untitled

A16 / 76

Page A16 JUNE 2017 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A
By Mark Pennington
Do yourself a favor, don’t get into a rut because you’ve
had your business for a while, or especially if you’ve in-
herited your firm. Every couple of years go to a few
conventions or meetings and find out what’s trending,
what the industry’s talking about and what’s new with
suppliers. I’m pretty sure you’ll discover something that
will improve your business, your attitude and your bot-
tom line.
And finally, we haven’t even mentioned the social as-
pect. Last time I looked, my funeral director associates
wouldn’t turn down the chance to just “hang out” with
like-minded people who share their problems and ex-
pectations. When you’re out of your town and not be-
ing held to possibly unreasonable standards, you can
have a beer, relax, be funny, be a “regular” guy/gal. That
alone can help you recharge.
Associations
Not interested? That’s the feeling I’ve taken back with
me after attending literally hundreds of meetings, con-
ferences and trade shows. And it bothers me. So few
people take advantage of the excellent opportunities
we have in this industry to grow our knowledge, ex-
pand our networks and discover new resources I’d like
to point out some of the valuable things I’ve discovered
in my 45 plus years of attending industry programs.
Networking: Wow, where else are you going to have the
opportunity to pick the brains of people who are not
your competitors? Great ideas from across the country,
way, way out of your market area are there for the har-
vest. Who’s to say they can’t be adapted to your neigh-
borhood?
Rules & Regs: This is the place to stay current on leg-
islative activities your state is examining. Analysis and
perspective regarding trends and regulations can give
you a heads-up on issues that will directly impact you
and your bottom line. And, the info doesn’t come at a
several hundred dollars-an-hour hit from a lawyer!
Talent Search: Conferences and meetings are great venues
to help you mine new talent. Remember the importance
of staffing and the immeasurable value a great associate can
make, i.e. money in your pocket with no finder’s fee.
Operation Improvement: “Aw no, don’t need to waste my
time. We’re doing great.” Does this mean you can’t actually
do better, I think we all can improve and in doing so raise
the level of trust and appreciation people have for our in-
dustry. Meeting with industry leaders can’t hurt, but it cer-
tainly can help. Mine the gold that’s out there by listening
and learning from those who’ve made a difference. There’s
always a better way. Don’t be stubborn or too proud to ac-
knowledge that fact.
Meet Suppliers: Go ahead, talk to suppliers, you might
learn something! Even if you don’t use what they’re offer-
ing perhaps they should be added to your Resource Book.
Another good idea that could save you tremendous time in
the future. It’s true. Suppliers know what everyone else is
doing and how. Think of this as a learning experience.
Like always, those people who could most benefit from
the information are usually the ones bypassing the oppor-
tunity. Sure, association meetings can be time-consuming,
and expensive. Small firms may have difficulty getting cov-
erage, or question the expense. But, all things considered
you might try one closer to home or in a city/town where
there’s a mortuary school. Then time spent can also allow
you to check out upcoming talent from the school.
Mark My
Words
Mark Pennington is a 1973 Magna Cum Laude graduate of
Memphis State University and proudly served in the Marine Corps.
He was a member of the Honor Guard/Marine Barracks Eighth &
I Washington, DC during the presidency of LBJ. Well known for
his innovation and commitment to the funeral, cemetery, and cre-
mation industries, he earned CCFE, CCrE and CSE designations
from the International Cemetery, Crematory and Funeral Associa-
tion (ICCFA). Mark served as Executive Vice President and COO
for Superior Funeral Supply for 27 years refining his management
expertise. Mark founded HALO and operated it until its recent sale
in April 2017. Mark built one of the most innovative and unique
product lines available in the industry featuring a line of catalogs
which offered a wealth of profitable marketing opportunities to his
customers. From 1999-2000, he served as President of the Casket
& Funeral Supply Association (CFSA).
Personalized Cap Panels and
Cremation Posters from $99
Call: 888-626-6491
Newly Designed Showroom Samples Now Available
Phillip’s Printing offers Grief Support
Books
TARBORO,NC— Phyllis Waller, co-own-
er of Phillip’s Printing Company is of-
fering a new line of grief support books.
She has written The Never Alone Grief
Book which features inspirational poems
of comfort for the families. Memorial
Pages allow individuals to express their
thoughts and feelings as well as infor-
mation about their loved one. The mini
booklet is sized perfectly for a purse or
coat pocket and can be imprinted with
the firm name.
The stress and sorrow of losing a loved
one is never easy, especially for children.
The new Losing A Loved
One coloring book helps
children to understand
what happened and that
it is okay to be sad. Rec-
ommended for children
ages 3 and up, with lessons
throughout, this book has
16 pages of coloring and
activities, and an imprint
area on the front.
Phyllis is an author, poet
and co-owner of Phillip’s
Printing Company in Tar-
boro where she has served
the funeral industry for
over 32 years. She has copy-
righted a line of poems for
professionals including The
Funeral Directors Prayer
and The Embalmers Prayer.
Her line of poems are avail-
able on fans and calendars.
To learn more visit www.
or call 888-
526-4317.
Send Us Your News!
FUNERAL HOME &
CEMETERY NEWS
PO Box 5159, Youngstown, OH 44514
Fax 1-800-321-9040
Email