Spotlight: Tribute Technology’s Hannah McCarthy on Family, Marketing, and the Future of Funeral Service

At Tribute Technology, many of our team members bring a personal connection to the profession. 

One of them is Hannah McCarthy, Marketing Strategist, who grew up in the metro-Detroit area with close ties to Chas. Verheyden, Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, a family business with five locations across the region. Her stepfather is the owner, and Hannah has seen firsthand how funeral service impacts families and communities. 

Now, she’s combining that background with her marketing expertise to help funeral homes embrace digital tools and connect with families in meaningful ways. 

Growing up around the profession, did you ever imagine it would play such a big role in your life? 

Hannah: Not really! I majored in hospitality and event planning because I knew I wanted to work with people and help them, but I wasn’t sure how. I thought running events and bringing celebrations together was the right path, but my career took a different direction.

What drew you to Tribute Technology and the funeral profession? 

Hannah: I worked in marketing and sales within the manufacturing space for 8 years, but marketing was always my passion. While earning my master’s in digital communications, I was able to watch and learn firsthand from our family funeral home’s digital transformation with MKJ Marketing and Tribute Technology. Tribute’s professionalism, care, and innovative approach were captivating and inspiring. 

What do you admire most about funeral professionals? 

Hannah: Funeral professionals walk beside families through some of life’s most difficult moments. It takes someone extraordinary to balance deep empathy with the responsibility of planning every detail. They provide comfort, guidance, and support — helping families not only navigate the funeral process but also honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones. 

How do you see technology shaping funeral service today? 

Hannah: Technology is transforming funeral service by helping directors both connect with families and manage their businesses more efficiently. Funeral home owners wear many hats — owner, business manager, community leader, and family supporter — and technology streamlines those responsibilities. It also extends their reach, allowing them to serve families and friends across the globe, keeping loved ones connected when it matters most. 

What advice would you share with someone starting out? 

Hannah: Success is about serving customers well and helping them grow their business. That’s what makes this work so rewarding. 

With a family foundation in funeral service and a career built on marketing and strategy, Hannah has found a way to bring both together, helping funeral homes thrive while supporting the families they serve.