MBNA Monument Matters

What does it take to turn a life story into a lasting memorial? In this episode, the team at Harrison Monument share how they worked with Salem Stone to transform a young man’s passion for motocross into a dynamic, deeply personal tribute that received the MBNA’s 2026 Excellence in Design Award. From early design concepts to supplier collaboration and technical challenges like laser etching and material selection, this conversation explores the balance of artistry, engineering and storytelling. You’ll also hear how strong partnerships—and a small-town perspective—helped bring this project to life and create a monument that resonates far beyond the cemetery. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:44) - Monument to Lane Hardist(00:04:18) - Harrison Monuments' Custom Monument(00:08:40) - In the Elevator With Custom Monument Designs(00:10:50) - Jet Black Granite for the Columbus Monument(00:13:46) - Vitec Laser: The Sculptural Treatment(00:16:11) - Signs and Decorations at a Cemetery(00:17:58) - The Monument to Lane's Death(00:19:23) - Harrison Monument Team Acceptance(00:26:03) - Monument Matters

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Troy Caldwell about the launch of Monument Builders Academy, MBNA’s new online education platform for monument professionals. Designed to support onboarding, team development, and industry knowledge, the Academy provides training that companies can deliver directly to staff at their desks. The conversation explores why structured education is critical for the future of the monument industry, how the fundamentals course benefits employees at every level, and what additional courses are coming next. The episode also highlights how shared learning can strengthen company culture, improve employee retention, and inspire the next generation of professionals in memorialization. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:02:08) - Monument Builders Academy(00:04:18) - MBNA's comprehensive academy training(00:06:54) - The First-Year Monument Training(00:09:02) - MBNA Training: The Fundamentals Course(00:11:33) - MBNA's four-year design course(00:14:12) - The Academy of Management: Pass knowledge to the next generation(00:15:36) - MBNA's Monument Builders Academy(00:20:59) - Monument Matters: Starting the Monument Builders Academy(00:22:08) - MBA and Monument Matters

New MBNA President Sean Longstreth, CM, AICA shares how growing up in a fifth-generation monument business shaped his passion for memorialization. In this conversation with host Mike Johns, he reflects on craftsmanship, the value of MBNA membership, and why personal outreach and collaboration are essential to strengthening the monument industry. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:00:49) - President of Monument Builders of North America Sean Longstreth(00:04:04) - MBCN: The Real ROI of Membership(00:06:43) - The Best Way to Get a Member to Join MBNA(00:08:25) - What are the biggest opportunities for monument builders?(00:11:59) - MBNA President reflects on the association's future(00:16:55) - MVNA President's message(00:21:11) - Monument Matters

Despite rising cremation rates, many families still want a permanent place to remember their loved ones. In this episode of Monument Matters, Mike Johns and Cristine Bouwkamp explore burial trends, green burial, and why meaningful memorialization remains essential for grief, remembrance, and connection across generations. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:02:03) - Cremation and Burial: What's the Connection?(00:05:11) - Do cemeteries care about cremation or green burial?(00:08:17) - Questions about Green Burial(00:09:33) - Cremation Rates and Monument Builders(00:12:02) - Questions about funeral and memorialization options(00:17:47) - Gen Z's Love of Home and Tradition(00:19:31) - What should monument builders think about memorialization in a cremation world(00:22:02) - Monument builders: More Community Involvement(00:25:10) - Why Does Permanent Memorialization Matter?(00:26:03) - Monument Matters: Cremation

Dr. Tanya Marsh joins Monument Matters to unpack what consumer research really reveals about cremation, burial and emerging options like green burial and human composting. The data challenges assumptions and highlights a key opportunity: education, flexibility and creative memorialization may matter more than industry narratives suggest. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:35) - Why are Americans so fond of cremation?(00:02:59) - Cremation and the future(00:03:24) - Casket burial and cremation: First choice(00:06:59) - Cremation and Memorialization: The Difference(00:13:19) - Cremation Monument Building(00:17:34) - Cremation and burial: Do people prefer cremation?(00:19:42) - The Survey of Death and Property(00:22:55) - In addition to the preference research,(00:23:53) - Law School's Growing the Diversity of Students(00:25:01) - Monument Matters: Death and What Follows

In Season 2, Episode 2 of Monument Matters, Ross Oglesby of Keystone Memorials and Dan Weeres of Coldspring discuss how CNC technology is reshaping the monument industry. They share real-world experiences—from early machine failures to five-axis sculpture work—and explain how digital modeling improves accuracy, safety and customer expectations. While CNC machines excel at stock removal and precision moldings, both emphasize that skilled craftsmen remain essential for finishing and artistic detail. The conversation highlights how technology serves as an “apprentice,” removing heavy lifting while allowing sculptors to focus on proportion, refinement and artistry. Chapters (00:00:00) - Monument Matters(00:01:07) - CNC Tech with Ross Oglesby and Dan Weirs(00:01:46) - CNC Machine in Monument Work(00:03:36) - Tool Crashes(00:06:02) - Learning Curve of CNC Metal Cutting(00:10:30) - CNC Metal Work(00:14:21) - What Made The Machine So Cool?(00:15:30) - CNC bench making: Dan and Ross(00:16:33) - Who's the CNC Operator?(00:17:32) - CNC Metal Sculptors(00:21:04) - CNC Machine Changes the Work Environment(00:23:07) - The Machine for Sculptors(00:24:14) - Sandblaster: CNC vs. Sandblaster(00:27:10) - Hand Etching on Stone(00:29:18) - 3-D Mausoleum Modeling(00:31:37) - Monument Matters

Are memorialists artists or tradespeople—or both? In this Monument Matters episode, Danielle Lehman and Steve “Kaz” Kaczmarski explore how design fundamentals, mentorship, and evolving tools shape meaningful memorials. The conversation highlights craftsmanship, lifelong learning, and the responsibility of creating lasting public art. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:31) - Memorialist Artists(00:08:12) - Danielle on Working With Many Hats(00:11:06) - Memorial Design: The Fundamental Skills(00:16:21) - Granite Working: New Tools and Technology(00:18:23) - Technology in the Design Studio(00:21:40) - Mentorship in the Memorial Industry(00:29:03) - Remembering the Art of Memorialization(00:30:56) - 2026: What You Want to Do in the Year(00:31:54) - Bill Boone Does A Stone Twist(00:33:37) - Monument Matters: Tooling and Carving

In this episode of Monument Matters, we explore how MBNA members can take control of credit card processing costs without changing providers or disrupting daily operations. Host Mike Johns is joined by Merchant Advocate’s Howard Goldstein and MBNA member Ryan Worthington, who shares her firsthand experience using the service. The conversation breaks down why processing statements are so hard to understand, how hidden fees add up, and how a performance-based advocacy model can deliver real savings. It’s a practical, easy-to-follow discussion focused on protecting margins, reducing stress, and helping monument businesses keep more of what they earn. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:35) - Merchant Advocates(00:03:12) - Merchant Advocate: Easy Process, No(00:10:38) - MB&A Member Assistance Program(00:17:05) - Orthodontists: We're On The Castle Walls(00:17:49) - Can You Change Payment Processor?(00:19:32) - Don't Overcharge Your Card Company!(00:23:32) - Does Your Firm Help With PCI Compliance?(00:27:36) - MBNA's Monument Builders' Connection(00:30:22) - Mind Matters: A Podcast About the Monument Industry

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns, Jr., CM, AICA, is joined by Michael S. George and Sarah Scott of AMJ Insurance to discuss the real-world risks monument builders face—and how the right insurance coverage can protect both businesses and employees. The episode introduces MBNA’s new affinity partnership with AMJ Insurance that provides members with exclusive access to tailored insurance. Drawing on AMJ’s decades of experience serving associations nationwide, the conversation explores common coverage blind spots, the importance of installation and property insurance, and how monument companies can determine the right mix of protection for their operations. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:20) - What Are the Most Common Blind Spots in Monument Insurance?(00:03:38) - MBNA Family Insurance Member Benefit(00:07:44) - Should Monument Installation Coverage be Included?(00:10:50) - MBNA Employee Benefits and Association Insurance(00:12:42) - Insurance Underwriting: A Member Benefit(00:13:41) - What's the first piece of information that I need to send to(00:15:25) - Employers Comp Insurance Renewal Date(00:17:40) - Monument Matters: A Thank You Letter

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with military researcher Bill Beigel, founder of World War II Research, Inc., about how monument builders can ensure accuracy and depth in veterans memorials. Beigel shares how professional research can uncover forgotten heroes, correct misspelled names, and add meaningful personal stories to each engraved name. The conversation explores partnerships between researchers and monument builders, the ethical importance of getting every detail right, and how emerging technologies like digital markers and NFC chips can extend memorial experiences while preserving the sacred nature of stone. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:00:45) - Bill Beagle(00:02:45) - The Challenges of Building Veterans Memorials(00:09:03) - Finding the stories of World War II soldiers(00:12:35) - What Would a National Monument Cost?(00:13:41) - Using Digital Markers to Enhance Monument Experience(00:15:46) - When Technology Meets Necessity(00:20:05) - What's the Memorial of the Future?

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with Mark Harrison, president of Certified Safety Training (CST), about the real-world safety risks inside monument shops and how OSHA compliance goes far beyond checking boxes. From silica exposure and air-quality testing to lifting hazards, respirator programs, and recordkeeping, Mark breaks down what every monument builder needs to know—and why creating a culture of safety is essential for protecting employees and businesses alike. They also discuss common OSHA violations, cost-saving strategies, and the new free MBNA safety checklist designed to help members identify risks before they become problems. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:28) - Five of the Most Deadly Work Hazards(00:04:14) - Veteren Audit(00:05:52) - OSHA Compliance: Building a Safer Company(00:08:52) - Asbestos in Cigarettes(00:12:04) - What's the First Billboard You See When You Land in the US(00:13:28) - OSHA fines for granite or sandblasting(00:19:00) - OSHA Compliance Programs(00:24:25) - MBNA Membership Checklist(00:24:47) - Memorial Production Facility Safety Podcast

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Mike Lannen, digital strategist and founder of Eternity, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping monument businesses. From sales and marketing to customer service and design, AI can streamline repetitive tasks and free up time for what matters most—serving families. Lannen shares practical, affordable ways small shops can start using AI today, along with insights on addressing staff concerns and keeping the “human touch” central to every memorial project. Discover how one simple AI tool could save you 30 minutes this week—and open the door to new efficiencies across your business. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:20) - When Did AI Make Your Work?(00:04:48) - Are You Ready to Use AI in Your Monument Business?(00:07:43) - Will AI Replace Your Jobs?(00:12:25) - Robot Service: The Replacement of Human Workers(00:14:25) - AI Money Builders: The 3 Tips(00:16:56) - Monument Matters: Future Podcasts /

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns welcomes grief expert Dr. Jason Troyer to explore the cultural shifts reshaping memorialization. Troyer shares his concept of the “Four Horsemen of the Cemetery Apocalypse” — mobility, death denial, loss of religious ritual, and rising cremation — and how these trends impact monument builders. Together, they discuss ways to rebuild trust, connect with today’s transient families, and communicate the lasting value of permanent placement. From offering grief resources to strengthening community relationships, this conversation reveals practical, compassionate strategies to keep monument businesses relevant and meaningful in a changing world. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:29) - 4 Horsemen of the Cemetery Apocalypse that are reshaping memorialization(00:04:43) - 4 Horsemen of End-of-Life Care(00:06:26) - Funeral Homes: How Do We Stay Connected to Families?(00:10:58) - Grief and memorialization decisions(00:20:09) - The Importance of a Memorial(00:21:33) - Do We Need to Plan for Our Death?(00:29:33) - A Moment of Remembrance

This episode of Monument Matters offers monument builders a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Ohio Veterans Memorial Park. Beyond its role as a place of remembrance, the park provides powerful lessons in vision, community collaboration, and the lasting impact of memorialization. Listeners will gain insight into how large-scale memorial projects overcome challenges, engage local support, and tell meaningful stories through design. For monument professionals, the episode highlights strategies that can be adapted to everyday work—whether it’s building trust with families, designing with purpose, or strengthening ties with the community.  Chapters (00:00:00) - Monument Matters(00:01:09) - Ohio Veterans Memorial Project(00:07:49) - The Builders' Memorial(00:12:17) - The Clinton Cemetery Wall(00:17:38) - Describing his work on monuments(00:19:08) - Oak Ridge Veterans Memorial Park Committee(00:26:24) - A project with so many challenges(00:29:58) - The Sealed Place: granite benches for veterans(00:34:49) - Volunteer Committee on Veterans' Memorial(00:39:46) - Monument Matters

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with Brad Myers and Cristine Bouwkamp about MBNA’s updated PR Toolkit—an essential resource for helping monument builders connect with their communities. This guide goes beyond marketing tips, offering strategies for meaningful engagement, reputation management, crisis communication, and using technology to reach today’s families. With practical checklists and clear steps, the toolkit empowers small businesses to share their story, build trust, and become known as local leaders in memorialization. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:01:30) - The MB News Toolkit(00:02:05) - MB&A's Public Relations and Advertising Toolkit(00:03:29) - The Monument Builder's Marketing Toolkit(00:05:13) - What are the challenges facing the monument builders?(00:06:45) - The Monument Builder's Toolkit(00:09:36) - The Monument Business Marketing Toolkit(00:12:07) - The Strategic Marketing Toolkit(00:16:58) - Crisis Communication Toolkit(00:18:08) - The In-House PR and Marketing Toolkit(00:19:47) - MBNA Marketing Toolkit(00:22:20) - The MBNA Marketing Committee(00:25:59) - Monument Matters

In this episode of Monument Matters, Mike Johns talks with attorneys Jacqueline Flint and Kevin Tharp about copyright and trademark issues in monument design. They explain how to protect original creations, avoid infringement, and navigate legal claims, offering practical tips for monument builders to safeguard their work and support grieving families. Chapters (00:00:00) - Monument Matters(00:00:49) - Copyright Law(00:03:18) - Copyright Law and Common Misconceptions(00:05:33) - Copyright Law: How to Avoid Inking Someone Else's Guide(00:13:53) - What Does a Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Look Like?(00:18:33) - Copyright and Trademark Law(00:27:13) - Copyright infringement(00:28:25) - Copyright Damages(00:30:48) - Copyright infringement cases, statutory damages(00:33:21) - Copyright infringement cases involving work inspired by another work(00:36:14) - Monument Matters

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with Ryan Worthington, CM, AICA, and attorney William Stalter about the MBNA Advocacy Council. They discuss common challenges monument builders face with cemeteries, landmark legal cases that shape the industry, and how advocacy helps protect families’ rights to memorialization choices     Chapters (00:00:00) - Monument Matters(00:01:01) - MBNA Monument Advocacy Program(00:02:05) - MBA Foundation Advocacy Council Meeting(00:03:39) - Have You Asked the Cemetery to Confess to You?(00:04:53) - How to Become a Monument Builder Member(00:05:51) - How to Approach a Monument Company with a Sherman Act Complaint(00:10:22) - Ohio Cemeteries Association(00:12:40) - Monument Builder's Association of NB(00:15:39) - MBNA Consumer Advocacy(00:18:51) - Do monument builders need advocacy?(00:22:32) - Top 3 complaints about cemeteries(00:23:17) - Staking and Inspection Fees at Cemetery Sites(00:24:48) - Cemetery Committee and the Council(00:26:01) - MONument Builders: Thank You!

Episode 12: In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Anthony Minozzi of Travis Monument Group about lessons learned in acquiring and integrating family businesses. From valuing companies to honoring legacy, managing staff, and standardizing processes, Anthony shares candid insights into growth strategies that balance respect, culture, and sustainability Chapters (00:00:07) - Monument Matters(00:01:06) - Travis Monument Group(00:08:43) - After acquiring three cemetery businesses, Monument Co. decided to separate the(00:13:23) - The Importance of Family Legacy at Berkshire(00:15:56) - Acquisition Valuation(00:19:49) - Acquisition Criticism of a Religious Cemetery Company(00:22:59) - Wonders of the Community(00:26:13) - The Fit of a Company's Team(00:31:50) - The Pre-Screening Questions for Jobs(00:41:49) - Onboarding a New Team Member(00:45:43) - Thanks Anthony for Recognizing Rachel's Work(00:46:40) - Exploring Standards and Procedures at Spring Valley Wine(00:53:10) - The Value of Standardization(00:53:39) - Darrell on Expanding His Franchise Network to 25 Locations(00:55:10) - The Future of Owning a Business(00:57:25) - MBNA President on Buying a Business(01:02:06) - PODCAST: Acquisitions and Standards

Episode 11: In this episode of MBNA Monument Matters, host Mike Johns sits down with Jerry Mascola of Granite City Tool and retired conservator Tom Podnar of McKay Lodge Conservation Laboratory to explore the fascinating history, craftsmanship, and challenges surrounding white bronze—or zinc—memorials. Learn why these 19th-century monuments are considered an example of American ingenuity, how to identify them in cemeteries, and what not to do when restoring them. Whether you're a monument builder, preservationist, or history enthusiast, this episode offers expert insight into a rare and often misunderstood memorial material—and emphasizes the importance of knowing when to call in a pro. Chapters (00:00:08) - Monument Matters: Episode 1(00:02:29) - Zinc Monuments: Their History(00:06:37) - Why Do Zinc Monuments Look Blue?(00:14:06) - Zinc Monument Conservator(00:20:11) - Importance of monument repair(00:25:44) - Restoration of Old Bridges(00:29:45) - How to Fix a Bronze Monument(00:33:39) - How to Fix a Monument That's leaning backwards(00:38:23) - Zink Monuments: Do They Need Restoration?

In Episode 10: Go behind the scenes at the 2025 School of Hard Rocks with host Mike Johns and guests Bobby Mattos, Houston Gordon, and Aaron Faehnle. Discover how hands-on stone carving, mentorship, and creative freedom are shaping the next generation of memorialists in this unique, immersive experience like no other in the monument industry. Explore how carving, collaboration, and creativity come together under the guidance of seasoned mentors. Hear how first-timers and veterans alike make lasting connections—and lasting art. Chapters (00:00:01) - Monument Matters(00:02:03) - Interview(00:04:00) - How Much of What You Experience at Hard Rocks Does Affect Your Monument(00:04:48) - Rock Camp(00:07:33) - The Hard Rock Art Exhibition(00:09:57) - Alumni as instructors at the workshop(00:11:23) - At the Art Institute of Alberton(00:15:07) - Carving at the Ames(00:21:30) - Hard Rock Granite Workshops(00:28:09) - A Taste of Hard Rock Camp(00:30:25) - The Lucan Award(00:31:46) - The School of Hard Rocks

In this inspiring episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns, Jr. speaks with Eric Gunnoe and Eden Griesheimer-Smith of Chillicothe Monument & Hardy Memorials about their Aspire Award-winning project: restoring Soldiers’ Circle, a veterans’ cemetery that hadn’t seen a cleanup since 1928. What began as a local observation turned into a major community effort, uniting nearly 100 volunteers to honor forgotten heroes. Eric and Eden share how they organized the event, uncovered meaningful veteran stories, and sparked renewed interest in memorialization. Their work exemplifies the spirit of MBNA’s Aspire Awards and serves as a blueprint for community impact through memorial care. Chapters (00:00:08) - Monument Matters(00:01:23) - Chillicothe Monument(00:04:04) - Member Interview(00:06:51) - Honoring Veterans: Memorial Day Cleanup(00:12:05) - Local volunteers clean graves at Greenlawn Cemetery(00:19:25) - Monument Matters: June 2017

In episode #8 of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with Brandon Billester of the Monument Lettering Center about a remarkable design initiative to honor industry pioneer Timothy Jellow—co-founder of the Spacerite Company and creator of the iconic Modified Roman font. Though Jellow revolutionized monument lettering, his own grave remains unmarked. The episode explores his innovations, their lasting impact, and MBNA’s upcoming design challenge to finally create a fitting memorial. Tune in for a blend of history, design insight, and a heartfelt call to action to recognize a man who shaped the way we remember others. Chapters (00:00:08) - Monument Matters: Writing Monument Fonts(00:01:58) - About the Monument Lettering Center(00:05:01) - Marking the Grave of Timothy Jello(00:10:33) - Between the Scrolls: Memorial Design and Printing(00:17:09) - Timothy Jello's Modified Roman Alphabet(00:24:41) - Timothy Jo's grave(00:28:04) - Monument Builders in North America

In this special episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Scott McLaughlin, Executive Director of the Vermont Granite Museum, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Discover how this community-founded museum is preserving Vermont’s granite heritage, reviving local pride, and inspiring a new generation of artists and artisans. Learn about the challenges facing the museum, its educational outreach programs, and opportunities for monument builders to support and collaborate. Chapters (00:00:00) - Monument Matters(00:01:46) - Vermont Granite Museum(00:05:11) - The Jones Brothers Granite Shed Museum(00:11:22) - What's a typical day at the Central Rock Museum in Vermont?(00:14:36) - The Norwich Museum's challenges(00:22:10) - The Vermont Granite Museum's appeal for support(00:26:05) - The Granite Festival Exhibit(00:29:01) - Opportunities for Monument Builders and Retailers(00:30:38) - The Granite Museum's mission(00:32:45) - Monument Matters: Vermont Granite Museum

In episode #6 of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Scott Neal of Paradise Pictures about how MBNA membership has shaped his career and company success. They explore the value of conventions, peer connections, and industry trends, while reflecting on takeaways from the 2025 Monument Industry Show in Cleveland. Chapters (00:00:08) - Monument Matters(00:02:04) - How MB&A Membership has impacted your company's success(00:03:30) - What's Your Most Valuable MBNA Resource?(00:06:11) - MB&E Member Spotlight(00:07:25) - MB and A: Inclusion and Participation(00:10:31) - MBNA Cleveland 2025 Industry Show(00:13:59) - Top Executives Discuss the State of the Industry(00:15:39) - Winter continues to grip the Midwest(00:16:53) - BNA President's Farewell Speech(00:17:27) - Monument Industry Show 2019

Episode 5: In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Lauri Haines-Allen and Scott Allen of Haines Memorials Ltd in Jefferson, OH about their century-old family business, MBNA membership, and their hands-on experience setting up the 2025 Monument Industry Show. Hear how collaboration, innovation, and relationships continue to shape the future of memorialization.

Episode 4: In this episode of Monument Matters, MBNA President Nathan Lange, CM, AICA, shares how deeper involvement in our association transformed his business and his leadership. From building lasting friendships to navigating challenges alongside fellow members, Nathan reflects on the power of connection and community within MBNA. He also looks ahead to exciting developments in member education, including a revamped Certified Memorialist program designed to support the next generation of industry professionals. It’s the story of his journey from MBNA member to leader—built on meaningful connections and a commitment to the betterment of the industry.

Episode 3 Host: Mike Johns, Jr. CM, AICA, The Johns-Carabelli Co. Semerano Monuments & Flowers Guest 1: Sculptor AC Button II founded Carolina Sculpture Studio in 2003, extending his family's unbroken USA heritage in granite excellence since 1891. Button's work in stone sculpture began with family apprenticeship under his cousin as they worked under Master Sculptor Gary Sassi at Celestial Memorial Sculpture Studio in Barre, VT. As a Journeyman, he moved south and established Carolina Sculpture Studio following the retirement of in-law and Master Sculptor Dario Rossi in nearby Elberton GA. Button’s popular YouTube channel features the Virtual Stone Carving Apprenticeship series currently on video 133. At youtube.com/@carolinasculpturestudio/ Guest 2: Steve Kaczmarczyk,  Shop Manager at Hunt Memorial where has worked for 11 years although he has worked making monuments for 31 years. Guest 3: Stan Mullins is CCO – Chief Creative Officer at Stan Mullins Art Studio headquartered in Athens, Georgia. In the last quarter-century, Stan has created thousands of works of art in multiple mediums. Guest 4: John Theis has been a dedicated member of the Coldspring team for an impressive 43.5 years, contributing his expertise across all areas of granite fabrication. For the past 33 years, he has specialized as a stone carver and sculptor, crafting intricate designs and sculptures on projects both large and small. With his deep knowledge and skill in working with a variety of granites, he has played an integral role in creating lasting works of art and craftsmanship.

Episode 1: Mike Johns, Jr. CM, AICA, The Johns-Carabelli Co. Semerano Monuments & Flowers, talks with representatives from the Granite and Marble level sponsors supporting the MBNA Trade Show about what they are planning to exhibit.  Episode guests: Paige Lamthi & Mark Gherardi, Buttura and Gherardi Granite Artisans Vaishnavi Ramasamy and Mr. Cannon, Amman Granite Rita Campbell, Precious Souvenir Lenin Kailasammani, Salem Stone  Doug Grahn, Barre Granite Association Matthew Pruett, Elberton Granite Association

Episode 2: Welcome to the second episode of MBNA's Monument Matters with host Mike Johns, Jr. CM, AICA, The Johns-Carabelli Co. Semerano Monuments & Flowers Today, we are talking about cremation trends with Barbara Kemmis, Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America, and MBNA member Troy Caldwell, a Certified Memorialist and a Fellow with the American Institute of Commemorative Art; Troy and his brother Tony are third-generation owners of Caldwell Monument Company in Indiana. As cremation rates continue to rise, especially in North America, this episode explores the challenges and opportunities for memorialists and cemeterians. Listeners will learn about the innovative ways cemeteries and monument builders are adapting to meet the needs of families choosing cremation. From creative memorials to understanding the cultural shifts influencing these trends, this episode provides valuable information for those in the remembrance industry.