Some people like to joke that the very first “computer” showed up in the Garden of Eden—an Apple with just one byte. It’s a playful reminder of how one unexpected moment can create a ripple effect, sometimes causing surprise, disruption, or unintended consequences. And if you’ve ever watched someone over 70 try to navigate Word or Excel while a 6-year-old impatiently taps the screen asking why they “can’t just open the homework,” you know exactly how those ripple effects feel.
Bill Forsberg, Owner of ADDvantage Casket Company, tells the story best. He recalls that the first true home computer didn’t come from IBM, despite what many folks guess. Instead, it was Tandy Radio Shack—TRS, a name that still rings a bell for anyone who wrestled with floppy disks or hunted for the power cord while muttering under their breath. Bill likes to say he’s a “semi-tech guy who isn’t going to worry about things like AI,” but his story hits a bigger point: whether we’re early adopters or reluctant converts, technology always finds a way to pull us forward.
And in many ways, the funeral industry has been on that same journey.
For generations, funeral service relied on local craftsmen building simple wooden caskets.
Over time, manufacturers introduced steel, bronze, hardwoods, and increasingly personalized designs that reflected families’ needs and traditions.
Now, technology is accelerating the next major evolution. Virtual reality, live-streaming, digital memorial platforms, online guest books, and AI-assisted administrative tools are making funeral planning more accessible, meaningful, and efficient for families everywhere.
Casket ordering has changed just as dramatically. What once required an in-person visit and whatever inventory happened to be available has become a flexible, digital experience. Today, funeral homes and families can browse virtual catalogs, order online, text in requests, and access information instantly instead of waiting for printed materials.
How ADDvantage Casket Company Is Moving Forward
At ADDvantage, we’ve embraced this shift so you can stay ahead without losing the personal service that defines our industry. Our digital tools now include:
- A virtual catalog for easy browsing from any device
- An updated website with simple online ordering
- Fast, reliable email communication
- A sales team available by phone, text, email, tele-meetings, and in-person visits
And with the next wave already approaching—imagine placing an order by simply scanning a code with your phone, grocery-store style—ADDvantage remains committed to adapting right alongside you.
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