American Funeral Director

01/09/2026

Join us Feb. 25 for 4 FREE virtual session including "The Future of Grass to Save Time, Money & Water" by Jackson Madnick.

In just 45 minutes, learn proven, research-backed tips for healthier lawns with less mowing, less water, and fewer chemicals plus explore ultra-low-maintenance grass options that save time and enhance your property's appearance and public image.

🔗 Link in the comments

01/08/2026

Do you surprise your team with a pizza party after a long week? Treat them to a spa day, a well-earned vacation, or even a simple coffee run that says thank you? Big or small, these moments matter.

We want to hear how you recognize and celebrate your staff's dedication, service, and impact. Share your employee appreciation programs and inspire the profession. Your story may be featured in American Funeral Director ➜ Submission Deadline: January 23, 2026

🔗 Link in the comments

01/06/2026

ICCFA has selected Darin Drabing, president and CEO of Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries, for the 2026 ICCFA Hall of Fame Award—honoring more than 40 years of leadership and service. 🎉 Congratulations

Link in the comments

01/06/2026

The January issue of American Cemetery & Cremation is here—and it's open and FREE for everyone to enjoy!
From our new cemetery birds feature to insightful stories and must-read articles from across the profession, this issue is packed with inspiration and ideas to start the year strong. Read it now https://O8lnSm.short.gy/A0r7cs

01/05/2026

Batesville has announced two key executive appointments: Jenn Parvin as its first SVP & Chief Customer Officer
and Ajay Kapoor as SVP & Chief Marketing and Digital Officer. These leadership moves signal a strong focus on customer experience, marketing, and digital innovation.

Read more

BATESVILLE, Ind. – Batesville, a leading provider of burial, cremation, and technology solutions in North America, has announced two key executive updates: the appointment of Jenn Parvin as the company’s

01/05/2026

Join us Feb. 25 at 1:00 PM ET for a FREE virtual event featuring
➜ Winning the Cremation Consumer: Smart Strategies for Cemeteries Every Size
with Tim Kolasa & Gino Merendino—plus 3 more expert sessions.
Learn how to attract more families, avoid costly missteps, and build cremation inventory that actually sells.
🔗 Sign up link in the comments

01/04/2026

Grow smarter. Lead stronger. Stay ahead.
Whether you're running a funeral home, managing cemetery operations, navigating preneed, embracing new technology, planning succession, or sharpening your marketing strategy there's a Kates-Boylston webinar built for you.
🎥 Live learning
▶️ On-demand education
🤝 In-person events
💡 Real-world insights you can use right away
Learn on your schedule. Lead with confidence.
👉 Explore all our webinars and events — link in the comments.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! 🎉
Thank you to our readers and partners for your continued trust and collaboration. Your dedication to the deathcare profession inspires everything we do. Wishing you a year of growth, success, and meaningful impact.
— The Kates-Boylston Team

12/30/2025

📸 YOUR PHOTO COULD BE OUR AUGUST COVER
Do you have a powerful image that captures the beauty, history, or spirit of a cemetery or crematory? This is your moment. American Cemetery & Cremation is searching for a standout photograph to grace our August cover—seen by thousands of industry professionals in print and online.
✨ Landscapes
✨ Moments of remembrance
✨ Monuments & memorials
✨ Creative perspectives
Deadline: April 1, 2026
📬 Submit your best shot and make history. Link in the comments

12/29/2025

✨ It's Time to Brag About Your Team
Great employees are the heart of every funeral home & cemetery. When they feel valued, everyone wins.
With Employee Appreciation Day on March 6, American Funeral Director & American Cemetery & Cremation wants to spotlight the meaningful ways you recognize and celebrate your staff's dedication, service, and impact.
📣 Share your employee appreciation programs and show the profession how you honor the people who make it all happen. Submission Deadline: Jan. 23, 2026
✨Let your team shine, link in the comments.

12/28/2025

Join us virtually on Feb 25th for 4 expert-led sessions designed for cemetery professionals 🌳
One featured session: "Guidance for Planning Annual Cemetery Tree & Landscape Services" presented by Marilyn Brandt of The Davey Tree Expert Company—packed with practical insights to help you plan, protect, and enhance your grounds year-round.
🔗 Sign up today — link in the comments.

12/27/2025

Ask most 5-year-olds what they want to be, and "funeral director" rarely makes the list. But it did for Sam James and he never wavered. Thirty-five years later, that childhood calling has grown into a career defined by compassion, resilience, and leadership, earning the owner of James Funeral Home in Huntersville, NC the honor of American Funeral Director's 2025 Funeral Director of the Year. A true testament to purpose, perseverance, and service. Link in the comments