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James Patton Funeral Director Blog

James Patton Funeral Consulting Blog

Connecting Directors vs. SCI: Is The Pot Calling The Kettle Black?

     
          I have been puzzled recently, concerning what one could consider a microscopic inspection of a particular funeral corporation. Of course, I am talking about the continuous postings of negative stories relating to Houston-based Service Corporation International by website Connecting Directors.

          Here’s what is puzzling. Connecting Directors is promoted as a site where funeral directors connect. In fact, founder and self-proclaimed social media “expert” Ryan Thogmartin has said “It’s like Facebook for funeral directors.” Thogmartin, although not a licensed funeral director, is usually quick to offer support when the funeral industry comes under fire – except when the story relates to SCI.

          When the negative headlines target an independently-owned firm, however, Connecting Directors chooses to ignore. Likewise, when a consumer complains about an independent funeral home, social media “expert” Thogmartin is right there to call the complaint absurd. Some of the Connecting Directors featured stories include: 

•  SCI 70%Acquisition of Neptune Society a 'Power Play

• Open Letter FromSCI Funeral Chain Official Misleads Public

• SCI EmployeesPost Company Reviews Online...Not Good

    
          In a debate with the late R. Brian Burkhardt, a funeral consumer advocate, over whether or not Connecting Directors is also “anti-consumer,” Thogmartin said:

           "Funeral Directors don’t make funeral consumers spend money they don’t want to. Funeral directors present products and services, the consumer makes the choice to purchase what is presented"

          So, I am not really sure where Connecting Directors stands. Pro-funeral homes? Anti-funeral homes (especially those who do not need "social media experts?") Anti-consumer? It's all very confusing, but then again, so is this feature article from Thogmartin:

          “If You Want To Sell To Old People, Use Social Media.”

Why SCI's Stake In Neptune Society Could Be Good For Independent's

          The latest news out of Houston is Service Corporation International's 70% purchase of The Neptune Society. Here's the official executive statements:

          SCI

          "We look forward to welcoming Neptune's associates into the SCI family of businesses," said Thomas L. Ryan, SCI President and CEO. "This partnership is a wonderful opportunity for us to join forces with the largest and fastest growing direct cremation company in North America. Neptune serves a segment of the market that will continue to grow and that we do not currently target through our traditional funeral service and cemetery network. In addition to building on Neptune's successful growth and customer service we will be able to yield immediate synergies by providing back office and fulfillment support through SCI's infrastructure."

          Neptune

          Marco Markin, CEO of Neptune commented, "In our stage of rapid growth and development, it is the perfect time to partner with a company having SCI's scale, resources and capital. Neptune is a great organization with fabulous employees and we are all excited to pursue the tremendous growth prospects ahead of us."

          Of course, this announcement raises a number of questions. More importantly, the possible impact on the industry as a whole, particularly for independent providers.

• Will The Neptune Society take on Dignity Memorial branding? 
• And if so, will "Dignity Memorial Cremation Packages" become part of the offerings? 
• Will pricing structure be revamped (prices raised)? 

          After all, there is shareholder value to consider. If the answer to both, or either of those is yes, that can only be positive for independent owners. In fact, even if the answer to both turns out to be no, I can only see a positive result for independents. Why?

          Possible scenarios:

• Consumers that have already had a negative "corporate experience"
• The "larger the wheel," the larger decline in service
• Continued negative headlines and/or scandals

               That's just my two-cents worth for the day. Time, I suppose, will reveal the answers.

James Patton
Funeral Director/Consultant

Have a Safe Memorial Day Weekend

More Reasons for Research When Outsourcing Cremation

          I have long been an advocate of research, whenever it comes to selecting a cremation provider. It's not even necessary to simply take my word on it, but just look at the headlines. It seems that everyday, a new funeral or cremation scandal emerges. Sadly, like so many others, the funeral industry has its own share of deviants. The latest headlines:

"Arizona Crematory Mishandling Bodies"

          Arizona’s funeral board is taking action against All State Crematory in Mesa. The action is in response to an investigation by KNXV-TV back in April.

          During the investigation, reporters witnessed crematory personnel storing dozens of bodies in unsanitary conditions in the business and others in a van outside.

          The station reported that dozens of bodies were not refrigerated inside the business and many were kept overnight in a van. Maggots were observed on the floor of the crematory and on boxes containing bodies, the station reported.

          According to Arizona Funeral Board, All State Crematory’s owner, Franklin Lambert, admitted to the findings of the board’s investigation.

          The board will issue a $3,000 penalty, which many feel is rather light punishment.

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          This is not the first cremation scandal in Arizona, or in other states for that matter. Likewise, if more television stations launched similar investigations, I can assure you they would find many similar situations.

          For funeral homes who use third-party crematories, this should further demonstrate the importance of paying close attention to the service you are using.

          For consumers, it is especially important to be aware in the fact that your funeral home may contract a third-party crematory. In cases where your loved one is sent elsewhere, you should be asking more probing questions.

Police Discover Cremated Remains In Houston Area Abandoned Funeral Home

Police have learned the cremated remains of 15 people were left abandoned at a now-vacant funeral home.

Those remains, 4 of whom belong to children, were found in the 1250 block of FM 2234 on March 1, according to a Stafford Police Department statement.

Property management personnel helped police move the remains to their department for processing.

Detectives are requesting assistance to locate the family members of the deceased:

-- Rosie L. Johnson

-- Bobby J. Jones

-- Raynor Wyatt (child)

-- Ayana Etuknwa

-- Roger Dale Norris

-- Rabon Smith Sr.

-- Juanita H. Williams

Family members, or anyone with information, are asked to contact Detective Hardin at 281-208-6991 or at his email address: jhardin@staffordpd.com .

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Happy Mother's Day

Best Wishes This Mother's Day From James Patton Funeral Director & Consultant

And, if you have lost your mother, something to remember:

Your Mother is Always With You

When you need mom most, don't forget she's still a part of you.

Your mother is always with you...

She's the whisper of the leaves

as you walk down the street.

She's the smell of bleach in

your freshly laundered socks.

She's the cool hand on your

brow when you're not well.

Your mother lives inside

your laughter. She's crystallized

in every tear drop...

She's the place you came from,

your first home.. She's the map you

follow with every step that you take.

She's your first love and your first heart

break....and nothing on earth can separate you.

Not time, Not space...

Not even death....

will ever separate you

from your mother....

You carry her inside of you....

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