LifeArt Spotlight on The Final Curtain Never Closes Podcast Episode #34 of The Final Curtain Never Closes podcast features Nikki Nordine and Brent Thorson from LifeArt and Terrybear, spotlighting how innovation and shifting consumer trends are reshaping cremation services. At the heart of the conversation? LifeArt cremation containers, meeting the demand for personalized and eco-conscious products. TerryBear’s journey from plush toys to personalized memorials might surprise some listeners, but it’s a perfect illustration of how the industry has evolved to meet the desires of families. What started with brass urns has expanded into an ever-growing offering of products that reflect both the lives of those lost and the values of the people planning their goodbyes. While it used to be “what you see is what you get,” now that’s not viable. The way families search for products and services has changed with the expanding influence of the internet. Most families are searching for options before they even step foot in a funeral home - and they want more than just the basic options. For Terrybear, it has put the consumer in the driver’s seat. By listening to what families are searching for, they use that data to direct product development and create new innovations that fulfil the demand. That’s where LifeArt comes in, as an answer to what people are searching today: “In the Houston market alone there are 15,000 people Googling for personalized funerals every single month” Says Brent, “and there are 25,000 people a month looking for eco-friendly options, so that’s what people are looking for and the internet sort of tells us what those preferences are.” And it doesn’t stop there. The future of the industry is going to be driven by personalization. From thumbprint jewelry to themed cremation containers to scattering urns and more. The demand for more personal products and experiences is expected to continue to grow. That begs the question - are you offering the options families are searching for? 🎧 Listen to the full episode

Cremation Innovations 2025, hosted by Kates-Boylston Publications , brought together funeral professionals from around the country for a forward-looking virtual event aimed at helping firms thrive in a rapidly shifting market. Our very own Brent Thorson, Client Success & Growth Manager at LifeArt, hosted a session which provided clear, actionable strategies for helping cremation-offering funeral homes stand out in a competitive landscape. Titled “ Cremation Innovation: 5 Ways to Catapult Your Firm Ahead of Your Competition ” Brent’s talk offered real-world insight and practical ideas for engaging today’s cremation families - not just in your funeral home, but before they walk in the door as well. Furthermore, Brent went on Kates-Boylston’s Funeral Service Insider: The Podcast to speak more about his presentation at the event with Tony Russo. There he highlights the disconnect between a funeral home's reputation for service vs their visibility as cremation providers. Below are some key takeaways from what he shared. Cremation is #1 But Families Don’t Know What’s Possible Cremation now accounts for over 60% of U.S. dispositions (predicted to grow to 84% in 2045), yet many families still choose direct cremation without any service, not because they prefer it, but because they don’t know what else is possible. Many times they walk in already chosen direct cremation beforehand and then aren’t shown anything different. Takeaway: Show families all the cremation options you offer. You have the unique opportunity to educate your families on their choices and the result will be more services and add-ons. Extra tips in the recording! Be Known for Best Service AND Cremation Service Funeral directors take pride in the high level of service they offer and it’s what brings families back to them. But do all families know this service is offered? Brent talks about a New York cremation presentation he attended, where it turned out that 70% of families in the area surveyed didn’t even know their local funeral home offered cremation. Takeaway: It’s simply not enough to hang your hat on best service today. The firms that have an online presence that attracts researching families and make themselves known for cremation win. Is it time to do more with cremation? LifeArt can start the cremation conversation differently - we guarantee it! Take Advantage of Search Numbers and Offer Options Families Want More families than ever are turning to Google to find cremation options. 590,000+ Americans search every month for cremation 300,000+ Americans search every month for personalized funeral options 330,000+ Americans search every month for eco-friendly options These numbers show that cremation providers should be asking themselves a few questions, such as: “Does my website have cremation content that attracts and lets families know about my cremation services?” “Am I offering cremation options that families are searching for?” (Including LifeArt, a more personal and eco-friendly option). Takeaway: The opportunity is out there for more cremation calls. By making cremation more visible on your website, and adding the options families are searching for, you can drive more traffic to your funeral home. Want to see the number of people searching in your local area? 👤 Click here to get your personalized options search numbers in YOUR community. 🌿 Click here to see how many people in your area search for eco-friendly funeral options. All in all be the Best Known for Cremation Service With all these key points and more, many left Brent’s Cremation Innovations talk with new ideas and strategies for becoming the best known in their area for cremation and driving more cremation calls to their door. 🎥If you missed the event or want to revisit Brent’s talk, you can watch the recording here . 🎤Or listen to Brent’s post-event podcast here . Let’s keep the cremation conversation going.

We’re throwing our office doors wide open - all we need is you, MN funeral professionals! Introducing LifeArt Week . We know your schedule is busy and unpredictable, so that gave us an idea. Since there’s something powerful about seeing LifeArt in person - why not make it easier than ever to come in, see it, and learn more about this meaningful cremation option? That’s why from June 2 to June 6, our doors will be open 8am to 5pm for you to stop by at your convenience. No RSVP needed. Come see all eight container designs, plus urns and cremation accessories, and learn how LifeArt can work for you. You’ll see why earlier this month, when we hosted our LifeArt Lunch & Learn, every funeral home in attendance added LifeArt to their selection room . The reason? LifeArt premium cremation containers offer: A meaningful, elevated alternative to corrugated or MDF Beautiful, eco-friendly designs that resonate with families A powerful way to differentiate your business Marketing support to help you present and sell LifeArt with ease We still haven’t gotten to the best part: Order by June 6 and you’ll receive 20% off all LifeArt purchases for the rest of 2025. So make sure to mark LifeArt week in your calendar and don’t miss out! But if you can’t make it - no worries! Click here to schedule a one-on-one demo at your convenience. We can’t wait to see you this LifeArt week!

Join LifeArt at the 2025 ICCFA Convention in Vegas. Visit booth #708 to see our products, connect with our team, and explore sustainable funeral solutions.

Visit LifeArt’s new site - built to inspire, educate, and offer eco-friendly cremation choices that help families and funeral professionals honor life meaningfully.

In just a days, a Texas funeral home celebrated selling its first LifeArt container, showcasing the growing interest in personalized, eco-friendly cremation options.