JAKE JOHNSON, With roots in Batesville, Indiana, home to America's largest casket company, Jake Johnson has spent his whole life around the funeral and cemetery business, occupying virtually every role there is-from the grounds to the executive board. Today he is President and CEO of Johnson Consulting, the leading funeral and cemetery consulting firm in North America. With a background in accounting, financial analysis, and EBITDA forecasting, he brings extensive business experience to the table (or grave, as the case may be). Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Palm Mortuaries and Cemeteries. An innovator, change agent, and thought leader in the profession, Jake's success is based on his unique ability to identify simple solutions to complex business problems.

• ABOUT THE AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGMENTS PREFACE FOREWORD INTRODUCTION Death and Taxes The Life Cycle of Death Care From the Ground Up: Starting or Buying a Funeral or Cemetery Business Your Most Valuable Asset: Building a Staff You Can Trust Going beyond the Grave: Finding Growth and Innovation in the Funeral and Cemetery Businesses What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger: Embracing Technology in a Slow-to-Change Profession From Now till Eternity: Managing a Property Meant to Be Forever Passing On: Effectively Navigating Succession Nearing Expiration: Determining When You’re Ready to Sell Happily Ever Afterlife: Case Studies on Buying, Selling, and Creating Successful Strategies Kingdom Come: Exploring What’s Next in Funeral and Cemetery Services CONCLUSION OUR SERVICES