PE Money in Deathcare, Preneed Fraud Deals, and Cremation Missteps

This week on The Rest, host Tony Russo covers shifts and critical developments across the deathcare industry. The episode breaks down the recent leadership changes at Foundation Partners Group, including the appointment of Jim Evanger, a professional interim CEO and PE turnaround expert to CEO and the broader implications of private equity money in funeral service. Tony also reviews a $7 million miscremation lawsuit against Tidd Funeral Home, the ongoing public negotiations over a massive pre-need fraud plea deal in Connecticut, and an Ohio zoning battle over a planned Islamic natural cemetery. Plus, a quick look at an Ohio mortuary student’s pageant platform and a preview of upcoming coverage on an Indiana death doula’s legal victory.Deepen your understanding of the deathcare industry. Subscribe today.In This Episode:* Foundation Partners Executive Change: A breakdown of the press release naming Jim Evanger, a short-term turnaround expert, CEO. We also look at what having a funeral professional in the top job might mean for corporate culture and consolidation.* Private Equity vs. Independence: Insights from a recent story about balancing corporate funding with traditional funeral directing values.* The $7 Million Cremation Error: A look at Tidd Funeral Home’s immediate acceptance of responsibility following a catastrophic miscremation, and the pitfalls of unmanaged pre-need sales promises.* Connecticut Pre-Need Fraud Case: Updates on the non-public plea offer for former funeral home owner Philip Pietris, who faces charges for allegedly defrauding over 100 families of $1 million.* Normalizing Grief on the Pageant Stage: Spotlighting Katie Harrigan, a Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science student and Miss North Central Ohio, who is using her platform, “The Silent Subject,” to support grief awareness.* Toledo Zoning Approval: The Toledo Plan Commission’s tentative green light for an Islamic natural cemetery, despite local NIMBY pushback regarding green burial practices.* First Amendment Victory for Death Doulas: A brief look at Lauren Rich Wine’s three-year legal battle with the state of Indiana over the right to assist families with final arrangements.Links & Resources Mentioned:* Foundation Partners Group Official Press Release* Industry Consolidation and Private Money Feature* Coverage of the Tidd Funeral Home Lawsuit* Connecticut Funeral Fraud* The Ashland Source Profile on Katie Harrigan* Texas Monthly Feature on Islamic Cemetery Controversies* Share your preneed sales experiences or news tips with Tony at [email protected]. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe