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.

• (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.

• (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.

• (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