We Rock

Tony discusses his experience at the Savanah Banana Baseball game. Talks about the impact of the hospitality industry and how it can improve how we take care of families. 

Running a business isn’t just about growth—it’s about navigating everything that comes with it.In this episode, we talk about the reality behind the scenes: tax season frustrations, the true cost of expansion, and the ongoing challenge of finding and keeping good employees. From opening a second location to dealing with no-shows and tough hiring decisions, this is an honest look at what it really takes to keep moving forward.It’s not always easy—but it’s always worth it.

In this episode, we break down our biggest takeaways from the recent monument industry convention—what stood out, what actually matters, and what we’re bringing back to our own shops.We get into:The value of hands-on education and learning from other buildersPractical ideas you can apply immediately in your businessWhere the industry is headed (and where it’s falling short)How AI is already being used in real monument shops—and why we’re only scratching the surfaceWe also talk about why getting outside your own bubble is one of the most important things you can do in this business—and how seeing how others work can completely change your perspective.And toward the end of the episode… we had a conversation that most people wouldn’t. No drama—just a real discussion that needed to happen.If you’re in the monument industry (or any business where craftsmanship and relationships matter), this is one worth listening to.

 Season 4, Episode 50 is a special one—we traveled to Texas A&M School of Law in Fort Worth to sit down with Professor Glynn Lunney for a plain-English conversation about copyright in the monument industry.  We cover where copyright came from (printing press → modern law), what “substantial similarity” really means (and why there’s no safe “10% rule”), how independent creation works, and why documentation is your best friend.  Professor Lunney also breaks down registration, statutory damages, attorney’s fees, and what to do first if you ever receive a cease-and-desist letter—or worse, a federal complaint.  We wrap with trademark vs. copyright in memorials (logos, characters, permissions) and what he’d change if he could rewrite the whole system today. We would also like to emphasize that the information in this recording is by no means legal advice.

Fresh off a trip to Baltimore, we break down what the experience really taught us—about conventions, craftsmanship, and the people who still take pride in doing things the right way. But the conversation doesn’t stop there.We dig into the growing frustrations monument builders are facing with cemeteries: shifting rules, weekend demands, power struggles, and the fallout caused by shortcuts taken by others in the industry. From forced installs and inconsistent policies to customers who think they own your schedule, this episode gets honest about where the real headaches are coming from.Along the way, we talk design philosophy, quality vs. convenience, and why “traditional” has become an excuse instead of a standard. It’s a wide-ranging, unscripted conversation about craftsmanship, boundaries, and why doing it right still matters—no matter how complicated the process gets.If you’ve ever dealt with cemetery red tape, unrealistic expectations, or wondered how to push your work beyond the cookie-cutter norm, this one’s for you.

Recorded live on the convention floor in Baltimore, this episode of the We Rock Podcast drops you into the heart of the Mid-Atlantic Convention. We talk with monument builders, suppliers, and industry leaders about why conventions still matter, what you really gain by showing up, and how relationships drive this industry forward.From booth setup chaos and winter weather to new technology, education, and old-school shop talk, this is an unfiltered look at what happens when the monument industry gets together in one room.If you’ve ever questioned whether conventions are worth it—this episode answers that question.

 In this episode of the We Rock Podcast, we’re joined by Nate Gingrich of Gingrich Memorials to break down the upcoming Mid-Atlantic Monument Convention in Baltimore. We talk booth sellouts, why conventions still matter, how education and vendors actually drive value, and what a well-run show looks like. We also dive into AI in monument shops, digital memorialization, NFC tags, QR codes, and why long-term trust matters more than shiny tech. If you’ve ever wondered whether conventions are worth it—or how the industry is evolving—this episode is for you. 

 In “Where Are Your Brochures?” the guys dive into a surprisingly heated topic: why the monument world hasn’t let go of brochures yet. After a real customer email sparks the discussion, Austin and Tony explore how brochures can unintentionally restrict design, confuse families, and box in memorial creativity. They compare the old days of mailing obituaries and print packets to today’s reality where your website is your real brochure and QR codes rule the world. Expect some detours—Thanksgiving fails, cold-weather installs, rental-property drama, Baltimore planning, and a rant or two about Facebook ads taking over your feed. 

Episode 45 is here, which obviously means two things: the Lord’s caliber… and that other guy whose name seems to “trump” every conversation. 😏Austin and Tony kick things off with real-estate chaos: new investments, new LLCs, and a fancy Latin company name that definitely means “stonecutter”… unless it secretly translates to “rice” and becomes the world’s most accidental Chinese-tattoo story.From there they roll into:Why conventions aren’t dead, no matter what AI does to your newsfeedMid-Atlantic plans, live We Rock interviews, and the unofficial fifth seminar: Hospitality Room UniversitySMBA’s road trip to Cold Spring, MN, complete with quarry tours, foundry time, and Tony threatening to eat Campbell’s soup off the shop floor to prove how clean it isHow to save money on the joint SMBA/MBNA convention by joining Southern (no coupon code, just math and a little loophole energy)Then it’s all about AI: how they actually use it for contracts, design ideas, vector art, marketing, and possibly this description; why it’s a tool, not a replacement for taste or craftsmanship; and how the internet is filling up with AI garbage videos and fake “news” faster than you can say “trust but verify.” The guys talk about getting real inspiration from architecture, cars, bottles, carpets, and ceilings—aka going outside and touching grass instead of just hitting “generate image” again.

 Tony’s buying dirt, we're packing for Baltimore, and somehow we manage to cover everything from shop design to Aggie dog memorials. Between talk of real estate, convention plans, and day-to-day monument life, this episode is proof that even when the conversation drifts, it always lands back on the rock. 

In this episode, we tiptoe around the ever-touchy subject of pricing — not by handing out our secret formulas, but by talking through the realities that shape what things cost and why. Consider it more of a scenic detour than a behind-the-scenes tour.From there, we take aim at a growing trend on social media: companies promising nationwide headstone cleaning and restoration services. Sounds impressive… until you start asking how exactly someone plans to scrub moss off a grave three states away. We share some laughs, a few raised eyebrows, and plenty of reality checks about what’s actually possible in this business — and what’s probably just clever marketing smoke and mirrors.If you’ve ever wondered how far the industry can stretch before common sense snaps, this episode is for you.

In this episode of We Rock: Stone & Story, we’re joined by our good friend Mr. Jeremiah Allhands, owner of B&S Memorials. We talk about what it’s like to start a monument shop from the ground up with no family legacy or built-in ties to the industry—just vision, grit, and determination. Along the way, Tony shares his thoughts on a new product he discovered called U-Mask-It from Professional Mask, and of course, we couldn’t help but kick things off with some talk about the start of the college football season.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to break into this industry from scratch—or just want to hear a few laughs with Mr. Allhands—this one’s for you.

 After some much-needed time away, we’re back in the shop — and back on the mic. In this laid-back episode, we swap vacation stories, catch up on the latest industry news, and talk tools (both the shiny new ones and the old standbys we can’t live without). No big agenda, just a couple of monument guys shaking the sand out of our shoes and getting back to business. 

🎙️ In this episode of We Rock, we unpack the recent SMBA convention, upcoming Memorial Designer educational sessions, and our trip to Houston where the Rangers took on the Astros.  We talk shop, strategy, and stadium snacks — all while trying not to get consolidated ourselves.If you've ever wondered what headstones, hotel breakfasts, and hostile baseball environments have in common… you’re about to find out.

Broadcasting live from the 2025 SMBA Convention, this episode is what happens when you put two monument guys behind mics with zero supervision. Austin and Tony are joined by special guests Jonathan Benson and Nick Ortiz for a no-holds-barred conversation on convention chaos, design drama, and whatever else we could fit in before the hotel kicked us out. It's part industry insight, part comedy hour, and all rock-solid content. Buckle up—this one’s polished, but not too polished. 

 In this episode, we talk all things SMBA as we gear up for the upcoming convention in San Antonio. From hotel plans to industry happenings, we’ve got the latest scoop. Plus, someone’s invented a brand-new clamp for setting monuments—and we may have had too much fun coming up with names for it. Tune in for laughs, updates, and a little inside baseball from the monument world. 

 In this episode of We Rock, we dig into the headaches of working with difficult cemeteries—those plot blockers who seem more committed to saying "no" than to helping families. We share the workarounds, the wins, and the WTF moments we've had trying to navigate overregulation, under communication, and power-tripping gatekeepers. Plus, we wade into the copyright controversy making waves in the Facebook groups. Who owns the art? Who’s throwing lawsuits? And who’s just being petty? Tune in for some real talk, a few laughs, and maybe a little ranting. 

 In this episode of We Rock, we tiptoe through the minefield of monument design copyright drama—the kind that’s been setting Facebook groups ablaze with spicy comment threads and passive-aggressive comments. We’re not lawyers, we don’t play them on TV, and we’re not naming names—so if you think we’re talking about you… that’s on you. We break down the difference between inspiration and imitation, why some folks are suddenly gatekeeping granite, and how this whole thing might be hurting more than helping. Bring your popcorn, but leave your cease and desist letters at the door. 

In this episode, we recap Tony's trip to Hard Rocks.  Also sprinkle in a little tariff talk and get easily distracted by the baseball games we are watching.

In this episode we recap our trip to Monucon and highlight our experiences there.  We also dive into some recent issues each of us have had to deal with when it comes to dealing with difficult cemeteries.

We are live from the one and only MONUCON!!!!  In this episode we sit down and go over our experience at what we would call the monument show of all monument shows.  We also hear from a few great friends of ours such as the "Don" Joe Cassara, Tanner Lewis, & Ian Aiello.  

**ALERT**Be listening for a great offer only for our listeners!!!  Later in the episode we have a code for 50% off your registration for MONUCON!!!  This is only for We Rock listeners, and we appreciate the opportunity to pass on the savings to our audience.Joe joins us today to give us an update on the upcoming MONUCON convention.

In this episode we are joined by Brad Myers of South Boston Memorials and Vice President of Marketing for MBNA.  Recently there has been discussion revolving around the topic of whether or not there is value in being a part of a national or regional organization in the monument industry.  In our discussion, we make the case for why we believe there is value.

In this episode, John Couch of Eternity Stoneworks joins the podcast.  Any of you that follow the FB pages may or may not have seen him around, and whether you disagree with him or not, take a chance and listen.  We jump headfirst into some of the topics of discussion and also get a chance to better know him.  Hope you enjoy because it was definitely a fun conversation.

In this episode, we go over what has become a bit of a controversial topic.  "Is it best to be the cheapest?"  There are pros and cons to each side of the argument we discuss but hey.... what do we know?  

In this episode, we go over our own contracts and give feedback to one another on how we can improve our contracts.  It is about trying to mitigate the unforeseen issues that can arise and how to insulate yourself against them.

In this episode we give a recap of our time in Oklahoma City while we were attending the American Institute of Commemorative Art conference.  

In this episode we talk about the upcoming workshop at Boadie L. Anderson Quarries in Ada, OK.  Hope to see all of you there!  

In this episode we use ChatGPT to enhance communication with our customers.  We also discuss that there is a limit to what you can and cannot send...

In this episode, we recap the recent SMBA convention and talk about upcoming events and conventions we plan to attend.  We also go over the live show that we did at the convention and highlight on some of the points that may or may not  been made.

In this episode we talked about the Anniversary of D-Day and remembering the sacrifices that were made for the freedom we enjoy.  We also talk Austin being admitted into AICA and plans to come from that.  And as always, there is no script so we might stray from topic...

In this episode we are joined by Audrey Longstreth to talk about the importance of having a proper website and marketing plan.  

This is episode is jam packed with guests and great talent this go round!  We were happy to be joined by Joe Cassara and Jerred Russel this episode.  They gave us an inside look at what is going on behind the scenes leading up to Monucon 2025.  We encourage all of our listeners to check out Monucon 2025 and look forward to seeing yall there!

As our eyes hopefully return to normal from the eclipse, we spend some time talking about some of the tips and tricks we like to implement for some of our more complex jobs.  

We are happy to be joined by Dan Giroux on this episode today.  We discuss Dan and Tony's experience at the most recent School of Hard Rocks.  Dan also gives us a sneak peek at some of his upcoming presentations involving texture and how to incorporate his methods into your designs.

We recap Tony's visit to the MBNA convention in San Diego and his takeaway from the convention.  We also discuss some happenings in our industry and may have become sidetracked...

In this episode, Tony goes full Swedish Chef and we go over a recent post made by us (Tony) and how ruffling a few feathers can bring about positive change.  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  We're back in the new year and with conventions right around the corner we dive into some of what we believe makes a convention worthwhile.  We go over some recent FB poll results Tony had posted and after that the train might leave the tracks.  

In the episode, we discuss a recent event at Tony's shop that opened a conversation about being prepared to face a threat at your shop.  We discuss the results of a poll on Monument Builders about several options of potential means of defense and the pros and cons of each.  To wrap it up we discuss some new tips and tricks that you can apply in your shop that can help further your capabilities.

In this episode we go over the importance of education in our industry and the importance of continuing education.  Austin gives a recap of the recent shop seminar at Anderson Quarries.  We are also joined by a special guest J'nean Lee from Watson Signs and Monuments.  J'nean recently attended the EGA course in Elberton, GA and details her experience there.  

In this episode, Tony gives an update on the AICA trip to Italy.  He shares his account of the trip and getting to see some of the amazing sights Italy has to offer and what we can learn from the greats.  We also learn of Tony's connection to Michelangelo and how Tony is a direct descendent of Italian royalty.  Also we go over some upcoming events going on in our industry and wrap up with our normal baseball talk.

In this episode we interview Matt Worthington, CM, AICA, President of Monument Builders of North America (MBNA).  We discuss the current state of MBNA and about the path moving forward.  Matt lays out plans on how to improve the association and how to move the industry forward while Tony battles the elements and fights to establish an internet connection.

In this episode we welcome Ian Turpin of Hammond Memorial Design to the program and talk about advertising and what works for each one of us.  Also we go back and dig a little deeper into our last episode.  

In this episode, we discuss how memorials are quickly becoming commodities rather than the meaningful memorials they are meant to be.  This is in large part due to the rise of online monument companies.  We discuss methods of dealing with these companies and ways to set yourself apart from them.Note:  AUDIO IS FIXED!!!!

In this episode, we lay out what our vision is for the We Rock Podcast and how we intend to use this platform to help better our industry.  We are also joined by Wesley Howell of Austin Stone and Monument and he officially has announced our plans to host a shop vs shop fantasy football league.  

Coming to you "live" from the SMBA Convention in the Woodlands, Texas.  This one was a blast to record and great to finally be able to record face to face.  We also had a few special guests drop in and it was great to hear from them.  We had Jed Hendrickson from Santa Barbara Monumental, Tanner Lewis of Porcelains Unlimited/Lewis Transcontinental, SMBA President Duff Morrow of Giles Monument Company, Ryan Kilby of Boadie Anderson Quarries, and James Watson of Watson Signs and Monuments.  Enjoy!

In this episode, Tony & Austin discuss Austin's trip to Chicago and how inspiration can be found from architecture.  They also discuss about some of their favorite customers and how having connections to your customer makes a difference.

In this episode we discuss emerging technologies and more specifically AI and how it can help us or potentially hurt us.  We also welcome our first guest to the We Rock Podcast, Tanner Lewis of Porcelains Unlimited.

In this episode, we discuss the rising rate of cremation and how our industry can adapt to a changing market environment.  We discuss the percentages and how to interpret them, ways to offer memorialization for cremation, and ways to educate your consumer base on cremation memorialization.

In this episode Tony & Austin recap the recent School of Hard Rocks in Elberton, GA.  Also, they go into managing expectations not only for themselves but also their clients in order to try to prevent any avoidable hassles.