July 25, 2025
Published by 
Taylor Weber on July 25, 2025
Taylor Weber on July 25, 2025In a recent internal training, we explored a concept that’s becoming increasingly important for anyone advising clients through a sale: not all buyers are created equal. Just like sellers have unique goals—some want to maximize their financial return, others care deeply about legacy or employee retention—buyers, too, come to the table with distinct motivations, strategies, and investment theses. The more we understand these buyer personas, the better equipped we are to match the right buyer to the right seller and guide our clients with clarity and confidence. Big vs. Small: Scale Matters Large national consolidators often operate with deep financial resources, strict investment criteria, and long-term development strategies. These buyers typically look for strong pre-need programs, growth potential in larger metro markets, or synergies within their existing footprint. Their financial strength allows them to be selective, highly analytical, and competitive […]
May 22, 2025
Published by Taylor Weber on May 22, 2025
Taylor Weber on May 22, 2025This month, I had the privilege of attending the 2025 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference, an experience that left me inspired and better equipped to support my clients with a deeper sense of empathy, strategy, and clarity. One attendee posed a question that stood out to me: “How can we consistently add value to our services without reinforcing the stereotype that we’re upselling families at their most vulnerable, especially when budgets are tight?” Reflecting on these candid discussions and collaborative exchanges made one thing clear: delivering high-value service doesn’t always mean families need to spend more—it means providing thoughtful, personalized gestures that resonate deeply. One director shared how she crafts small, meaningful mementos that reflect the deceased’s favorite hobby or brainstorms different ideas to tie in their personality to the service. Small acts with significant emotional impact. You can’t always raise […]
March 28, 2025
Published by Taylor Weber on March 28, 2025
Taylor Weber on March 28, 2025(Note: names, specific locations, and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy. The scenarios described, however, are real and reflective of genuine trends in the funeral and cemetery profession.) Across the country, funeral homes are experiencing a seismic shift. With skyrocketing real estate prices and evolving preferences for funeral services, providers are reconsidering their traditional reliance on physical facilities. This shift has prompted a growing number of funeral homes to adopt “asset-light” models—operating without traditional brick-and-mortar spaces, leveraging third-party partnerships and rented spaces to deliver meaningful, personalized funeral experiences. While this innovative approach offers substantial growth potential, it also presents unique challenges, as two similar but ultimately very different funeral homes discovered. Evergreen Farewell Services: Losing Sight of the Mission Evergreen Farewell Services was established with a clear, heartfelt mission: to provide families with deeply personalized, environmentally friendly funeral […]
January 28, 2025
Published by Taylor Weber on January 28, 2025
Taylor Weber on January 28, 2025As we step into 2025, funeral home owners should focus on proactive adaptation rather than just market monitoring. Last year, we emphasized the importance of tracking market share to understand where your business stands. This year, it’s about using that data to make strategic moves. Here’s a focused checklist to help position your funeral home for success. Your 2025 Readiness Checklist Strengthen Financial Health Optimize your budget by going beyond a basic budget—review your cash flow plan, pricing strategy, and cost structure that align with rising expenses and market shifts. Strategic pricing adjustments ensure your pricing aligns with market trends and your profitability goals, especially if service costs are increasing. Strengthen your cash flow by actively reviewing outstanding balances and enforcing clear payment policies to reduce receivables. Enhance Family Experience & Service Personalization Families expect more personalized services. Focus on […]
September 27, 2024
Published by Taylor Weber on September 27, 2024
Taylor Weber on September 27, 2024In our latest, Ask the Analyst blog column, we were given the question on what business-related tasks are needed to be done during the final month of the year. Financial Analyst, Taylor Weber provides her insights on this important topic. Question: Do I need to focus on any specific business elements in the last quarter of the year? Taylor Weber: As we head into the final quarter of the year, it’s important to assess where your business stands and take strategic action. While it’s tempting to remain cautious, especially when faced with market changes such as increased cremation rates or a fluctuating death rate, now is the time to make moves that will set your business up for long-term success. Many funeral home owners are hesitant to raise their prices, fearing they’ll lose calls to lower-cost competitors. But is that […]