This morning’s business visit took us to Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen FH for a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of the funeral industry.

We were guided by Funeral Directors Eric Jameson, Eddie Burke, and Ryan Thorman, who are third, second, and first generation (respectively) in this industry - each bringing their own perspectives on history, tradition, and innovation.

Running a funeral home requires a unique blend of operational logistics, high-level business management, and deep personal empathy. During this site visit, we learned about the core functions of the business, discussing how the industry has evolved alongside changing consumer preferences and new technology. The older generation of funeral directors provides the foundation for what they do, while the new generation ushers in a fresh approach.

They also provided an educational overview of the embalming process, giving students a complete view of the technical and preparation work involved in funeral services.

We talked about what it means to meet client needs, manage the business, and adapt in a changing world. Thanks to the guys at DPW for an informative, respectful look into a critical service industry in the community.