methods have redefined service in the cemetery. Learn about his strategic insights into the fast-growing, highly competitive market of low-cost online cremations, and how his unique blend of compassion and entrepreneurship is setting new standards.

Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(01:07) Welcome to Direct Cremation Podcast
(01:20) Welcome Bryce Bunker!
(02:05) Exploring Other Paths
(05:28) Bryce's Experience Working in a Startup
(07:14) Innovation and Multi-Generational Owners
(12:19) After.com - Online Cremation Platform
(16:09) Differences and Longevity
(21:09) Bryce Being an Angel Investor
(24:32) Future Plans for Funeral Home and Cemetery
(28:38) What's next for After.com?
(30:44) Bryce's Next Business?
(35:20) "Cemeteries Now Need a Lot of Creativity"
(37:32) What does Bryce think Deathcare will look like in 10 years?
(39:28) Polarization in the Market
(44:12) Final Thoughts

For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at https://directcremation.com
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

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

Jimmy Altmeyer is as impressive as they come. As a fourth-generation funeral director, he started with 3 funeral homes and has grown his empire into 53 rooftops and serves over 12,000 families each year. While that accomplishment alone is impressive, when you hear how Jimmy talks about the profession and the level of service that he strives to provide to every family that his companies serve, that’s where he really shines. 

In this episode, Jimmy gives us a peek into how his funeral homes maintain such a high level of service at a scale larger than some corporately owned groups. You won’t be able to find many others more impressive in death care.

Timestamps 
(00:00) Intro
(01:51) Welcome Jimmy Altmeyer!
(02:18) How Jimmy found Funeral Profession
(05:34) Challenges, perspective, and business acumen
(06:26) Building a funeral empire from three to many
(09:05) Building, competing, and acquiring in the death care industry
(13:27) A closer look at traditional, mid-tier, and online-only options
(14:59) Strategic service offerings and and preventing self-cannibalization
(20:03) Navigating the price-driven landscape and rediscovering the value of funeral services
(27:00) Industry giants, legal dynamics, and potential transformations
(28:52) A deep dive into funeral home management strategies
(35:01) Fostering consistency and excellence: Funeral home management insights
(39:41) The purpose of Treasured Memories brand
(48:34) A day in the life of a funeral home entrepreneur
(51:34) Continuing the legacy
(52:33) The art of funeral home acquisitions and cultural alignment
(55:03) Jimmy answers the question: What does funeral service looks like in 10 years

For Innovative Funeral Directors Blazing a Trail. Find us at https://directcremation.com
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

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