Real Talk, Real Care
Some of the best guidance comes from people doing the work every day. In Conversation is a series where we sit down with Funeral Professionals to talk about what they’ve learned: how they care for families, how they run and grow their firms, and the lessons that have shaped them along the way.
Each conversation is a chance to learn from a colleague, hear a fresh perspective, and maybe find an idea worth bringing back to your own team. Meet the people in the series below and choose a conversation to watch.
Featured Professionals
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Katharine Wagner-Elfner
Owner & Funeral Director
Wagner-Elfner and Burg Funeral Home and Cremation Services | Red Lion, PA
Katharine knew at 13 that she wanted to be a mortician; after 12 years in sales, she made the leap into funeral service. Today, she and her husband, Nathan, own two funeral homes. In our conversation, Katharine shares why identification viewings matter, a common misconception about cremation, and her advice for anyone considering mortuary school. -
Sam James
Owner & Funeral Director
James Funeral Home and Northlake Memorial Gardens | Huntersville, NC
At five, Sam watched Funeral Director Johnny Raymer care for his grieving family and knew what he wanted to do. Today, he owns the award-winning James Funeral Home, along with Northlake Memorial Gardens and an on-site crematory. In our conversation, Sam shares why a service matters even with cremation and why he believes funeral service has a bright future. -
More Voices
Funeral Professionals from across North America
Not every conversation is a full interview. Here you’ll find shorter moments with Funeral Directors, owners, and others in the profession, each sharing a tip, a story, or a lesson learned along the way.
Have a story worth sharing? We’d love to hear from you. You’ll find a place to reach out at the bottom of this page.
In Conversation: Katharine Wagner-Elfner
Following her calling and answering the questions families ask most
In Conversation: Sam James
A lifelong calling, shaped by mentorship and passed on to others
In Conversation: More Voices
Stories, tips, and lessons from Funeral Professionals across North America
