What does it take to grow a giant pumpkin? According to ASD National Sales Manager Craig Meehan, it starts with the right seed, the right care, and a whole lot of patience. Over the next several months we’re following Craig’s journey as he grows what he hopes will be a championship-sized pumpkin. Along the way, we’ll share the lessons that apply just as well to growing a successful business.
Just like a giant pumpkin doesn’t happen overnight, lasting business growth comes from consistency, dedication, and having the right support behind you. At ASD, we’re proud to help funeral homes grow by ensuring every call is answered with professionalism, compassion, and care—so you can focus on serving the families who count on you. Follow along as we track Craig’s pumpkin all season long and discover how small steps can lead to something truly extraordinary.
Our goal? To bring Craig’s giant pumpkin to the NFDA International Convention & Expo this October! We’ll be sharing updates throughout the growing season, so you can watch its progress every step of the way—and if all goes according to plan, see the finished giant in person at our booth.
Episode #10: September 1, 2026
Our backup pumpkin is still hanging in there, but this week Craig is showing off another giant growing in his garden! In Episode 10, Craig talks about ASD’s newest app feature, gives us a look at one of his giant watermelons, and announces four lucky funeral professionals who will receive seeds from both Craig’s giant pumpkin and a 100+ lb. giant watermelon! Congratulations to Amber Horton with Roberts & Hart Funeral Home in Stillwater, OK; Amanda Whiteside with McFarland Funeral Chapel in Tryon, NC; Heidi Drew with Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, NE; and Helen Webb with Greene Funeral Home in Alexandria, VA! And the giveaways aren’t over yet! Stay tuned—we’ll be announcing even more funeral professionals who will receive some of Craig’s giant-growing seeds in upcoming episodes
Episode #9: August 27, 2026
We have some sad news from the pumpkin patch. The ASD giant pumpkin is unfortunately no more. This week, Craig explains what happened—and proves that, much like funeral directors, giant pumpkin growers apparently can’t take a vacation either. Our backup pumpkin is still hanging in there, but Craig gives it only about a 10% chance of making it to NFDA. Still, he’s not giving up. There’s time to grow another giant pumpkin—and rumor has it there may even be some giant watermelons hiding in Craig’s garden. We may not break any records this year, but we’ll certainly break a sweat doing everything we can to bring something special to NFDA in Charlotte. And while our pumpkin may be down, its legacy will live on! We’re planning to send giant pumpkin seeds to a few lucky funeral directors. Stay tuned for our next video to find out if some champion-caliber seeds are headed your way!
Episode #8: August 14, 2026
Episode #7: August 7, 2026
Episode #6: July 31, 2026
Episode #5: July 28, 2026
Episode #4: July 24, 2026
Episode #3: July 19, 2026
Episode #2: July 13, 2026
Episode #1: July 8, 2026
How big do you think it’ll be by October? Drop your guess in the comments, and be sure to stop by the ASD booth at NFDA 2026 to see if your prediction was close!
Related Reading
Pennsylvania Family Has Grown A Giant Pumpkin Right In Their Own Backyard
The Meehan Family Lessons From the Patch
Giant Pumpkin Result of Green Thumbs and a Determined Broomall Family
