Future Leaders Forum

Own the Future at the 2025 OGR Future Leaders Forum! Pollock-Randall Funeral Home in Port Huron, Michigan August 25-27
The OGR Future Leaders Forum is where growing professionals, second-career staff, and emerging leaders gather to cultivate their potential within the funeral home profession.
This year's theme, "Owning the Future," speaks to the ambitions of tomorrow's funeral service leaders. Through hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions, and real-world insights, attendees will gain both the hard and soft skills essential for owning and operating a successful funeral home. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, grow, and take the next step toward your future in funeral service!
This event provides a unique platform for attendees to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and collaborate on approaches to advance their careers while contributing to the growth and evolution of their respective funeral homes. With a focus on innovation thinking, participants will be encouraged to think ahead, envisioning ways to better serve the diverse needs of today's families while anticipating the evolving demands of tomorrow.
Once again, the OGR Foundation will be providing scholarships of $350 to the first 15 OGR member funeral homes that enroll a staff member in the Future Leaders Forum! Sign up now and secure your scholarship!
Pricing
$199 for Future Leaders from OGR member firms $249 for Future Leaders from non-member firms
Hotel Information
The 2025 Future Leaders Forum has a room block at the Doubletree by Hilton Port Huron! Read more about the room block below and click here to book your room now! The last day to book is August 4, 2025. The hotel is approximately a 6-minute drive from Pollock-Randall Funeral Home.
Doubletree by Hilton Port Huron 800 Harker St. Port Huron, MI 48060 Phone: +1 810-984-8000
Room rate: $119 per night, plus taxes and fees.
Available Dates: August 25 (check-in) - August 27 (check-out)
Visitor Information
From boat tours and lighthouses to golf and fishing, Port Huron offers authentic coastal charm. Check out fun things to do in the area here!

Schedule Overview
Schedule is subject to change. Check back later for updates.
Monday, August 25, 2025 |
5:00 - 7:00 PM |
Optional Meet-Up at Bootleggers Axe Co. |
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 |
8:00 AM |
Check-in and Light Breakfast |
8:30 AM |
Welcome |
8:45 AM - 9:45 AM |
Education Session: Bridging the Generational Divide in the Workplace Antonio Green, James H. Cole Home for Funerals
This presentation shows how to unite Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z at work by defining each generation's values and communication styles, outlining steps to analyze current dynamics, strategizing tailored engagement, and implementing solutions. By fostering continuous learning, open communication and inclusive collaboration, organizations boost efficiency, innovation, and retention. Attendees will be challenged to apply these strategies immediately to gain a competitive edge.
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10:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Education Session: Making the Best Choice for Your Preneed Andy Weninger, Premier Preneed Marketing
This practical and informative session is designed specifically for funeral home owners looking to grow their business, strengthen client relationships, and ensure long-term sustainability. Learn how to effectively manage and maintain leads using a dedicated CRM system that helps you capture, nurture, and protect client information - while re-engaging families through email, texting, and social media. We'll also explore the advantages of offering preneed insurance over other funding options, with talking points you can use in your own community seminars. Gain an insider's look at how top preneed suppliers design products and commission structures to support your growth, and walk away with a clear framework for choosing the right partner - one that offers industry-leading tools, flexible marketing strategies, and a personalized approach to help your funeral home thrive both now and in the future.
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11:15 AM - 1:15 PM |
Lighthouse Tour, Karrer Simpson Location Tour, and Lunch |
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM |
Education Session: Building a Strong Foundation: Financial Insights from Independent Funeral Homes OGR Members Chris Janowiak, Shelly Brown-Chudzinski, Phil Vallelunga, and Sara Walsh
Join us for an interactive discussion with experienced funeral home owners as they dive into the financial strategies that drive successful, independently owned funeral homes. This panel will focus on the critical elements of managing operating budgets and creating diverse revenue streams to sustain growth and stability. Our expert panelists will share their insights on building a solid financial foundation, managing cash flow, and maximizing profitability through innovative revenue channels. Future Leaders will gain practical tips, real-world examples, and actionable strategies that can be implemented immediately, empowering them to make informed financial decisions as they step into managerial or ownership roles within the funeral service profession.
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2:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
Education Session: Star Trek and Vikings.... At a Funeral? aka Dare to Use Your Imagination Joe E. Pray, Pray Funeral Home
We will illustrate the mindset of today's "no service" or DIY consumer and look at possible ways to help them understand the benefit of memorialization. The program will then cover a simple multi-step plan to help develop meaningful and sometimes "Over-the-top" funerals, memorials, and life celebrations. And be prepared... the program will end with an exercise to practice using your imagination.
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5:00 PM |
Lakehouse Party |
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 |
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM |
Check-In and Light Breakfast |
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM |
The Power of Moments Workshop Led by Matthew Van Drimmelen, Full-Circle Aftercare
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2025 FUTURE LEADERS FORUM PRESENTING SPONSOR |
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Who are Future Leaders?
OGR Future Leaders are members who are not yet in primary decision-making roles at their funeral homes, regardless of age. Whether you are just starting out in the funeral service, you're starting a second career, or have been employed at a funeral home for 20+ years, this group is for you.
Ways to get involved with the Future Leaders
- Join the Future Leaders Facebook Group for ongoing discussions
- Attend the Annual Future Leaders Forum
- Serve on the Future Leaders Committee
- Contribute thought content to OGR for its blog, newsletter and magazine
- Take advantage of microlearning opportunities throughout the year with content geared towards future leaders
Find out about upcoming Future Leader events and other opportunities by subscribing to our emails. Take two minutes to fill out THIS FORM or contact a[email protected] for more information.
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