Partnership will connect independent funeral homes with trusted products, services and exclusive benefits
INDIANAPOLIS (August 31, 2026) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is pleased to announce Johnson Consulting Group as the exclusive sponsor of OGR’s Succession Planning Resource, supporting independent funeral home owners as they prepare for one of the most significant transitions in the life of their businesses.
Succession planning is a critical part of funeral home leadership, requiring owners to consider not only the future of their businesses but also the employees, families and communities who depend on them. For independently owned funeral homes, thoughtful planning can also play an important role in preserving independent ownership for the next generation. OGR’s Succession Planning Resource is designed to help owners navigate that process with greater knowledge and confidence, understand the options available to them and build a plan that reflects their goals for the future of their businesses.
Through its exclusive sponsorship, Johnson Consulting Group is supporting OGR’s efforts to make succession planning information and resources readily available to independent funeral homes as they evaluate their futures and prepare for successful transitions. By encouraging owners to begin planning well before a transition becomes necessary, OGR hopes to give more funeral homes the opportunity to remain independent when that is the owner’s desired path.
“Succession planning can be one of the most important decisions an independent funeral home owner makes,” said Wendy King, CAE, CVA, Executive Director and CEO of OGR. “It affects the future of the business, the people who work there and, in many cases, a local community that funeral home has served for generations. Preserving strong, independently owned funeral homes is central to OGR’s mission, and early succession planning can help owners create a path for that legacy to continue. Johnson Consulting Group understands the importance of planning ahead, and we’re grateful for their support in helping OGR keep this important conversation at the forefront for our members.”
Johnson Consulting Group has extensive experience working with funeral home and cemetery owners on succession planning, business valuation, mergers and acquisitions, performance improvement and other areas critical to long-term business success. The partnership aligns that expertise with OGR’s commitment to helping independent funeral homes remain strong, sustainable and, where possible, independently owned for generations to come.
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Johnson Consulting Group Named Exclusive Sponsor of OGR Succession Planning Resources
“Successful succession doesn’t begin when an owner is ready to leave. It begins years before, with a clear understanding of the business, its value and what the owner ultimately wants to accomplish,” said Jake Johnson, President and CEO of Johnson Consulting Group. “We’re proud to support OGR and its independent funeral home members by sponsoring a resource that encourages owners to think proactively about their futures and the legacies they want to leave behind.”
The Succession Planning Resource sponsorship demonstrates Johnson Consulting Group’s commitment to supporting independent funeral homes during pivotal transition periods while aligning the company with proactive, prudent and strategic business planning.
OGR members can access the Succession Planning Resources at OGR.org/succession-planning.
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About the International Order of the Golden Rule
The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes dedicated to ethical service to all. Founded in 1928, it is our mission to make independent funeral homes exceptional. We do this by building and supporting member interaction, information exchange and professional business development through a wide range of programs, services and resources. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.
About Johnson Consulting Group
Johnson Consulting Group provides funeral home and cemetery owners with consulting services and expertise in areas including succession planning, business valuation, mergers and acquisitions, performance improvement and accounting. The firm works with funeral and cemetery professionals to strengthen business performance, prepare for transitions and build long-term value.
