As we celebrate our 15th anniversary June 2025, we wanted to share a little historical insight into the ADDvantage Casket Company and one of the most common questions we get:
“Why are your caskets named after cities in North Carolina?”
Vickie Zimmerman, the original owner and founder of ADDvantage Casket, said, “When we began, we wanted our casket names to stand out while paying tribute to our home state of North Carolina. We tried to match a city’s personality with the casket’s design wherever possible. For example, the ‘Pinehurst’ casket—a sophisticated and high-end choice—reflects the elegance and prestige of its namesake town.”
Zimmerman also shared, “Some casket names, like ‘LaGrange,’ came from strong local connections, such as funeral homes that frequently used a particular model. LaGrange was named for Lynn Taylor of Rouse Funeral Home, who ordered many of them.”
Of course, not every name followed a strict strategy. “Sometimes, the names just felt right. But they’ve always added a unique charm and a touch of regional pride to our products,” Zimmerman explained. She also recounted a humorous moment: “Andy Walker of Walker Funeral Home in Windsor, a hardwood enthusiast and staunch Republican, loved our pecan casket but teased me endlessly about naming it ‘Clinton.’
Looking back on 15 years, we’re grateful for the partnerships and the stories behind each casket. These names represent our products and the meaningful connections we’ve built along the way. Here’s to many more years of serving the North Carolina community and beyond!
This philosophy of honoring relationships and connections remains a cornerstone of ADDvantage Casket Company under the leadership of its current owner, Bill Forsberg.
Reflecting on his approach in From Much Wants More*, Forsberg writes, “Taking care of things well after we acquire them has always been important to me. This is especially true of relationships, which by far and away are the most difficult to keep in top condition. It is always faster and easier to repair an object or thing than it is to repair a relationship.”
Forsberg’s commitment to nurturing relationships mirrors the company’s origins, where every casket name told a story of collaboration, loyalty, and respect for the communities they serve. Today, that same dedication continues to guide the company, ensuring that every connection—whether with funeral homes, families, or communities—is handled with care and integrity.
About the book:
“This collection of wise and wonderful sayings is sure to delight and make the reader think from a new perspective.”
Available for purchase at Amazon.