MBNA 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 p...

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 (00:0...

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...

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)...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 educatio...

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 i...

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 educatio...

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 Memo...

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 S...

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 Commemor...