MBNA Monument Matters

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...