Orlando, FL – September 3, 2019 – Foundation Partners Group, a leading provider of innovative funeral and cemetery experiences and products, has announced the acquisition of Beers & Story Funeral Homes in Western Massachusetts. The acquisition expands Foundation Partners Group service area to 19 states and represents its first locations in New England.
“It’s a real pleasure to welcome Wendy Story and Marc Gaudreau to the Foundation Partners family,” stated Bob Bukala, Foundation Partners Group President and CEO. “Wendy and Marc have set a high standard for service and innovation in their communities that perfectly matches ours. We are very proud to have the Beers & Story team join Foundation Partners and help us grow our presence in the northeast.”
The firm traces its roots to the early 1900s when Bert Beers opened the Bert L. Beers Funeral Home in Palmer, MA. Herbert Story was hired shortly after returning from World War II, and in 1950, the two men formed a partnership to create Beers & Story Funeral Home. In 1951, after recognizing the need for a funeral home in his home town, Story and his wife opened a second location in Belchertown, MA.
In 1984, Story’s eldest daughter, Wendy, joined the firm and they ran the business together until his death in August 1996. In October 2000, Wendy Story's husband, Marc Gaudreau, joined the business. The next year, a third generation entered the profession when Story's daughter, Alyssa Hall, now Boyko, joined the business shortly after graduating from mortuary college. Additionally, in 1996, Wendy welcomed Belchertown native Crystal (Giroux) Champigny to her family’s business. Crystal remains an integral part of the team of directors at Beers & Story. The business now operates in three locations, as Beers & Story expanded to South Hadley, MA in January 2002.
“With regulations and HR issues getting more complex, we came to the realization that we needed a partner who could take those issues off our plate so we could fully focus on serving families,” commented Marc Gaudreau of Beers & Story. “We were also looking for a company that understands the changing consumer and is willing to invest and innovate to stay relevant. Foundation Partners is just that company.”
“Since our founding, Beers & Story has been committed to offering trusted guidance and excellent service to our families,” said Wendy Story of Beers & Story. “We are delighted Foundation Partners’ core values align with our mission of serving our communities with grace and compassion.”
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"Beers & Story has a demonstrated culture of offering families the best of what is available in our profession – including offering families Certified Celebrant services for more than 15 years, the latest audiovisual capabilities, and an expert event planning focus,” stated Erin Whitaker, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Foundation Partners Group. “They epitomize the ideals of service excellence and community connection. We are very fortunate to have them as part of the Foundation Partners family.”
About Foundation Partners Group: Foundation Partners Group is a leading provider of innovative funeral and cemetery experiences and products. As one of the largest privately-owned funeral and cemetery operators, Foundation Partners owns and operates funeral homes, cremation centers and cemeteries in 19 states and is actively seeking to expand its presence throughout the U.S. With headquarters in Orlando, Florida, Foundation Partners is committed to revolutionizing the funeral profession through its innovative ShareLife® customer- experience-centered approach and harnessing the power of relationship and partnership. For more information, visit the Foundation Partners Group website at www.foundationpartners.com.
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