The Director's Playbook

Funeral Directors Life
  • 5.0 (15)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

It’s no secret that being a funeral professional is more challenging than ever. Between meeting families' changing needs and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of funeral service, you need proven strategies you can rely on to grow your business. Join us as host Paul Lovelace welcomes knowledgeable guests and shares insights and solutions from his 30+ years in sales, finance, and the funeral profession. Whether you're pursuing growth, aiming to reduce stress, or striving to stay on top of industry trends, The Director's Playbook offers the tools to help your funeral home thrive.

  1. Bob Gordon on innovative service

    4D AGO

    Bob Gordon on innovative service

    What happens when a 130-year-old cemetery combines innovation with tradition and legacy? In this episode, host Paul Lovelace welcomes Bob Gordon to the podcast. The two discuss the importance of understanding consumers' needs, innovative approaches to service, and future trends that focus on personalization and community engagement. About Bob Gordon: Bob Gordon is a fourth-generation funeral director with more than 45 years of experience in the profession. Bob is the President and CEO of Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association and is the current President of The International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association ICCFA (https://iccfa.com/).

    50 min
  2. Walker Posey on legacy and leadership

    DEC 9

    Walker Posey on legacy and leadership

    In this episode of The Director's Playbook, I sit down with Walker Posey, managing director of Posey Funeral Directors, a fourth-generation funeral home owner from South Carolina. We delve into the evolution of leadership within the funeral service, exploring the balance between tradition and innovation. Walker shares invaluable insights on the importance of community service, the changing dynamics of consumer expectations, and the integration of technology in funeral practices. From discussing the significance of meaningful ceremonies to the role of AI in enhancing services, Walker emphasizes the need for funeral professionals to adapt while maintaining their core values. Join us as we uncover the legacy of leadership and the future of funeral service through Walker's unique experiences and perspectives. About Walker Posey: Walker Posey is a fourth-generation funeral director and embalmer with a family history dating back 130 years in funeral service. Walker is the Owner and Funeral Director at Posey Funeral Directors and a spokesperson for the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).

    42 min
  3. Lisa Baue on women in the funeral profession

    NOV 25

    Lisa Baue on women in the funeral profession

    According to the American Board of Funeral Service Education, over 75% of the students enrolled in funeral service education programs in the U.S. in 2022 were women. Those numbers have continued to rise as more women are entering the funeral profession than ever before. In this episode, host Paul Lovelace welcomes Lisa Baue for a conversation about growth, leadership, and women in the funeral profession. Lisa reflects on her own journey as a funeral professional, from inheriting her father’s business to learning how to lead a team. For tips on cultivating a supportive work environment, recruiting the right people, embracing change, and more, listen now! About Lisa Baue: Lisa Baue is the founder and CEO of Funeral Women Lead, podcast host for 4 Women and a Funeral, and the best-selling author of Wake-Up Calls: A Journey of Learning to Lead and Succeed in the Funeral and Deathcare Profession.

    46 min
  4. Family-owned funeral homes with the Hoff family

    NOV 11

    Family-owned funeral homes with the Hoff family

    What does it take to run a successful, family-owned funeral home across generations? In this episode of The Director’s Playbook, host Paul Lovelace welcomes retired funeral home owner Tim Hoff and his children, Ashley Hoff-Czaplewski and Tyler Hoff, who are also funeral professionals. The group discusses working with family, the importance of succession planning, and the power of community connection. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to preserve a legacy while adapting to change, this episode is for you.

    50 min
  5. Curtis Funk and Kelly Gilgenbach on AI in funeral homes

    OCT 28

    Curtis Funk and Kelly Gilgenbach on AI in funeral homes

    Description: What if artificial intelligence could help you serve families better and make your funeral home more efficient? In this episode of the Director’s Playbook, host Paul Lovelace huddles up with Curtis Funk, CEO of Tukios, and Kelly Gilgenbach, VP of Sales at Funeral Directors Life and Passare, for a game-changing conversation on how AI is impacting funeral service. Curtis and Kelly share real-life AI examples, practical advice for getting started, and insights on how AI can free up your time for what matters most: human connection. Plus, learn how to improve your online presence for AI search to stay ahead of your competition.

    42 min
  6. Preneed sales professionals and Macy Lane

    OCT 14

    Preneed sales professionals and Macy Lane

    What if one staff member could boost your revenue, strengthen your team, and give families the peace of mind they need? In this episode, host Paul Lovelace sits down with Macy Lane, a licensed funeral director turned preneed specialist, to reveal how she's helped many funeral homes in her area. Macy shares how a dedicated sales professional can drive your preneed program, reduce staff stress, and create lasting value for families. Plus, you’ll learn practical tips for integrating preneed into your operations and using technology to stay ahead.

    40 min
  7. Mortuary school trends and insights with Cody Walker

    SEP 30

    Mortuary school trends and insights with Cody Walker

    In a 2023 survey, the National Funeral Directors Association found that nearly 60% of all funeral professionals planned to retire by 2028. How will that impact the funeral profession? In this episode of The Director’s Playbook, host Paul Lovelace is joined by Cody Walker, Dean of Assessment at Pierce Colleges of Funeral Service. They explore what’s being done to prepare the next generation of funeral professionals and what you can do to support them. From mortuary school trends to the importance of embracing new ideas, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you build a strong team that’s ready for the future.

    34 min
  8. Technology in the funeral profession with Josh McQueen and Kyle Swearingen

    SEP 16

    Technology in the funeral profession with Josh McQueen and Kyle Swearingen

    Technology is changing the way funeral homes operate. But for many funeral professionals, that shift can bring uncertainty. Will technology replace funeral professionals? Is it possible to utilize technology without losing human connection? Host Paul Lovelace sits down with FDL’s very own Josh McQueen, VP of Marketing and Product, and Kyle Swearingen, VP of Development, to tackle those questions head-on. They explore how funeral homes can embrace innovation as a tool to better serve families. From overcoming resistance to change to using technology as a competitive advantage, this episode provides valuable insights every funeral home can use.

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

It’s no secret that being a funeral professional is more challenging than ever. Between meeting families' changing needs and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of funeral service, you need proven strategies you can rely on to grow your business. Join us as host Paul Lovelace welcomes knowledgeable guests and shares insights and solutions from his 30+ years in sales, finance, and the funeral profession. Whether you're pursuing growth, aiming to reduce stress, or striving to stay on top of industry trends, The Director's Playbook offers the tools to help your funeral home thrive.

Information

  • Creator
    Funeral Directors Life
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean

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