Hosts Morgan Watson and Annette Quigley are joined by Brent D. Francis, a third-generation funeral director and the owner of Parkview Funeral Home. This episode provides an insightful look into the "business of compassion," debunking common industry myths while offering practical business advice for surviving a shifting landscape.

• Generational Roots & Modern Realities: Brent shares his journey as a third-generation owner, originally following in his grandfather's 1936 footsteps in Canada before bringing his expertise to Baltimore. He candidly discusses the "steep decline" of generational succession as more children opt out of the industry's demanding 24/7 schedule.
• Essential Business Wisdom: Brent reveals two critical lessons inherited from his father:
• Avoid the Inventory Trap: Never purchase supplies you do not immediately need; excessive inventory is often a precursor to business failure.
• Internal Metrics Over External Reports: If a business owner relies on monthly balance sheets to understand their health, they aren't truly managing their business.
• Navigating Industry Trends: The conversation explores the massive shift toward cremation services and the rising interest in green burials and personalized celebrations of life. Brent emphasizes that while the "traditional" funeral is changing, the core need to honor every life remains constant.
• The "Referee" Role: Beyond funeral planning, Brent discusses the unexpected role of a funeral director as a therapist and referee, often mediating physical and emotional family disputes during high-stress moments.
• Proactive Planning: One of the most important takeaways is the value of funeral pre-planning. Pre-paying not only lifts the emotional burden from children but also acts as a strategic financial move during Medicaid "spend-down" periods.

This episode is essential listening for those interested in funeral home management, family business succession, and funeral pre-planning Baltimore. Brent Francis offers unique insights into cremation vs. burial trends, green burial options, and the financial strategies of small business ownership.