Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jake Johnson, President and CEO of Johnson Consulting Group, located in Scottsdale, AZ, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Johnson Consulting Group is a total solution consulting provider to the funeral space. JCG provides brokering/M&A services and BPO (business processing outsourcing) services such as Accounting, Business Consulting, Coaching, Strategic Planning, and Customer Service Culture workshops. I personally own a funeral business in Sun City, Arizona as well. (Menke Funeral & Cremation Center). As Johnson Consulting grew, we made the commitment to create a funeral business technology firm that creates tech solutions for funeral service customers across the United States and Canada. We have a unique advantage being not only financial experts in the space but also funeral professionals ourselves with over 600 years of combined experience in the profession. JCG's business brokering process drives maximum value for our customers. Additionally, the accounting and business consulting team provides solutions specific to the needs of the funeral business owner, creating a quick return on our customer's investment in us.

Tell us about yourself

My father started his career in the industry during the 70s and was involved in all facets of the business, which culminated in starting his own funeral business acquisition company in the 90s. I went to Xavier in Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated with an emphasis in finance and accounting. I then quickly started a career in my dad's company using skill sets I had acquired in school to learn the finance and accounting side of the funeral profession. From that role, I then went to a funeral home brokers startup where I performed financial analysis and corporate development as well as accounting setup. To further enhance my experience in the profession, I headed to Nevada to work in the funeral and cemetery business. There I performed funeral arrangements, moved into management of a large volume funeral home, and ultimately management of grounds operations and all the cemetery operations. My background served me well to come into Johnson Consulting Group (JCG) and work with my father in 2004. Back then, it was just the 2 of us; today, JCG has 40+ employees. The JCG team and I are motivated by helping funeral business managers and staff achieve optimal performance and success.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is scaling a business from working out of the house to multiple buildings with 40+ employees while offering all the various services in the funeral profession. To do this, I needed to create processes and systems that could scale that didn't involve me at every point in the process.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing about being a business owner: is "the buck stops with me." If there is an issue, I am ultimately responsible. I cannot rest easy and get complacent; my job is to motivate staff and search out opportunities for the better of JCG and its employees. "If I get in the weeds" of my business, JCG will suffer. However, it's important that I am aware of what's going on and provide feedback all the way.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Your success is limited by your vision. If you cannot see something as possible, then you will never get there. Say and think about your successes out loud. In fact, you should have two goals: 1 goal calculated in detail through collaborations and strategic planning, and then another goal as a "stretch goal" or "BHAG" (Big Hairy Audacious Goal). CREATE A VISION TO PUSH THE COMPANY TO NEVER-BEFORE REALIZED GAINS.
  2. Another point is to "Mind the money." Create a cash reserve to take advantage of opportunities as they arrive. Also, have available channels for borrowing money so you can use OPM (other people's money). You need money to grow exponentially.
  3. Find good people and pay them well. I can't stress enough how valuable good people are in an organization, especially when growing. It's quintessential that you come to the realization that you cannot do it all yourself. Put an hourly wage on your time as a business owner, and you will find that there are things you need to outsource, stop doing, or hire someone else to take over. You will never regret highly compensating an employee that is really good.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It's important to have a network of business owners and your own coach. Examples of fantastic groups are Entrepreneur Organization, Young President Organization, and Vistage. These organizations can be invaluable in helping you solve problems as a business owner as well as scaling your company. Be sure to search for a business coach who can help you stay on task. Lastly, a goal without a funeral home business plan is a wish; you must do annual strategic planning within your organization to grow and succeed at high levels.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.johnsonconsulting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnsonConsulting
Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnsonfuneral
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/johnson-consulting-group/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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