Homesteaders Blog

The Funeral Rule is Facing Updates: Here's How Your Firm Can Prepare

For funeral professionals, it’s important to maintain professionalism and empathy throughout a client family’s experience with your business. Providing clear and itemized pricing information is also very important. Not only does this allow your families to make informed decisions without feeling added pressure during an already emotional time, but it also ensures that your funeral home is in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Funeral Rule.

Highlights from ICCFA DEAD Talks 2024

Last week, hundreds of funeral service professionals from all over (as far away as Guatemala!) traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada for the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) DEAD Talks 2024 sales conference at the Park MGM. Homesteaders Life Company was a proud Black Diamond sponsor for the 2024 event, held January 16-18.

ICCFA is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral service, cremation and memorialization profession. Each year, they host an annual conference featuring speakers in a variety of sales-related topics like marketing, strategy and even AI in business as well as provide ample networking opportunities.

7 Ways to Support Employees During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration and togetherness with family and friends. For those in the funeral service profession however, it’s also one of the busiest times of the year.  

Insights and Takeaways from the 2023 ICCFA Leadership Summit

The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) recently held its annual Leadership Summit October 24 – 26 in Tucson, Arizona. This year’s event was in partnership with the Death Care Collective, an organization of female leaders dedicated to fostering connections, strengthening relationships, and empowering women in the death care profession. 

We sat down with Homesteaders’ leaders Scott Morris, Regional Director – Strategic Markets; Dan Lodermeier, Vice President – Field Sales and Danielle Burmeister, Vice President – Marketing Communications, who attended the summit for their takeaways from the event.

6 Reasons to Preplan Your Funeral

No one likes the thought of their own death, and planning a funeral can be uncomfortable and daunting for some people, but it doesn’t have to be. With advance funeral planning, you’re helping ensure your final wishes and saving your family the emotional and financial burden of having to make these important decisions after you’re gone.

6 Tips to Successfully Sell Your Funeral Home Business

Managing and operating a successful funeral home is certainly not for the faint of heart, so when it comes time to transition the business, it may be difficult to put together a succession plan for something that represents your life’s work.

7 Comforting Text Messages to Send to Someone Who is Grieving

It’s something that has likely happened to most of us. Someone you know recently lost a loved one and you want to let them know you’re thinking about them in the days, weeks or months to follow. When you are unable to comfort your friend or family member in person, a thoughtful text message can make just as much of an impact, letting them know you care and are there to support them. However, knowing what to text to someone who is grieving can be tricky.

4 Tips for Planning Meaningful Funeral Services for "Nones"

Traditionally, funeral services have been tied to specific religious or cultural traditions. But as new generations come of age, there’s a growing trend that has shifted toward honoring loved ones through services that reflect personal beliefs and individual values rather than being centered around organized religion.

Death Care Collective Empowers Female Leaders in the Funeral Industry

A significant demographic shift in the funeral industry has occurred in recent years. As more female workers enter the funeral profession, the need for a space to provide community and support for success quickly arose, and the Death Care Collective initiative was established. A group of driven female leaders in the industry were determined to provide opportunities to empower one another and promote the employment and advancement of women in the funeral industry. Thus the formation of the member-based group, which is currently in the process of becoming a registered nonprofit organization.

Best Practices for Setting Up Preneed Appointments

Generating new business and establishing meaningful connections with client families is a key component to any successful funeral home business plan, and growth in preneed services is essential to help ensure the sustainability of your business. Setting up preneed appointments over the phone is one of the best ways to build brand awareness within your community, increase your preneed sales and help secure your at-need market share.