In what I would term an “Honorable” press release from Death Care consolidator and operator Foundation Partners Group, the company is using this day to not only honor all American military veterans but to illustrate some of the military veterans who continue to “serve” in the realm of Death Care.

According to the press release, “Foundation Partners employs veterans in locations across the country, many of whom continue their mission of service by helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.”

John D. Smith, CEO of Foundation Partners Group, had this to say in prepared remarks from the press release, “Veterans Day is a perfect time to demonstrate our appreciation for the service and sacrifice made by our team members who are military veterans and to recognize the value they bring to our business.  The dedication, discipline and spirit of service fostered during their years of military service continue guide the work they do every day—providing comfort, care and respect to the families who depend on us. . . . . . We celebrate these veterans and hundreds of others who we are proud to call members of our Foundation Partners family, today and every day.”

Here are profiles of four veterans that Foundation Partners Group highlighted:

Cedricjuan (C.J.) Wilson, U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps veteran C.J. Wilson was born into a family of funeral directors and set his sights on the profession long before joining the military. His 16 years in the Marine Corps included deployments to Africa, Iraq and Australia. His primary role was motor transportation operator, but it was his service as a casualty assistance calls officer that reignited his passion for funeral service. A licensed funeral director and embalmer, Wilson joined Foundation Partners in 2024 and now leads the decedent care center at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home in St. Petersburg, Florida.

“Veterans Day is a day that I reflect on all those who give the United States a blank check that says, ‘I will defend you at all costs,’” Wilson said. “I continue to carry that military spirit and mindset every day.”

Chris Nickelson, U.S. Army

A U.S. Army aviation officer, Chris held distinguished leadership positions both stateside and in combat, which prepared him well for his current role as vice president in Foundation Partners ‘ Acceleration Office. Over nine years of service, he deployed twice to Afghanistan, once as a platoon leader and once as a company commander. During his last deployment, he assumed his second command as leader of the task force maintenance company where he was responsible for overseeing the maintenance program for all helicopters in Eastern Afghanistan and led the downed aircraft recovery team. In addition, he is a qualified pilot in command and air mission commander on the AH-64E Apache Helicopter and flew numerous combat missions.

“After the military and a short stint in the private sector, I found myself looking for a new job,” Nickelson said. “In my search, I wanted to prioritize service to community. Prior to coming across the Foundation Partners job posting, I never thought of a career in funeral service. After my initial conversations with Foundation Partners, however, I knew this was the perfect place to continue service to the community, albeit in a different capacity than that of an Army officer.“ 

Savannah Googins, U.S. Air Force 

A career with meaning, a steady paycheck and the opportunity to see the world led Savannah Googins to the Air Force, where she served four years and rose to senior airman before being honorably discharged in 2011. She attended college with the help of GI Bill education benefits and later took a sales job at a cemetery. Today she serves as general manager at Edwards Memorial Center Funeral Home and Crematory in Lakewood, Washington.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the military, and being able to guide families through placement at a national cemetery and explain their benefits is always a highlight of my day,” Googins said. “I also take great pride in assisting with active-duty funerals. Picking decedents up from the flight line with their families is always a great honor because I can make sure they get the send-off they deserve for serving our country.”

Scott LePage, U.S. Navy

A naval aviator deployed two times to the Gulf, Scott LePage knows a thing or two about leadership. He served 10 years leading technical and operational teams to achieve high levels of readiness for squadron operations during essential missions. The son of a military veteran and proud father of a current Army combat medic, LePage has led teams across multiple industries and currently serves as Foundation Partners’ chief operating officer.

“In the military, I was surrounded by people who put ‘others before self’ and were willing to focus on what they could do to improve the world around them, despite the personal challenges it might create for them. I find that our team at Foundation Partners shares many of those qualities and I am proud to serve alongside team members as we make a difference for the communities and families we serve,” LePage said. “I appreciate that we recognize our veterans throughout the U.S. in many meaningful ways. I like to keep in mind that, when one member of a family serves, the whole family serves. For our friends and neighbors who are in that situation, it can be simple things like an offer to help, a quick check-in or a small expression of appreciation that gets them through the day. Veterans Day is a wonderful opportunity to take a moment to recognize all who have served and continue to serve.”

More news from Foundation Partners Group —  Here is a couple of recent press releases from Foundation Partners Group

Related — Here is the Journey to Serve website.  Journey to Serve is a unique Death Care campaign to get military veterans to look for careers in Death Care upon discharge.

More news from the world of Death Care:

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Foundation Partners Group CEO John D. Smith: “We’re Becoming One United Company”

When John D. Smith stepped into his role as CEO of Foundation Partners Group (FPG) earlier this year, he inherited more than 260 funeral homes, crematories, and cemeteries across the country — and a team that had already weathered years of acquisition-fueled expansion and industry evolution. Six months in, Smith says the company is entering a new phase — one defined not by rapid growth through acquisition, but by unifying, refining, and re-engaging with the communities it serves.

“We’ve been an acquisition-driven holding company,” Smith explained in a recent interview with Connecting Directors during the 2025 National Funeral Directors Association Convention & Expo. “Now, we’re pivoting and becoming a branded, united operating company.”

That shift, Smith emphasized, marks a significant cultural and operational transformation. 

“Before, you’re going out and you’re buying your EBITDA — your profit, your market share,” he said. “Now we’re saying, hey, we’re going to pause on acquisitions and take all this stuff we have and turn it into a real operating company. We’re going to grow our market share and profitability by serving families better than our competitors — with the team we already have.”

Re-engaging the Foundation Partners community

Earlier this year, FPG created its Community Advisory Board, composed of industry and community leaders who bring an outside perspective to the organization’s strategy and direction. The board’s insights, Smith said, are already proving invaluable.

“They gave us feedback on how we’re thinking about our business, how we’re going to grow,” he shared. “They love how we’re getting reconnected in the community, and they’re really excited to help us with that. It’s going well.”

For Smith, who came to the deathcare space after leadership roles in other industries, building those relationships — both inside and outside the organization — is central to FPG’s transformation.

“I’ve learned that the people in this profession are great,” he said. “They love what we do, they love serving families, and they want to win. This company’s been through so much, and we still have a team that’s engaged, connected, and excited about the direction we’re going. We’ve laid out our path forward, how we’re going to grow, and they have a lot of excitement about that.”

“Transformations don’t happen before people do”

Smith’s approach to leadership is grounded in a philosophy he’s carried throughout his career: “Organizations don’t transform in a sustained way before people do.”

“Irrespective of what industry you’re in, it’s all about people,” he explained. “We’ve gotten here because people were doing certain things — not good or bad, just the way things were done. Now, we’re saying, ‘Here’s the outcome we want and here’s why we need to move this way.’”

That “why,” Smith said, is the foundation of change. Once people understand it, they can begin to shift their mindset. 

“If you know the why, then you start asking, ‘How do I change my mindset from what I believed before to now?’” he explained. “When people get there, they realize, ‘I need a different skill set,’ and that’s where training and coaching come in. Then, once they’ve got the mindset and the skill set, we give them the tool set — the systems and processes that make it possible. That’s how you change a company of this size.”

Leading through change

Of course, transformation — especially in a people-centered profession like the deathcare profession — comes with both excitement and uncertainty. Smith acknowledged that reactions among FPG’s funeral home teams have been mixed, but still largely positive.

“It’s two-sided,” he said. “On one hand, they love that we’re focused on them — that we’re investing in our people, our facilities, and our technology to help them do their jobs easier and faster and take care of families. But at the same time, they’re human. They’re saying, ‘Wait a minute, this feels different. You’re going to measure me on that now? Your expectations of me are different?’ You get both sides — and that’s part of growth.”

That growth, Smith said, isn’t just about financial performance; it’s about creating a unified culture built on shared purpose and accountability. 

“I can say one thing, but if it doesn’t show up in the behavior of our leaders, it’s not going to work,” he noted. “So I’ve spent a lot of time helping my leaders get there — making sure they’re showing up differently. It’s working, but we still have a lot of work to do.”

Smith’s long-term vision for Foundation Partners Group centers on sustainability — not just operationally, but culturally. He wants the company to be known for delivering consistently excellent service across its locations while honoring the individuality of each community it serves.

For more information on Foundation Partners Group, reach out to the FPG team at https://foundationpartners.com/contact-us/.

Johnson Consulting Group Marks 25 Years of Guiding Funeral and Cemetery Businesses Through Change 

Scottsdale, Arizona — October 28, 2025 —Johnson Consulting Group (JCG), a premier consulting firm serving funeral and cemetery professionals nationwide, is celebrating 25 years of helping businesses navigate profession change, growth, and generational transition. This longevity provides great evidence in the satisfaction of JCG customers over the year.

Over the past quarter-century, JCG has grown from a firm focused primarily on succession planning to a full-spectrum consulting partner supporting all stages of the funeral home and cemetery life cycle. Its services now include mergers and acquisitions, operational consulting, accounting and financial management, coaching, leadership development, performance tracking through customer surveying and sales analysis, and technology solutions. 

A Legacy Rooted in Relationships

Founded in 2000 by Tom Johnson, and now led by his son, Jake Johnson, the company marks this milestone with gratitude for its clients, partners, and team members who have supported its growth and evolution. 

“My father loved this profession and his friends,” said Jake Johnson, President and CEO of JCG. “I think it was exciting for him to see that those relationships continue with what he built and to what we have today.” 

From its earliest days, Johnson Consulting built its reputation on deep, trust-based relationships within the funeral profession. Jake recalls growing up meeting funeral home owners through his father’s work and being struck not by the business side, but by the warmth and community of funeral service professionals. 

That relational foundation remains central to JCG’s approach today: Each client engagement is treated as a partnership, with JCG working “hand in glove” with operator teams to tailor strategies that fit their goals and values. 

Key Milestones & Contributions

• Broad national footprint: JCG has provided merger and acquisition advisory and consulting services to funeral and cemetery businesses in every U.S. state and Canada. 
• Billions in transactions: Over its history, the firm has supported well over $3 billion in funeral profession transactions. 
• Service diversification: From its beginnings in valuations and business exit planning, JCG responded to client demand over time by expanding into accounting, consulting, coaching, operational systems, and technology. 
• Profession insight and thought leadership: JCG has adapted alongside major trends — including rising cremation rates, shifting consumer expectations, digitization of operations, and evolving workforce dynamics. 

Jake Johnson points to technology, rising labor costs, and cremation rates as the most transformative forces for funeral businesses in recent years. He notes that funeral homes must balance deeply personal relationship-driven service with modern data-driven systems and efficient operations. 

Looking Ahead: The Next 25 Years

As JCG reflects on its first quarter-century, its leadership is already turning toward the future. The firm pledges to continue evolving in service of its clients:

• Innovate with purpose: JCG will continue developing and improving performance tools that help its clients operate more smoothly while preserving personal service. 
• Deepen coaching and leadership development: Recognizing that people drive long-term success, JCG aims to expand its executive coaching, team training, and leadership development offerings.
• Strategic growth and partnerships: The company continues to explore curated alliances, thought leadership content, and new service models to meet emerging challenges in the funeral and cemetery space.
• Commitment to clients’ futures: Above all, JCG intends to remain a trusted partner to funeral home and cemetery owners as they plan for succession, growth, operations, and market change.

“We’re in this for the long run,” says Johnson. “We honor my father’s founding vision while adapting continuously to serve an industry that never stops changing.” 

About Johnson Consulting Group

A leading funeral profession consulting firm focused on increasing performance, profitability, and success as owners navigate succession planning. Our expert services include succession planning, selling funeral homes and cemeteries, financing solutions, business coaching, accounting services, business performance analysis, customer survey program, customer experience workshops, incentive compensation plans, and Leadership and Management training.

For more information about JCG’s services, thought leadership, or JCG events, visit www.johnsonconsulting.com.

Foundation Partners Group Appoints New Directors to Guide Future Growth

Four new members bring deep expertise in deathcare, transformation & financial services

WINTER PARK, Fla. (October 23, 2025)  Foundation Partners Group, the nation’s second largest provider of funeral services, today announced the appointment of four seasoned executives to its board of directors. The additions, effective immediately, broaden the board’s collective experience across the deathcare, consulting and financial services industries.

The new directors include:

• Mark Laber, managing director at global consulting firm BRG
• Knut Olson, CEO of Federal Life Insurance Group
• Raphael “Ray” Wallander, owner, chairman and CEO of Maxwell Bay Advisors, LLC
• Bill Williams, former president & CEO, and current consultant at Funeral Services, Inc. (FSI)

“This outstanding group of funeral industry veterans and business transformation leaders share our vision for the future of deathcare, and the vital role Foundation Partners will play,” said John D. Smith, CEO of Foundation Partners Group. “Their insights will be instrumental as we scale as a unified operating company and continue delivering end-of-life care rooted in simplicity, transparency and trust.”
Director Profiles

Mark Laber

Laber, a managing director within the corporate finance and turnaround practice at BRG, has advised on more than 50 transactions across multiple industries during his tenures at BRG, FTI and PwC. Based in New York, he specializes in working with companies and their investors during times of operational improvement and change.  

Knut Olson

With more than 30 years in life, health and annuity insurance, Olson is known for driving innovation, capital management and product development. As CEO of Federal Life Insurance Group, he launched a global reinsurance business and expanded accident and health operations. Previously, as president and CEO of National Guardian Life Insurance Company, he led upgrades in industry ratings and grew niche markets including preneed and long-term care insurance.

Raphael “Ray” Wallander

Wallander, founder of Maxwell Bay Advisors, has advised and served on the boards of more than 10 private companies. He specializes in corporate transformation, restructuring and governance. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Wayzata Investment Partners, including corporate counsel and general counsel.
Bill Williams

A licensed funeral director since 1980, Williams has deep experience in funeral home and cemetery management, as well as regulatory and legislative advocacy. He served as president and CEO of Funeral Services, Inc. (FSI) for more than two decades before its acquisition by Argent Financial Group, where he now consults on funeral and cemetery trust administration and preneed programs.

“I am proud to welcome these leaders to the Foundation Partners board,” Smith added. “Together, we are well-positioned to support our frontline teams and advance our mission of providing meaningful, family-centered care.”

About Foundation Partners Group  

Winter Park, Florida-based Foundation Partners Group is one of the industry’s most innovative providers of funeral services and the second-largest funeral home group in the country based on the number of families served. Foundation Partners owns and operates a network of over 250 funeral homes, cremation centers and cemeteries across 21 states. Our deep understanding of technology and customer experience-centered approach allows us to deliver truly innovative and compassionate care to the families we serve. Visit www.foundationpartners.com to learn more.

The Independent Funeral Group Announces Partnership with The Champion Company to Support Embalming Innovation and Eco-Friendly Solutions

Maryville, TN — October 22, 2025 — The Independent Funeral Group is pleased to announce a new partnership with The Champion Company, America’s oldest family-owned chemical company and a respected pioneer in embalming and funeral service innovation, whose legacy of excellence stretches back a century and a half. This collaboration provides member firms access to forward-thinking solutions that emphasize quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Champion has long been recognized for its groundbreaking work in embalming chemistry and equipment. From introducing formaldehyde-free solutions that increase safety for embalmers to developing certified products for green burials and eco-cremations, Champion continues to lead the way in meaningful industry advancements. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and practitioner wellbeing makes them a trusted partner for funeral professionals who value both tradition and progress.

For 30 years, The Independent Funeral Group has worked to build a strong network of peers and partners, to better support our membership, and independent funeral homes overall. This new relationship with Champion reflects our ongoing mission to equip our member firms with ethical, high-quality resources that help them serve their communities with confidence and care.

“For generations, Champion has led the way in improving our profession,” said Dr. Brad Kuchnicki, Executive Director of The Independent Funeral Group. “Their commitment to both innovation and integrity makes them an ideal partner for the firms we support.”

“At Champion, we’ve always believed innovation and care go hand in hand,” said Dmitri Gianakopoulos, President and CEO of The Champion Company. “We’re proud to work with The Independent Funeral Group and bring forward-thinking solutions to the firms that serve their communities with compassion every day.”

About The Independent Funeral Group

Since 1995, The Independent Funeral Group has worked to support family-owned and operated funeral homes, and now serves as a buying, education, and resource group, committed to preserving independent ownership and strengthening the profession through shared resources and collaboration. Founded by funeral practitioners, for funeral practitioners, The Group champions dignity, service, and community.

To learn more about The Independent Funeral Group’s mission, membership criteria, and benefits, visit www.tifg.net, email info@tifg.net, or call (865) 405-7085.

Our mission is to help you achieve yours.

FUNERAL HOME GROUP CHAT EXPOSED | FFFW 253

I’ve been crushing everything pumpkin and pumpkin spice. I know it’s a little early for it, but I’ve always been a fan of “the early bird gets the worm.” In this case, I’m the bird, and the worm is all the pumpkin goodness being offered up at every store and restaurant. See, I’m new to the game- I grew up a pumpkin hater. Now I’ve been converted and I’m making the most of it.

Introducing The Memo by MemoryShare

New monthly newsletter!

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To subscribe to The Memo, click the button below.

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Funeral Home Staff Group Text Officially Declared ‘Evidence Exhibit A’ in HR Investigation

MAPLE RIDGE, OH — What began as a casual text about Friday’s lunch order has now escalated into a full-scale HR investigation, as the Remembrance Ridge Funeral Home Staff Group Chat was officially entered into evidence this week.

Every single employee except HR and the owner was part of the chat — a digital ecosystem where gallows humor, venting, and logistical chaos coexisted in what one staffer called “a sacred space.”

“It started out for work stuff,” said office manager Paula Knox. “Coordinating flower deliveries, late arrivals, that kind of thing. Then someone sent a meme. Then came the gossip. Then came the chaos. At one point we were solving scheduling issues, planning a baby shower, and staging a full-scale emotional breakdown in the same thread. That’s not toxic — that’s community.”

The chat, originally titled “Team Vibes 💀☕”, was later renamed “Don’t Show Denise (Seriously)” — a name investigators have since described as “unhelpfully transparent.”

The downfall reportedly began when embalmer Greg Thomas roasted co-worker Brian Ellis for his “inspirational quote emails.” In retaliation, Ellis allegedly forwarded the chat to HR “to clear the air,” though multiple staff members insist he was just mad someone finally told him to stop signing messages with “Best in Eternal Rest.”

“Brian’s the kind of guy who can dish it out, but the moment someone calls him ‘The Pre-Need Poet,’ suddenly we’ve got an ethics meeting,” said Knox.

When asked to comment, Thomas defended the chat’s content. “Hey, I think you’re trying really hard not to see how funny this is,” he said. “Like objectively, this is good material. There’s structure. There’s heart. There’s one-liners that could headline a CE conference.”

HR representative Denise Warren — one of only two employees not in the group — confirmed she’s “reviewing messages line by line,” but admitted she “had to take a break around the part where they renamed the Keurig ‘The Eternal Flame.’”As of press time, the staff had already launched a new chat titled “This Never Happened 2.0”, which participants describe as “strictly work-related,” though the pinned message reportedly reads: “If you screenshot, you’re dead to us — literally.”

Trivia

Choose the correct answer and you’ll see a puppy. Get it wrong and you’ll see someone hurting themselves.

If you lined up every hearse in active service across the U.S. bumper-to-bumper, about how far would the line stretch?

A. 75 miles
B. 150 miles
C. 300 miles

You Otter Be Proud

Here’s some good news going on in the profession.

1. This Milford nonprofit helps families with high funeral costs
2. People Magazine Covers Funeral Profession Story
3. Fifth-generation funeral director Jeff Monreal helps families grieve, celebrate loved ones

Foundation Partners Group Names Leviathan Winn CFO 

Will Serve as Strategic Enabler of Growth

WINTER PARK, Fla. (September 16, 2025) Foundation Partners Group, the nation’s second largest provider of funeral services, today announced the appointment of Leviathan Winn as chief financial officer (CFO), effective this week. Winn will oversee the company’s financial strategy, planning, capital structure and business performance management. 

“Leviathan is a proven financial operator with deep experience in turnaround and multi-site services businesses,” said Foundation Partners’ CEO John D. Smith. “He brings a track record of driving disciplined financial performance, building high-performing teams and partnering closely with operators to translate strategy into results. These strengths will be critical as we continue our transformation into a unified operating company focused on growth and delivering exceptional end-of-life care to families across the nation.”

Most recently, Winn served as CFO at Destination Pet, LLC, the largest pet boarding, day care and vet services platform in the United States. He previously served as CFO at Odoba Restaurant Corporation and Global CFO at Taco Bell, a division of Yum! Brands, Inc. Prior to that, he worked in various financial and strategic capacities, including serving as the Head of Strategic Development for the Consumer Bank at JP Morgan Chase, and serving as a strategy, restructuring and transformation consultant at McKinsey & Company. He began his career in the investment banking at Citi in New York, NY.

Winn received his undergraduate degree in finance from Texas A&M University, and his MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

“I am confident that Leviathan’s leadership and expertise will help us strengthen our foundation and accelerate our momentum of profitable growth to achieve our shared vision,” Smith added.

About Foundation Partners Group  

Winter Park, Florida-based Foundation Partners Group is one of the industry’s most innovative providers of funeral services and the second-largest funeral home group in the country based on the number of families served. Foundation Partners owns and operates a network of over 250 funeral homes, cremation centers and cemeteries across 21 states. Our deep understanding of technology and customer experience-centered approach allows us to deliver truly innovative and compassionate care to the families we serve. Visit www.foundationpartners.com to learn more.  

The Independent Funeral Group Endorses Homesteaders as Exclusive Preneed Provider

West Des Moines, Iowa — The Independent Funeral Group (TIFG) has announced its exclusive endorsement of Homesteaders Life Company as the association’s preferred preneed funding partner. TIFG, which recently announced its national expansion, has supported family-owned funeral providers with buying and educational resources for more than 30 years. 

“Homesteaders is proud to partner with TIFG in their mission to strengthen independent funeral providers,” said Will Bischoff, Homesteaders SVP-Strategic Markets. “This endorsement reflects our longstanding relationship with TIFG and its members and our shared commitment to helping funeral professionals deliver peace of mind and lasting value to the families they serve.” 

The endorsement connects TIFG members with a trusted ally dedicated to supporting their success and providing solutions that enhance the value they bring to the communities they serve. 

“For three decades, the Independent Funeral Group has worked to provide innovative solutions, opportunities and tools to our members to support their growth in their communities,” said Dr. Brad Kucknicki, Ed.D., the association’s Executive Director. “By selecting Homesteaders as our endorsed preneed provider, we’re able to connect our members to a funding partner that is deeply invested in the funeral space and our member firms’ success.” 

Homesteaders and TIFG share a strong dedication to the funeral profession and to empowering practitioners to deliver meaningful, compassionate care to families in need. Through this endorsement, they aim to advance the profession while ensuring families receive the highest level of service. 

Homesteaders Life Company, a mutual company owned by its policy holders, is a national leader providing products and services to help people design a better farewell. Visit homesteaderslife.com to learn more. 

Since 1995, The Independent Funeral Group has worked to support family-owned and operated funeral homes, and now serves as a buying, education and resource group, committed to preserving family owned funeral homes and strengthening the profession through shared resources and collaboration. Founded by funeral practitioners, for funeral  practitioners, The Group champions dignity, service and community. To learn more about The Independent Funeral  Group’s mission, membership criteria and benefits, visit www.tifg.net, email info@tifg.net or call (865) 405-7085.