July 2017

A20 A1-A48 B1-B28

Page A20 JULY 2017 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A
Memorial Clocks, Urn Chests and Furniture
Toorderproducts throughadistributor,
or requesta2016HowardMillerMemorial Catalog,
contactCressyMemorial at866-763-0485.
The Allegiance
Photo Memorial Urn Chest
800-192
• Features a photo frame on the front and
urn storage behind the rear back panel
• Finished in High Gloss Rosewood Hall
• )YHZZ ÄUPZOLK WPSSHYZ HUK MLL[
• Accommodates a standard temporary container
or the 800-135 bronze insert
• Picture frame size 5” x 7”
• H 10.75" x W 11.5" x D 7.25"
Zeeland, Michigan
By MaryAnne Scheuble
Designing
Woman
Blind Date
Well before on-line dating sites were a possibility, we
used old-fashioned ways to connect. A blind date set up
by my friend Joan and her boyfriend had us dressing
up for a night out. When she and the two young men
appeared at my parents’ house, it was evident that my
‘match’ had not gotten the memo. To keep him from feel-
ing awkward, I quickly changed to match his jeans look
and we re-selected the restaurant. BTW – I have never
felt comfortable in jeans.
Often, I think of how blind dates and new sales opportu-
nities are similar. With each new meeting, we quickly eval-
uate how to read a customer and build a relationship. By
understanding our customers, our behaviors (or business
models) can be adjusted to meet to their needs and interests.
Bryan Duffield and co-owner Michael Pastrick of
Duffield and Pastrick Funeral Home in Coloma,
Michigan designed their business model to match the
customers they serve – updated and casual. When they
opened their funeral home 10 years ago, Bryan and Mi-
chael found that wearing golf shirts and khakis helped to
put families from their beachy, casual hometown at ease.
Their dog, Seger, a more recent addition, welcomes visi-
tors with a wag of the tail. People appreciate this business
not only for the funeral directors’ exceptional profession-
alism and skills but also for the comfortable, relatable at-
mosphere with its relaxed, open feel.
Anthony Biondi, Jr., Manager of Biondi Funeral
Home in Nutley, New Jersey serves his predominately Ital- MaryAnne Scheuble, graduate of Wheeling Jesuit University, is
the Hekman furniture specialist to the memorial industry. Her de-
sign experience began in the fabric industry which served as a great
basis for the transition to Interior Decorator with Ethan Allen in
Pittsburgh, PA. After 5 years in the education field, she began her
career with Cressy Memorial Group. For more than 10 years she
has worked with funeral and cemetery business owners, managers
and marketing directors as well as interior decorators. Her credits in-
clude presenter at ICCFA, two-time speaker at OFDA, author of ar-
ticles for The Independent, ICCFA Magazine, and regular columnist
for Funeral Home & Cemetery News. A proud mother of two sons
who are best friends, she currently resides Mishawaka, IN. Contact
MaryAnne by email at or call 866-
763-0485.
Lighthouse Reception Room Beach Memorial Service
Brian Duffield & Mike Pastrick (seated) with
Seger
Elegant Rest Room at Biondi Funeral Home
John Kirk, President, LighthouseMemorials &Receptions inTorrance,
CA knows that tradition can be comforting. Their families range from a tra-
ditional Hispanic to a very diverse-thinking population. John is concerned
that ‘old-fashioned’ decor silently suggests old-fashioned skills or ideas. An
updated website offers possibilities of memorial services held in unique ven-
ues such as the beach, in backyards, VFW’s or their own reception spaces.
The soothing, California-style facilities are designed with generously-sized
lobbies, understated catering/reception areas, upscale restrooms, large win-
dows and larger-sized furniture. The very personalized service is offered in
spacious, comfortably-appointed décor bathed in natural light.
What do visitors to a funeral home really want? According to thriving
businesses such as the ones mentioned above, families want customized
services, seating comfort, attractive design of the facility, some amenities
and generally, a less formal environment. Surroundings that set us at ease
allow us to connect better with others.
If your community serves a population that prefers Victorian furniture,
antiques and historical reminders, be sure to follow their lead with your
décor. If the local population is comprised of hunters and outdoors peo-
ple, it could be very comforting for them to welcome visitors to a funeral
home decorated with twig rockers and heavy pine frame sofas. Of course,
you know how to meet people where they are. Great décor serves to at-
decisions and judgements based on what
we see. Blind dates might be a fun ad-
venture but you don’t want to be blind
to community standards and how your
funeral home’s décor honors the public
you serve.
Since I read the situation with my
blind date well and adapted, it was the
start of a lasting connection. He liked
what he saw and I did, too. I physical-
ly changed (my clothes) to match his
style that night. It was worth it. Over the
years, our styles changed and we would
review it at each anniversary. You could
say we went into business together - and
we sealed the deal with wedding rings.
ian Catholic family base
by following a very tradi-
tional model. Third-gen-
eration funeral director
Anthony, Jr. greets visi-
tors wearing a well-tai-
lored suit and surrounded
by classic, traditional fur-
nishings such as beautiful
stained glass art and heir-
loom quality woodwork.
Even the restrooms carry
the theme! The elegant in-
terior matches the décor
of families he serves. A
dignified yet warm atmo-
sphere is enhanced by the
very gracious personalities
of their staff.
tract, comfort and honor.
When we read our customers well, we can make a lasting
connection that effectively promotes business and makes
us positively memorable. It’s no surprise that we all make
Homeward Bound
Nationwide Shipping to
Funeral Homes
OXFORD,MI— Homeward Bound Shipping, LLC , a na-
tionwide shipping company founded in 2016, is happy to
announce nationwide shipping services to funeral homes.
“Because Quality Embalming Matters,” is more than just a
motto at Homeward Bound Shipping, it is the very founda-
tion that the business is built on and the key to Homeward
Bound Shipping’s ongoing success. Even with the most
challenging bodies, their goal is to provide the highest qual-
ity embalming and provide
the best outcome possible.
Homeward Bound Ship-
ping was founded by Matt
Smith in response to com-
ments and complaints from
funeral directors at seminars
and conventions. All agents
are vetted by Matt and are held to the highest quality
standards. Homeward Bound stresses embalming and the
condition of your client family’s loved one. Quality cus-
tomer services is the standard and their goal is to exceed
your expectations each time.
Homeward Bound offers national and international ship-
ping services to funeral homes. The can handle all the trans-
portation details, from booking flights to ground transpor-
tation. They also provide international shipping support
with translation services for required documents, as well as
help with communication with Consulates and Embassies.
Homeward Bound can even help you out in pinch. Did your
custom casket arrive at the wrong airport? Give them a call!
For more information, or for your next ship-in call 866-
699-7447 (SHIP).