Let's get real... Funeral directors deserve more. We do the work that 99.9% of the world's population would not want to do. We do it with grace, dignity, and empathy for the families going through loss. Michael and Joe get into all of that, COVID funerals, work life balance, and the value of the mortician. ----- Mortuary Marketing Elevate your funeral home’s online presence. ⁠⁠⁠Check it out.⁠⁠⁠ Want to start today? Email:  [email protected] ----- Want more of the Mortuary Show? Follow our social medias: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ----- Show Notes: (07:45) – Laughter is grief's destroyer. (15:32) – Retirement decision is more bitter sweet. (21:06) – COVID funerals. (26:08) – Valuing your employees. ----- Takeaways The importance of supporting and valuing funeral directors Creating a healthy work-life balance in the funeral service industry Proper compensation for funeral directors Building morale in the workplace The need for a shift in the industry's mindset and practices The funeral industry has been greatly impacted by the rise of cremation and the need for personalized services. Competition in the industry is increasing, and funeral homes need to adapt and provide meaningful and valuable services to families. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges for funerals, with restrictions on gatherings and limited opportunities for families to say goodbye. It is important to ensure that funerals honor and celebrate the lives of the deceased, providing closure and support for the grieving. Valuing and engaging employees is crucial for the success of funeral homes. Joseph Fritsch is contemplating retirement and considering a career change to become an advocate for final expense insurance.