Succession Planning - A Virtual Roundtable Event 2025
Prepare For Your Future: Watch Our Virtual Roundtable on Succession Planning Today.
Planning for the future of your funeral home or cemetery business is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Don’t leave it to chance—gain expert insights from industry leaders at Kates-Boylston’s exclusive virtual roundtable on Succession Planning.
Join top professionals as they discuss strategies for a seamless transition, maximizing business value, and securing your legacy.
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Chris Cruger, Chief Executive Officer at Foresight
Nicholas Colanzi, Jr., Partner at Bowman & Company LLP
Jake Johnson, President & CEO at Johnson Consulting Group
Andrew Kennedy, VP - Funeral Home & Cemetery Lending at Live Oak Bank
CONTACT INFO & BIOS
Chris Cruger
(602) 274-6464
ccruger@theforesightcompanies.com
7301 N. 16th Street, Suite 103, Phoenix, AZ, 85020
Chris Cruger is the Chief Executive Officer of Foresight, a premier consulting firm specializing in the funeral and cemetery profession. He is seen as a thought leader with an ability to provide effective solutions to the business challenges funeral and cemetery leaders are faced with. His passion for the development of the funeral and cemetery profession come through in everything that he does.
Chris began his career in the funeral and cemetery profession over 25 years ago as part of the Corporate Development team for SCI. His career spans North America, five continents and 25 countries. He has cross-dimensional experience in finance, sales, transactions, and operational management with both public and private companies and their Board of Directors. He regularly consults with members of the financial community on matters related to funeral service and has strong relationships in capital markets.
A native New Englander, Chris graduated from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, focusing on finance and accounting. He is the father of two boys and enjoys golf, fitness, hunting, fishing, travel, and outdoor activities.
Nicholas Colanzi, Jr.
(856) 454-7693
601 White Horse Road, Voorhees, NJ, 08043
Nicholas S. Colanzi, Jr. is a Partner of the Commercial Services Department of Bowman & Company LLP. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of Villanova University. Nick provides various accounting and tax services to a wide variety of business entities, individuals, and estates & trusts. He is also knowledgeable in all phases of financial statement preparation. Nick is a member of Bowman's funeral home niche industry group. He is also involved in the Firm's quality control inspection program.
Outside of the Firm, Nick is a member of the Villanova University Alumni Association and the Business ExSellence Network. An active Rotarian, he is a member of the Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club, having served as President and Treasurer. Nick is a Trustee of the Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club Foundation - a 501(c)(3) organization - and a member of the Finance Committee of Rotary District 7505, which serves over 70 Rotary Clubs in nine NJ counties from Monmouth to Cape May.
Nick has spoken about succession planning for the New Jersey State Funeral Directors' Association annual convention, as well as on a variety of tax and business topics for various local organizations. He has appeared as a guest on the RVN television program, "It's Your Money", and was interviewed by Funeral Service Insider about tax planning for funeral homes.
Bowman & Company LLP is South Jersey's largest accounting firm by number of CPAs. Our team of 19 Partners and over 100 other professional & administrative staff provide our clients with the resources, knowledge, and experience of a large firm, delivered with the personal customer service of your local accountant.
Jake Johnson
(888) 250-7747
jjohnson@johnsonconsulting.com
10115 E Bell Rd, Ste 107, #621, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260
President & CEO at Johnson Consulting, Jake began his career at Keystone Group Holdings (now Dignity Memorial Network) as Associate Director, Corporate Development, where his financial analysis and forecasting expertise was foundational to the firm’s growth. Jake’s ability to problem solve business issues contributes to his success in owning a funeral home and cremation center in Sun City, Arizona. Jake’s educational credentials include a BSBA degree in Management with an emphasis in Accounting and Financial Analysis from Xavier University. His foundation in accounting and EBITDA forecasting is complemented by technology savviness and management qualifications in business development and operations.
Andrew Kennedy
(910) 839-9655
1741 Tiburon Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28403
https://www.liveoak.bank/business-loans/funeral-home-cemetery
Andrew Kennedy is a senior loan officer at Live Oak Bank, specializing in funeral home and cemetery financing. He has over 6 years of experience in the industry and has helped funeral professionals secure over $100 million in loans. Kennedy is also a passionate advocate for the funeral industry and is actively involved in community outreach and education. He has been recognized for his leadership and innovation and was recently named one of the ICCFA's 40 Under 40. He enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf in his spare time.
