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

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with military researcher Bill Beigel, founder of World War II Research, Inc., about how monument builders can ensure accuracy and depth in veterans memorials. Beigel shares how professional research can uncover forgotten heroes, correct misspelled names, and add meaningful personal stories to each engraved name. The conversation explores partnerships between researchers and monument builders, the ethical importance of getting every detail right, and how emerging technologies like digital markers and NFC chips can extend memorial experiences while preserving the sacred nature of stone.

• (00:00:05) - Monument Matters
• (00:00:45) - Bill Beagle
• (00:02:45) - The Challenges of Building Veterans Memorials
• (00:09:03) - Finding the stories of World War II soldiers
• (00:12:35) - What Would a National Monument Cost?
• (00:13:41) - Using Digital Markers to Enhance Monument Experience
• (00:15:46) - When Technology Meets Necessity
• (00:20:05) - What's the Memorial of the Future?

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with Mark Harrison, president of Certified Safety Training (CST), about the real-world safety risks inside monument shops and how OSHA compliance goes far beyond checking boxes. From silica exposure and air-quality testing to lifting hazards, respirator programs, and recordkeeping, Mark breaks down what every monument builder needs to know—and why creating a culture of safety is essential for protecting employees and businesses alike. They also discuss common OSHA violations, cost-saving strategies, and the new free MBNA safety checklist designed to help members identify risks before they become problems.

• (00:00:05) - Monument Matters
• (00:01:28) - Five of the Most Deadly Work Hazards
• (00:04:14) - Veteren Audit
• (00:05:52) - OSHA Compliance: Building a Safer Company
• (00:08:52) - Asbestos in Cigarettes
• (00:12:04) - What's the First Billboard You See When You Land in the US
• (00:13:28) - OSHA fines for granite or sandblasting
• (00:19:00) - OSHA Compliance Programs
• (00:24:25) - MBNA Membership Checklist
• (00:24:47) - Memorial Production Facility Safety Podcast

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Mike Lannen, digital strategist and founder of Eternity, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping monument businesses. From sales and marketing to customer service and design, AI can streamline repetitive tasks and free up time for what matters most—serving families. Lannen shares practical, affordable ways small shops can start using AI today, along with insights on addressing staff concerns and keeping the “human touch” central to every memorial project. Discover how one simple AI tool could save you 30 minutes this week—and open the door to new efficiencies across your business.

• (00:00:05) - Monument Matters
• (00:01:20) - When Did AI Make Your Work?
• (00:04:48) - Are You Ready to Use AI in Your Monument Business?
• (00:07:43) - Will AI Replace Your Jobs?
• (00:12:25) - Robot Service: The Replacement of Human Workers
• (00:14:25) - AI Money Builders: The 3 Tips
• (00:16:56) - Monument Matters: Future Podcasts /

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns welcomes grief expert Dr. Jason Troyer to explore the cultural shifts reshaping memorialization. Troyer shares his concept of the “Four Horsemen of the Cemetery Apocalypse” — mobility, death denial, loss of religious ritual, and rising cremation — and how these trends impact monument builders. Together, they discuss ways to rebuild trust, connect with today’s transient families, and communicate the lasting value of permanent placement. From offering grief resources to strengthening community relationships, this conversation reveals practical, compassionate strategies to keep monument businesses relevant and meaningful in a changing world.

• (00:00:05) - Monument Matters
• (00:01:29) - 4 Horsemen of the Cemetery Apocalypse that are reshaping memorialization
• (00:04:43) - 4 Horsemen of End-of-Life Care
• (00:06:26) - Funeral Homes: How Do We Stay Connected to Families?
• (00:10:58) - Grief and memorialization decisions
• (00:20:09) - The Importance of a Memorial
• (00:21:33) - Do We Need to Plan for Our Death?
• (00:29:33) - A Moment of Remembrance

This episode of Monument Matters offers monument builders a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Ohio Veterans Memorial Park. Beyond its role as a place of remembrance, the park provides powerful lessons in vision, community collaboration, and the lasting impact of memorialization. Listeners will gain insight into how large-scale memorial projects overcome challenges, engage local support, and tell meaningful stories through design. For monument professionals, the episode highlights strategies that can be adapted to everyday work—whether it’s building trust with families, designing with purpose, or strengthening ties with the community.

• (00:00:00) - Monument Matters
• (00:01:09) - Ohio Veterans Memorial Project
• (00:07:49) - The Builders' Memorial
• (00:12:17) - The Clinton Cemetery Wall
• (00:17:38) - Describing his work on monuments
• (00:19:08) - Oak Ridge Veterans Memorial Park Committee
• (00:26:24) - A project with so many challenges
• (00:29:58) - The Sealed Place: granite benches for veterans
• (00:34:49) - Volunteer Committee on Veterans' Memorial
• (00:39:46) - Monument Matters