
The Director's Playbook
BusinessEntrepreneurship50 episodes
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.
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Mortuary school trends and insights with Cody Walker
33 min 33 sec
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.Play episode
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Technology’s place in the funeral profession
31 min 36 sec
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.Play episode
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The Expert Families Need: Dr. Alan Wolfelt on Funeral Education | Part 2
20 min 30 sec
You believe in the value of funerals.
Now, it’s time to learn how to share that value with families.
In part two of their conversation, host Paul Lovelace and renowned grief counselor, author, and speaker Dr. Alan Wolfelt move beyond the “why” of funeral education and dive into the “how.” This episode challenges you to rethink old habits, embrace your role as a teacher, and confidently lead families in a changing world.
Discover practical ways to guide families with empathy, ask better questions, and use funeral ceremony elements to create healing experiences.
To learn more about how to clearly and compassionately share the value of a funeral with families, explore The Virtual Wolfelt Experience (www.fdl.co/virtual-wolfelt-experience) and discuss a custom training package for your funeral home.Play episode
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The Expert Families Need: Dr. Alan Wolfelt on Funeral Education | Part 1
28 min 36 sec
Are you giving families what they want or what they need?
Many families don't know how to create a healing and meaningful funeral. You can change that - if you're willing to educate families.
Host Paul Lovelace welcomes renowned grief counselor, author, and speaker Dr. Alan Wolfelt to the podcast to discuss why funeral professionals need to be teachers and experts for families. The two explore why most families are unfamiliar with death and grief, the responsibility you have to share your knowledge, how to teach families while respecting their wishes, and more.
Leave a lasting impact on those you serve by turning your arrangement conference room into a classroom!
To learn more about how to clearly and compassionately share the value of a funeral with families, explore The Virtual Wolfelt Experience (https://www.fdl.co/virtual-wolfelt-experience) and discuss a custom training package for your funeral home.Play episode
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Education to engagement: Advance planning seminars
28 min 37 sec
Advance planning seminars have long been a great way to grow a funeral home’s preneed program. But the value of these seminars goes beyond securing appointments. They also build trust with your families.
In this episode of The Director’s Playbook, host Paul Lovelace and Patrick Zalusky, Owner of Laker Planning Service, discuss how these events can generate leads and be the first step in building relationships with families. From planning and marketing to presentation and follow-up, you’ll get practical tips on how to have impactful seminars and develop strategies to overcome common fears, measure success, and create an experience that’s meaningful. Play episode
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