Lettering is often treated as a secondary step in monument design—but should it be? In this episode, Brandon Billester of the Monument Lettering Center joins the conversation to explore the evolution of typography in the monument industry, from hand-drawn craftsmanship to today’s standardized digital fonts. He explains how new font technologies are reintroducing customization, creativity, and artistic expression, while also offering practical advice for shops looking to experiment without overcomplicating their process. From kerning to ligatures, this discussion highlights how thoughtful lettering can elevate design, create differentiation, and deliver greater value to families—even when they can’t quite explain why.

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.

• (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.

• (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