April 23, 2026
Published by 
Luke Potter on April 23, 2026
Luke Potter on April 23, 2026Deal fatigue is a phenomenon that occurs during lengthy or complex business transactions, most commonly in mergers and acquisitions where one or both parties experience a gradual erosion of enthusiasm, focus, and motivation to see the deal through to closing. It typically sets in after prolonged periods of negotiation, due diligence, and back-and-forth communication that stretch well beyond the originally anticipated timeline. As weeks turn into months, the cumulative weight of information requests and unresolved sticking points can wear down even the most seasoned dealmakers, causing minor issues and setbacks to become an expensive and drawn-out thorn in the side. The causes of deal fatigue often come down to a lack of organization and a failure to maintain urgency throughout the process. Sellers who are slow to upload requested documents, delayed in responding to questions, or simply unprepared for the […]
February 26, 2026
Published by Luke Potter on February 26, 2026
Luke Potter on February 26, 2026In most professions, rebranding is almost expected following a change in ownership. In fact, 74% of S&P 100 companies rebrand within seven years of going public. Yet in funeral service, less than 10% of firms undergo a complete rebrand post-sale. Why the difference? Funeral service is deeply rooted in tradition, community trust, and multi-generational legacy. A funeral home’s name is often synonymous with decades of service, compassion, and personal relationships. That intangible value or goodwill, is often one of the most significant assets a buyer acquires. Brand consistency in funeral service is not just about logos or signage, it is about trust. Families associate the brand with people, history, and long-standing reputation. Funeral homes are relationship-driven businesses where perception can materially impact call volume, staff morale, and community confidence. Abrupt or dramatic branding changes can unintentionally show signs of instability […]
December 22, 2025
Published by Luke Potter on December 22, 2025
Luke Potter on December 22, 2025When it comes time to sell a funeral home, the headline purchase price often gets the most attention – but how a deal is structured can be just as important as the number itself. Cash at close, seller financing, deferred compensation, earnouts, and equity options each carry their own advantages and tradeoffs. The right structure depends on the seller’s financial goals, risk tolerance, and desire for post-sale involvement, as well what the buyer is seeking to achieve strategically, operationally, and financially through the transaction. Understanding these differences early allows owners to make informed decisions rather than reacting to offers at the eleventh hour. From a financial standpoint, different deal structures can materially impact net present value (NPV). A higher purchase price paid over time may look attractive on paper, but when discounted back to today’s dollars, it can be worth […]
November 25, 2025
Published by Luke Potter on November 25, 2025
Luke Potter on November 25, 2025In the funeral profession, operational issues rarely appear overnight. Most red flags emerge slowly, but with quiet signs that something is slipping. For owners juggling families, staffing, community obligations, day-to-day operations, and life in general, it’s easy for these warning signs to go unnoticed, but identifying them early can be the difference. Red flags aren’t failures; they are signals. And the most successful owners are the ones who recognize and address them before they become irreversible. One of the biggest warning signs is inconsistent call volume. Whether calls are declining, stagnating, or shifting toward lower-margin services, the trend matters far more than any single year’s performance. A weak or unclear understanding of market share is another major indicator of a red flag, especially when competition increases or consumer preferences shift. Cremation mix, pricing position, and your alignment with community demographics […]
September 25, 2025
Published by Luke Potter on September 25, 2025
Luke Potter on September 25, 2025Partnerships in funeral service businesses can be both a strength and a challenge. Shared ownership often begins with aligned goals, but over time, differing visions, unequal workloads, or family dynamics can create tension. These disputes don’t just affect the partners involved – they can damage staff morale, disrupt service quality, and ultimately hurt the reputation of the firm in the community. When disagreements escalate, the consequences can be serious. Prolonged disputes can lead to legal battles, financial strain, and missed opportunities for growth. In some cases, they prevent businesses from pursuing acquisitions, expanding facilities, or even maintaining day-to-day operations smoothly. Too often, owners wait until conflict has boiled over before addressing it, rather than being proactive and putting safeguards in place from the start. The most effective way to avoid destructive disputes is to establish clear rules early. This means […]