text: Created by two former Nike executives, Solace is bringing the funeral industry into the 21st century by offering convenient, compassionate online cremation and funeral planning services to Oregon and Washington consumers
  November 12, 2019 (Portland, Ore.) – In the United States, the funeral business is a $19 billion industry with an analog model that has been relatively unchanged over the last century. Former Nike Executive Creative Directors Keith Crawford and David Odusanya are changing that with Solace, a digital-only direct cremation service that melds online ease with simple, transparent and compassionate service. The company, which launched in Portland, Ore., in Spring 2019, is now expanding to the Seattle area, including King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.
  Solace is the brainchild of Crawford and Odusanya, whose own experiences with the death of loved ones inspired them to apply their innovative, consumer experience-driven design expertise to the funeral industry. Their deep design and branding background allowed them to reimagine the funeral business and all aspects of the consumer experience.
  “Solace was born out of our own experience with the funeral industry, and the discovery that – unlike almost every other industry – it has not evolved to match market preferences for a modern, straightforward digital-based experience,” said Crawford, Solace co-founder and CEO. “However, purchasing cremation services shouldn’t be an anonymous online transaction, because nothing is more deeply personal than handling the passing of a loved one. Solace is centered around delivering a compassionate, personal and concierge-level service to anyone tackling end-of-life planning, and we are thrilled to now bring our services to the Seattle area. As the birthplace of so many disruptive companies, such as Microsoft, Amazon and Starbucks, and home to a very vibrant death positivity movement, we think Seattle is the perfect fit for Solace.”
  Added Odusanya, “As creative directors, we solve problems through design, with the consumer experience always at the center. This was our guiding principle in creating Solace: to help people navigate a necessary process in the least painful way. We are gratified by how well our services have been received in the Portland area, and we are looking forward to helping Seattle-area families.”
  With an increasing number of people choosing cremation services over funerals, both as a way to save money and to reduce environmental impact, Solace’s online-only offering appeals to digital-savvy consumers. The Solace leadership team includes Jeremy Frank, Chief Operating Officer, who brings a deep background in operations, strategy and finance, and Funeral Director Malisa Riceci.
  “I see my work with decedents as a relationship. I might not have known them while they were alive, but I meet them through their loved ones and I take the trust they place with me very seriously,” said Riceci, who has previously worked with a number of independent funeral homes in the Portland area. “Solace sets a high bar for personalized care while making it easy and convenient for people to make cremation arrangements while going through a difficult time, and I am honored to start working with Seattle-area families.”
  The Solace Model
  Solace offers a modern, simple solution for anyone in its service area – currently Washington’s Clark, King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties and Oregon’s Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington Counties – seeking direct cremation services.
  The tech-driven, human-powered business includes 24-7 access to a compassionate support team, making the experience of arranging a cremation simple, transparent and professional.
  Unlike most traditional funeral homes, Solace does not have a “starter price.” Customers pay one flat fee of $895 — no surprises, no hidden charges, no confusion. With the exception of certified death certificates, the price includes everything: 24-7, concierge-style customer service; funeral director and staff; assistance with paperwork; transportation of the deceased; cremation; return of cremated remains; and all necessary permits and fees.
  Commitment to the Environment
  Solace is committed to environmental stewardship, and the company is now reducing its carbon footprint by purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) from 3Degrees. These carbon offsets support projects that are working to reduce, absorb, or prevent carbon and other emissions from entering the atmosphere.
  “Cremation is better for the environment than traditional burial, but still has a carbon footprint. Rather than ignoring this, as most of the funeral industry is doing, we decided early on to do the right thing with voluntary purchase of carbon offsets. We are very proud of the fact that every Solace cremation is carbon neutral and at no additional expense to the families we serve,” said Crawford.
  About Solace
  Solace Cremation is an immediate disposition company providing modern cremation care balanced with a human approach. With services that are easy to understand, transparently priced and delivered with a personal touch, Solace provides concierge-level support that puts the focus on the client’s needs. The Solace Care Team is available 24-7 to provide professional, compassionate care and helpful answers any time of day. Co-founded by Keith Crawford and David Odusanya, Solace is headquartered in Portland, Ore. Info: www.solacecares.com.
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  About Solace Cremation
  Solace Cremation is a licensed immediate disposition company providing modern cremation care balanced with a human approach. With services that are easy to understand, transparently priced and delivered with a personal touch, Solace provides concierge level support that puts the focus on the client’s needs. The Solace Care Team is available 24-7 to provide professional, compassionate care and helpful answers any time of day. Co-founded by Keith Crawford and David Odusanya, Solace is headquartered in Portland, Ore.