RYAN JOHNSON
Funeral Director
Knapp-Johnson-Harris Funeral Home
Keeping Families and Teams in Sync — Without the Chaos
As a funeral director at Knapp-Johnson-Harris, Ryan Johnson knows how hectic things can get when staff have to jump between platforms just to finish one task. That’s why they turned to Tribute Management Software — to simplify everything and keep everyone on the same page.
Now, whether someone’s in the office, at a service, or on the go, the team stays connected through real-time updates and shared access. Ryan says it’s helped them find a better rhythm — making it easier to focus on families and less on logistics.
Even livestreaming, once a headache, is now something they hardly think twice about. The software’s intuitive enough that even team members who don’t consider themselves tech-savvy feel confident using it. It’s not flashy — it just works. And for Ryan’s team, that means they can show up fully for the families they serve.
PAUL ST. PIERRE
President
St. Pierre Family Funeral & Cremation Services
Creating Connection in a Digital World
Paul St. Pierre understands that today’s families don’t always walk through the front door — which is why he’s made their digital experience just as meaningful. For many, the first visit is online, so the website functions like a front lobby: clear, welcoming, and full of answers.
But Paul didn’t stop there. With digital displays in each funeral home and chapel, every guest can easily access obituary details and livestream links, no matter where they are. Tribute videos, tribute books, and virtual selection rooms all build on that foundation — personalizing the experience while making it easier for families to engage.
Behind the scenes, a centralized intranet connects his multi-location team, while tribute tools allow families to contribute photos, stories, and memories from anywhere — expanding the service long before anyone walks in the door. For Paul, technology isn’t a replacement for care — it’s a way to deepen it.
BRIAN GIVNISH
President
Life Celebration, Inc.
Technology With Heart: Personalizing Every Detail
At Life Celebration, Inc., Brian Givnish isn’t just using technology — he’s using it to bring deeper meaning to every service. The process begins with the Digital Family Guide, which lets families reflect and share from the comfort of home. By the time they meet with a funeral director, they’ve already started telling the story.
From restored photos to immersive visuals through the Envision system, every detail is rooted in who the person was — not just what they did. The keepsakes and materials are designed with intention, turning memories into moments of connection.
Technology here isn’t about automation. It’s about amplification — helping the staff understand, remember, and honor each individual life with care. For Brian, it’s not about looking modern. It’s about being present, personal, and authentic in every interaction.
TOM TIERNEY
Owner
The Green Cremation & John F. Tierney
Bringing Water Cremation to Connecticut — One Conversation at a Time
Tom Tierney didn’t wait for water cremation to catch on — he introduced it himself. As one of the first to bring this option to Connecticut, Tom led the charge with education, honesty, and an open-door mindset. His goal wasn’t to sell a new service. It was to meet families where they are and offer a more sustainable path forward.
The impact was immediate. Within a year, over 90% of his cremation families chose water over flame. Tom credits that shift to trust and meaningful dialogue — not trend-chasing or pressure.
Supporting this innovation is a toolkit that’s simple and accessible: obituary integrations, online paperwork, and digital support that makes each step clear and personal. The change is big, but the feel is still familiar. For Tom, it’s about doing the right thing — for the environment, for the profession, and most of all, for the families he serves.
LINDSAY GRANSON
Chief Operating Officer
Heritage Family Funeral Services
Making Every Location Feel Like Home
Lindsay Granson didn’t just lead a website refresh — she led a transformation. By unifying all 60 Heritage locations under one easy-to-navigate site, she created a consistent, comforting experience for every family, no matter where they are.
Now, the websites go beyond obituaries. They’re filled with resources, planning help, and ways to stay connected. The layout makes sense. The tone feels right. It’s built for everyone — from first-time visitors to returning families.
Rolling out change across 11 states wasn’t easy. It took live trainings, how-to guides, and constant feedback. But Lindsay made it work — and made it stick. Now, behind the scenes, her team uses shared dashboards and insights to keep improving. Online and off, Heritage feels like one united family.
WILL ANDREWS & CHAD JACKSON
President & Vice President
Anthem Partners
Less Busywork, More Time for Families
Will Andrews and Chad Jackson have helped grow Anthem Partners into a coast-to-coast operation — but they’ve done it in a way that still feels local and personal. Their approach to technology is simple: choose tools that give time back to the people doing the work.
Instead of entering the same information three different times, their team enters it once. From there, it flows automatically to websites, accounting, and case management — keeping everything connected and easy to manage.
Will and Chad don’t necessarily consider themselves tech guys, and they don’t expect their staff to be either. The systems they’ve put in place are intuitive, easy to learn, and genuinely helpful. They’ve tested plenty of platforms — but what they’ve landed on supports their team, grows with their business, and keeps families at the center of it all.
BRIAN JOSEPH
President
Verheyden Funeral Homes
A Website That Speaks to Everyone
Brian Joseph sees funeral care as more than a moment — it’s a commitment. At Verheyden Funeral Homes, that commitment now extends far beyond the front door. The website has become a hub for care and connection, offering grief videos, suicide prevention support, veteran resources, and pre-planning tools, all accessible 24/7.
Serving a multicultural community means listening and adapting. Brian compares his digital strategy to the Olympic rings — distinct features working together with a shared purpose: inclusive, ongoing support.
The site is rooted in a principle that dates back to 1908: “the same always to all.” With that legacy in mind, Brian has created an experience that feels personal, no matter who’s visiting or why. Whether someone is planning ahead, coping with loss, or simply seeking guidance, the website offers clarity and care — with no barriers and no judgment.
BOB ARRINGTON
President & Founder
Arrington Funeral Directors
From Obit to Outreach, with Purpose
Bob Arrington saw more than a newspaper notice — he saw an opportunity to serve families better. With ObitShare, he’s turned the obituary into a tool for connection, community, and care.
Obits are now promoted on social media with intention — targeted to groups like professional associations, alumni networks, or civic organizations. That means friends, colleagues, and distant relatives actually see them. They click. They visit the funeral home’s website. They send flowers. They show up.
It’s thoughtful, effective, and refreshingly simple for staff. And while Bob appreciates the growth — 65,000+ monthly visitors, 70% more in flower sales — what stays with him is the way families reconnect. They hear from people they hadn’t spoken to in years. Support arrives when it’s needed most. That’s what ObitShare was built for — and that’s what Bob continues to deliver.
