Company News
There are special moments in business when you pause, look around, and realize you’re surrounded by people who truly care about what they do. That is exactly how it felt this past week at the St. Regis in Longboat Key, where the Tribute Technology team brought together some of the most compassionate and forward-thinking leaders in funeral service.
Over the course of a few inspiring days, we filmed more than a dozen fresh video interviews, each one telling a story of empathy, legacy, and innovation. Every conversation reaffirmed why we believe in partnering with people who see storytelling as part of healing.
Standout Stars Who Inspire Us
It's difficult to highlight individuals when every guest brought so much heart, but a few moments stood out.
Rob D’Anjolell of D’Anjolell Memorial Homes, reminded everyone that service doesn't have to be somber. He showed up in his Philadelphia Eagles jersey for the shoot and brought laughter to the room while talking about legacy, family, and pride in his community. Fly Eagles Fly, indeed.
Brian Joseph of A.H. Peters / Verheyden Funeral Homes in Detroit, showed why his firm has been a cornerstone of compassion since 1908. He is an authentic leader and a voice for modernizing how funeral homes connect with families.
Ricardo and Liz Carrillo from Carrillo Funeral Homes in Dallas, gave us a glimpse of the future as we prepare to launch our first Univision broadcast partnership there. This partnership will bring Tribute Spotlights to Spanish-speaking families in one of the nation’s most vibrant markets.
Jim Busch of Busch Cares Funeral Homes in Cleveland, radiated the same warmth and professionalism that have made his brand synonymous with integrity and care across Northeast Ohio.
And then there was the beautiful Hughes couple, owners of Hughes Family Tribute Center, who brought pure joy to the weekend. Their adorable dog, Star, even participated in their video interview and stole the show, along with a few hearts. Their warmth, humor, and authenticity perfectly capture what makes family-run funeral homes so special.
Each of these leaders are not only respected in their community, but are also shaping how the industry evolves. They are luminaries. Proof that compassion, innovation, and leadership can coexist beautifully.
A Big Thank You to Tribute Technology
None of this would have been possible without the vision and energy of our partners at Tribute Technology. Their team, led by Courtney Miller Gould, Matt Powell, and CEO Craig Greenseid, delivered a weekend packed with insight and inspiration. Long-time industry icons Marilyn and Glen Gould, founders of MKJ Marketing, were also in attendance and continue to shine bright as voices of wisdom, history, and progress for funeral service professionals everywhere.
Industry Luminaries
We are also deeply grateful to Lindsay Granson of Heritage Family Funeral Services and Will Andrews of Anthem Funeral Group, two of the earliest believers in the Chptr vision. Their forward-thinking leadership and commitment to storytelling have helped shape how we celebrate lives through technology and media. In addition, Cole Waybright of Homesteaders Life Company shared thoughtful insights on the importance of pre-need planning, reminding us that proactive preparation is one of the greatest gifts families can give their loved ones. His perspective reflects the type of collaboration that continues to elevate the entire profession.
A Commitment to Service
One of the most powerful moments of the weekend came from Jamie Henriod, VP of Success, who shared lessons from her time at Zappos. She reminded everyone that true customer service is not about transactions. It is about human connection. Her passion for helping funeral homes deliver meaningful, lasting experiences embodies exactly what we stand for: serving others with empathy, creativity, and heart.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward with our partners, from Baltimore to Detroit, Dallas to Cleveland, and beyond, our goal remains the same. We aim to celebrate life stories through beautiful, broadcast-quality video and ensure that every family has a tribute worthy of their loved one.
Longboat Key reminded us that when you bring together the best people in the business, great things happen. Here is to building even more partnerships, creating more memories, and helping families everywhere celebrate life, one story at a time.
