From early on in this project, I wanted to have deathcare salons, where several people turn over a topic and evaluate everyone else’s. It’s different from a debate because no one’s trying to win, and with any luck, we all know a little bit more by the end. This is in this ballpark, although everyone is essentially supporting the same thesis, which is that selling Selected Independent Funeral Homes to the NFDA is likely a mistake. Our conversation is more about the process, which has become maybe a little more take-it-or-leave-it than anyone intended it to be. It’s important to add (as I mention in the introduction) that this story took a turn right around the time we finished recording this on Friday afternoon. The short version is that the chairman of the board said that, given that there were no other proposals offered, it only made sense to sell. Nathaneal Billows, who helped arrange this event, responded to the chairman, letting him know he was happy to help cultivate other options. Many of those other options are alluded to, or sometimes spelled out pretty plainly, in this show. OK. You’ll all caught up. Finally (as I also mention in the introduction), I would like to do more discussions like this. I think it was productive and satisfying. If there’s anything you’d like to see tackled, shoot me an email or leave it in the comments. Best, Tony Russo In the interest of keeping this discussion timely, I relied pretty heavily on the AI interpretation of the transcript for these show notes. If something seems off, it very well may be. If in doubt, best to go directly to the show. The provided podcast transcript features a group discussion regarding a proposed, highly controversial acquisition of Selected Independent Funeral Homes by the National Funeral Directors Association. Hosted by Tony Russo, the panel includes longtime funeral directors, past association presidents, and active members. Below are the detailed show notes along with timestamped summaries of each section. Show Notes & Discussion Topics – Introduction & Background * Host Tony Russo opens the discussion alongside Nathanael Billow. * They address the overwhelming response and concerns surrounding a recent association meeting regarding a proposed merger between Selected Independent Funeral Homes and the NFDA. – Member Frustrations Over Association Leadership * Nathanael Billow criticizes the board’s top-down, rushed approach and lack of transparency over the last six weeks. * Discussion surrounding the chaotic annual meeting in Louisville, where members were given only 80 minutes to discuss a landmark decision. * Billow highlights a tense floor moment where legal counsel stated member motions were non-binding and the board had no obligation to listen to member feedback. – Lack of Information & Alternatives * Paul St. Pierre emphasizes that member involvement should happen throughout major processes—not just at the end—and calls for credible alternative options. * John C. Greco compares the merger vote to being forced into a “blind date” marriage without essential information. * Glenn Taylor (Past President) explains he cannot vote “yes” due to a total lack of clarity regarding the terms of the merger. – Preserving Tradition and Demanding Transparency * Boyd Mothe shares his family’s multi-generational history with Selected Independent Funeral Homes. * Mothe critiques the leadership’s failure to consult third-party firms or present clear, member-vetted pathways, comparing the situation to being forced onto a bus without knowing the destination. – Exploring Alternative Solutions & Voting Thresholds * The panel discusses alternative structures, including Association Management Companies (AMCs). * Eric Trimble addresses member concerns regarding a non-disclosure on the memorandum of intent and questions the voting requirement shifting from a two-thirds majority down to a 51% simple majority. – Communication Breakdown & Board Governance * Glenn Taylor and Nathanael Billow express frustration over the controlled, orchestrated nature of recent meetings. * Chris Branson shares that neither Selected leadership nor NFDA leadership could answer basic questions about what the post-merger organization would actually look like. – Shifting Board Dynamics & Engagement Issues * Panelists analyze how association governance shifted toward reliance on executive direction over member leadership. * Discussion on board appointment processes vs. open member elections, noting that experienced past leadership has been repeatedly passed over for less experienced members. * Eric Trimble notes how changing industry demographics and firm sizes impact member participation. – Round-Robin Final Thoughts & The Path Forward * Nathanael Billow: Urges members to vote “No” to buy time, regain trust, and focus on member value. * Boyd Mothe: Expresses deep concern over the potential internal breakdown of long-standing professional networks. * John C. Greco & Chris Branson: Reaffirm strong “No” positions based on the lack of transparency, hoping this serves as a wake-up call for the association. * Glenn Taylor: Calls for a proactive “Plan B” to rebuild and modernize Selected block-by-block if the merger fails. * Eric Trimble: Compares the sudden merger push to a sudden death grieving process, warning against abandoning the core principle of independence. * Paul St. Pierre: Clarifies that a “No” vote is not a vote for the status quo, but a vote to examine better options while protecting the organization’s independent identity. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe
