We Rock

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 capabilitie...

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...

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 Monu...

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.