Ahead of the curve

Ethan Darby, Director
Business Development

Our industry, which has historically been resistant to change, is evolving at a rapid pace. As cemetarians, we have two choices; resist the change and stick to what we know or embrace the change and tread through the unknown.

At Trigard Memorials, we don't want to be your "typical bronze memorial" company; we aim to be different.  We strive to be progressive and unique by studying industry trends, attending seminars and learning first hand at our own cemeteries. We listen to you, our customers, to help us all embrace the evolution of our industry. Our uniqueness shows through our products including memorial rocks, QR codes mounted to memorials and temporary memorials. Our products are innovative, flexible and diverse.
 
If we don't currently offer a product that fits the culture of your community, challenge us. We love coming up with new solutions. Call us at 800.798.4900 to find out how we can help you stay ahead of the curve.


Product spotlight: Memorial Rocks

Our lightweight memorial rocks provide a lasting tribute to a loved one while enhancing the landscape of a home or cemetery. Cremated remains can either be placed inside a compartment in the rock or a space can be dedicated in a loved one's honor after burial or scattering.

Memorial rocks are crafted from molds based on natural rocks. The forms are lined with concrete and painted in one of three colors. Families can choose from six styles, then personalize the tribute with a bronze plaque in either oxide or full-color Brilliant Impressions®.

Call 800.798.4900 to learn how Trigard memorial rocks can provide a place to share memories for years to come.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Success in Austin

What a great convention! Yesterday our team packed up our booth at the 2013 NFDA Convention and Expo in Austin. Just like many other funeral professionals across the country, we are spending today transitioning back to our usual routines. It was a wonderful event.
 
It began with the spirited Sunday educational session that Rich Darby and Linda Darby lead with Alan Creedy. "Family Business Disputes: Court Is in Session" included the trio acting out some sticky scenarios that the attendees found all too familiar. But instead of retreating to their separate corners, Alan helped mediate the disputes, giving the audience members valuable tools to take home.

 

It continued to the Expo floor, including our Trigard booth that consistently attracts great questions about our products.

 

But it's always about the conversations we have. National conventions are a great time to learn, to connect with our customers, and to educate others in our industry about the successes our customers are having with products.

 

 
Product spotlight: Complete Cast Bronze Recrafting

We unveiled a new product at the NFDA Convention and Expo that got lots of attention. Trigard Memorials Recrafting does more than rejuvenate and beautify cast bronze memorials. Our toolkit helps you reach your existing customers while building deeper relationships with them and generate revenue. Even if someone else created the memorial, you can trust the artists at Trigard Memorials to recraft it.

Prices start at $150 plus shipping. Call 800.798.4900 for full pricing and procedures.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Are you leaving money on the table?

Beth Vadeboncoeur, Accountant

As Trigard's in-house accountant, it's my job to be sure all of the numbers come together. I I have the unique perspective of watching the numbers on both the supplier side and the consumer side of the equation. This deserves extra attention when it comes to pre-arrangements.

For your customers who have prearranged and prepaid for memorials, how do you ensure money isn't left on the table at the time of need? When a family comes to you, ready to order their prearranged memorial, they may request special characters or more words or photos than their prepaid marker includes. Instead of just explaining the allowances to them and helping them edit away the extras, explain to them the small, additional charges required to make the memorial look exactly as they'd like it. Just as you would for an upgrade to a casket, burial vault or print package, use this opportunity to help the family celebrate their loved one's life just the way they want.

Having trouble calculating the difference? Call our customer service team at 800.798.4900. They'd be happy to help you work out the details or talk through design options.


Product spotlight: Take Classique to the next level
 
Have you ever worked with a family who likes the traditional look of the Classique memorials, but wants options that go beyond our standard offerings of Dogwood/Roses and Tierra/Pine? Thanks to our unique manufacturing process and talented designers, memorials can be modified to include custom borders, custom emblems not found in our library, or even an oxide portrait. And it's easy to communicate exactly what you want with our interactive order forms. There are, of course, additional costs for these customizations, but they give you even more flexibility to create a memorial that honors their loved one perfectly.
Call 800.798.4900 to learn more about how to customize Classique memorials or pricing.
 

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Don't settle for the basics

Drew Edwards,
Sunset Funeral Homes
General Manager

As a funeral director for over 20 years, I have seen many changes in our industry. Traditional funerals have slowly diminished, and cremation and immediate dispositions are on the rise. Today's consumer desires products and services that are different than what the families we serve wanted 20 years ago. But "different" does not always mean "less."
 
Today's consumer demands value for every dollar they spend. As a funeral director, it is my job to offer a family an experience that exceeds their expectations. That experience doesn't stop after the funeral. For me, it begins the moment they first contact to us and extends to placing the final memorial. To exceed expectations, everything must showcase the unique personality of the loved one, and tell a story the whole world can share.

There are so many great products and ideas to help create something meaningful and memorable. That's exactly what Trigard Memorials does with bronze memorials. Don't settle for the basics. Make sure that every funeral home and family you serve has a memorial that is as unique as the life it represents.


Product spotlight: Pet memorial

You already know that we offer beautiful memorial rocks and estate boulders to add beauty to the landscape of the cemetery while honoring a life well-lived. But did you know that we also have lightweight memorial rocks designed specifically for our furred and feathered friends? Our pet memorial rocks are the perfect tribute to cherished companions. They look great in a pet cemetery or in a home garden. Come see all of our pet products in Austin at the 2013 NFDA Convention and Expo beginning October 20.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Are you "listening" to nonverbal cues?

Stuart McDaniels,
Purchasing Manager

When we listen to someone speak we often focus solely on the spoken words.

We must remember nonverbal messages are also being sent through tone of voice, posture and facial expressions.

Understanding these nonverbal messages can be just as important, if not more, as listening to the words.

In the world of purchasing, not paying attention to nonverbal communication cues can lead to product specifications problems and missed delivery dates. 

If we do not clearly understand each other in business settings, meetings and negotiations can quickly go wrong.

Are you actively listening to your suppliers and customers to better understand their needs? Are you paying attention to what they are saying, as well as what they are not saying?

 Product spotlight: Reflection® urn

 

The Reflection® is a lined, sealed concrete urn vault with a thermoformed polymer liner and high quality exterior finish.

It has an additional protective layer of hand-crafted interior sheeting and is available in stainless steel, copper and bronze.

You can choose from a wide variety of color combinations and can even add a custom Appliqué®.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Our Customer Service team guides you through the order process




Kelli Nesbitt,
 Customer Service Mgr

We know that families can feel overwhelmed when ordering a memorial. That's why we make our process as simple as possible for you, our customers. Whether you choose a traditional Classique design or a custom Collage, the process is the same. And if you have any questions along the way, we're always here to assist you.
 
We know that families can feel overwhelmed when ordering a memorial. That's why we make our process as simple as possible for you, our customers. Whether you choose a traditional Classique design or a custom Collage, the process is the same. And if you have any questions along the way, we're always here to assist you.
 
1. Begin by selecting the memorial series (or design style) that best accommodates the family's needs.
 
2. Then, find the order form for that series. Just follow the instructions and complete all of the fields. Then submit the order form by email (just hit the button on the form) or fax it to us at 217.444.2040. Then our team goes to work.
 
3. You'll have a proof from our design team in 3 - 5 business days. Review the proof carefully. If you need revisions, let us know. Otherwise, approve the layout and return it to us to begin production. 
 
4. Once approved, you'll receive the memorial in about 4 weeks.
 
It's that simple! Did you know that we even have a tracking system that allows you to follow the progress of your order through all of the production stages? Call our Customer Service Team at 800.798.4900 and ask about getting access to Order Track for your next order.
 
 
Product Spotlight: Gallery
 

 

Through our partnership with artists Thomas Kinkade, Danny Hahlbohm and Rick Kelley, we create touching memorials that truly capture the beauty of a loved one's life. Our Gallery Series is available in both detailed traditional oxide and Brilliant Impressions® color. And Trigard's Dura-Sheen® protectant ensures memorials that stand the test of time.

 
This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.