Broadcast Built the Brand Before Families Ever Walked In

Location: Binghamton, NY
Partner: DeMunn Funeral Home & Cremation Service
Broadcast Partner: WBNG (CBS Affiliate)

From Hidden Gem to Community Cornerstone

For over 30 years, DeMunn Funeral Home served Binghamton families with quiet dignity, perhaps too quietly. Despite decades of distinguished service, many locals struggled to find them, tucked away behind mature Japanese maples that meant everything to the family but obscured their presence from the community.

"My parents ran this place for over 30 years, and for most of that time, people would say, 'I've never even heard of DeMunn. Where are you located?'" shares Tim Szczesny, who now leads the funeral home. "That's not the case anymore."

Today, DeMunn is a recognized name throughout the region, with families specifically requesting their services after seeing their consistent presence on WBNG.

Building Trust Through Consistent Visibility

Since partnering with Chptr, DeMunn's broadcast announcements appear on WBNG with every service they handle. What started as a cost-effective marketing opportunity has evolved into something families actively seek out.

“More and more families are asking for it directly. One woman even pounded the table and said, ‘Forget the paper—I just want it on the news.’ That’s when I realized how much this was resonating.”

-Tim Szczesny, Owner & Funeral Director

This is what families see on local television, a dignified tribute that reflects DeMunn’s legacy of care.

The repetition of seeing DeMunn's name and logo on trusted local television has created genuine community awareness. Families don't just recognize the name. They request it specifically, often before they've even visited the funeral home.

Measurable Growth Without Additional Burden

DeMunn’s busiest period came during the pandemic, when they supported county-wide overflow. Today, call volume is rising again. But this time, it’s from organic community demand.

“We’re a small team, so I can’t add things that take extra time or feel like a heavy lift,” Tim says. “Chptr fits into what we already do. It just makes that work more visible.”

The service integrates seamlessly into their existing workflow, allowing the team to focus on what they do best: serving families during their most difficult moments.

Meeting Modern Expectations

In a region experiencing rising cremation rates and evolving service preferences, Chptr helps DeMunn offer the personalization today's families seek. Rather than generic notifications, broadcast announcements invite community participation and create meaningful ways to honor a life.

"People want their story told. The younger generations want that personal connection, that personal touch. When families are scattered across the country, Chptr helps them come together around shared memories and gives everyone a way to participate in honoring that life."

-Tim Szczesny, Owner & Funeral Director

Results at a Glance

The Power of Community Recognition

The transformation goes beyond marketing metrics. DeMunn's consistent television presence has fundamentally changed how the community perceives and interacts with the funeral home.

"The amount of people telling me, 'You're the only one I see on WBNG.' It's just repetition that builds real recognition."

And that recognition matters: WBNG reaches over 305,000 local residents across the Binghamton area, giving DeMunn visibility far beyond what print or digital channels can offer.

Families now arrive already trusting DeMunn's reputation, having seen neighbors and community members choose them for their most important farewells.

Why DeMunn's Success Translates

Beyond Marketing: It's About Presence

Chptr has replaced old-school marketing that never quite fit with something far more meaningful. It offers visibility that grows trust, reputation, and results without adding complexity.

Reach out to the team today to learn how we can help replicate this success with your funeral home.