"I've learned that during calling hours - especially with older people or the parents of younger children that when they walk in and they see their loved-one on the screen like that they cry right away. It's impactful as opposed to seeing faded white letters on a board that are crooked."
- Harry VanVliet IV, Gilpatric-VanVliet Funeral Home

Gilpatric-VanVliet Funeral Home

The Gilpatric-VanVliet Funeral Home in Ulster Park NY has been a caring member of its community since 1872, and guided hundreds of families through some of their most difficult times.

Surrounded by unique "small-town" Esopus scenery, their meticulously maintained funeral home offers a home-like atmosphere that families seek.

What were you using before you purchased your 42" Sedona from FuneralScreen?

The traditional felt board. I hated it. I found it annoying and outdated to press small plastic letters to the board for visitor information. It would take several minutes to do a simple service announcement only to have the letters fall off. I didn't find it attractive.

"I believe I am the progressive funeral home in my area. While others continue with the felt boards and Victorian interiors and furniture, I strive to offer a homelike ambiance with up to date technology."
Harry VanVliet IV, Gilpatric-VanVliet Funeral Home

What made you decide you needed to try something new?

I'm lucky to have training in the technology field, allowing me be a tech leader. I am always seeking progressive and unique changes. I felt that today’s families would like to see that more than a felt board – which means more value.

I wanted something that was progressive. And I felt that families would like to see that more than a felt board - it would just attract them more. It is important that we stand out from our competitors and being the only funeral home in town with a Funeral Screen, I do. One of my competitors refers to the screen as "My NFL Scoreboard."

What is your favorite feature?

It's hard to say - I mean there is a lot to like. One feature is the ability to offer a slideshow of photos. Something the felt board can’t offer. When visitors see their loved one on the Funeral Screen, well the reaction is comforting.

In addition, if there is one thing that people ask often it is "What time and where is the mass tomorrow?," or "What church is it?" With the Sedona, they no longer have to ask us. It's right in front of them. On a felt board, you are limited on how much information to put up. The Sedona Funeral Screen is much more informative and it easier to populate with information.

I usually place the obituary on the display for people to read as they wait in line for the register book.  I like the fact that the obituary is visible and I include the suggested place for donations so families have that information easily available.

I get a little fancy with my display. I have my backgrounds change. I add backgrounds that are based on the obituary of the deceased - say he was a veteran who also loved football… I would have those two backgrounds alternate. These are details that personalizes the experience for the families.

Also, having the current and the next day weather forecast displayed is also a great feature. It helps visitors plan for the service the next day, whether or not an umbrella is needed, or appropriate attire to wear. Having the time and date displayed are a nice feature to have up also.

How has your FuneralScreen display helped you achieve your business goals?

Well, I don't think people call me because I have the display but… My funeral home is known as the progressive, 'home-like' funeral home. I'm not setup as the Victorian funeral home with the old wall paper and Victorian furniture. We are design as if you just walked into your living room, with neutral, earth-tone colors and comfortable seating. So to have the display in there just further sets us apart from the competition. When visitors walk in, not only do they have comfortable chairs and neutral earth tone colors but they have an informative 42” screen surrounded by a cherry picture frame at the register book - it just fits in with the interior. We are continuously complimented on this unit.

Would you recommend FuneralScreen displays?

Yes, Look. FuneralScreen is not just for the big firms. I'm a small firm in a rural community doing 50 calls a year. This was certainly a big investment for me but you know what - it just sets me that much more apart from my competitors - and it's progressive!

I don’t believe that today’s funeral client cares much about Victorian furniture and the drab wallpaper. They care more about comfort, attention and what value are they going to get for the money they are spending?

For the value - I don't charge for use of the FuneralScreen, so they are getting much more value for what they are paying.

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