Episode 12: In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Anthony Minozzi of Travis Monument Group about lessons learned in acquiring and integrating family businesses. From valuing companies to honoring legacy, managing staff, and standardizing processes, Anthony shares candid insights into growth strategies that balance respect, culture, and sustainability

• (00:00:07) - Monument Matters
• (00:01:06) - Travis Monument Group
• (00:08:43) - After acquiring three cemetery businesses, Monument Co. decided to separate the
• (00:13:23) - The Importance of Family Legacy at Berkshire
• (00:15:56) - Acquisition Valuation
• (00:19:49) - Acquisition Criticism of a Religious Cemetery Company
• (00:22:59) - Wonders of the Community
• (00:26:13) - The Fit of a Company's Team
• (00:31:50) - The Pre-Screening Questions for Jobs
• (00:41:49) - Onboarding a New Team Member
• (00:45:43) - Thanks Anthony for Recognizing Rachel's Work
• (00:46:40) - Exploring Standards and Procedures at Spring Valley Wine
• (00:53:10) - The Value of Standardization
• (00:53:39) - Darrell on Expanding His Franchise Network to 25 Locations
• (00:55:10) - The Future of Owning a Business
• (00:57:25) - MBNA President on Buying a Business
• (01:02:06) - PODCAST: Acquisitions and Standards

Episode 11: In this episode of MBNA Monument Matters, host Mike Johns sits down with Jerry Mascola of Granite City Tool and retired conservator Tom Podnar of McKay Lodge Conservation Laboratory to explore the fascinating history, craftsmanship, and challenges surrounding white bronze—or zinc—memorials. Learn why these 19th-century monuments are considered an example of American ingenuity, how to identify them in cemeteries, and what not to do when restoring them. Whether you're a monument builder, preservationist, or history enthusiast, this episode offers expert insight into a rare and often misunderstood memorial material—and emphasizes the importance of knowing when to call in a pro.

• (00:00:08) - Monument Matters: Episode 1
• (00:02:29) - Zinc Monuments: Their History
• (00:06:37) - Why Do Zinc Monuments Look Blue?
• (00:14:06) - Zinc Monument Conservator
• (00:20:11) - Importance of monument repair
• (00:25:44) - Restoration of Old Bridges
• (00:29:45) - How to Fix a Bronze Monument
• (00:33:39) - How to Fix a Monument That's leaning backwards
• (00:38:23) - Zink Monuments: Do They Need Restoration?

In Episode 10: Go behind the scenes at the 2025 School of Hard Rocks with host Mike Johns and guests Bobby Mattos, Houston Gordon, and Aaron Faehnle. Discover how hands-on stone carving, mentorship, and creative freedom are shaping the next generation of memorialists in this unique, immersive experience like no other in the monument industry. Explore how carving, collaboration, and creativity come together under the guidance of seasoned mentors. Hear how first-timers and veterans alike make lasting connections—and lasting art.

• (00:00:01) - Monument Matters
• (00:02:03) - Interview
• (00:04:00) - How Much of What You Experience at Hard Rocks Does Affect Your Monument
• (00:04:48) - Rock Camp
• (00:07:33) - The Hard Rock Art Exhibition
• (00:09:57) - Alumni as instructors at the workshop
• (00:11:23) - At the Art Institute of Alberton
• (00:15:07) - Carving at the Ames
• (00:21:30) - Hard Rock Granite Workshops
• (00:28:09) - A Taste of Hard Rock Camp
• (00:30:25) - The Lucan Award
• (00:31:46) - The School of Hard Rocks

In this inspiring episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns, Jr. speaks with Eric Gunnoe and Eden Griesheimer-Smith of Chillicothe Monument & Hardy Memorials about their Aspire Award-winning project: restoring Soldiers’ Circle, a veterans’ cemetery that hadn’t seen a cleanup since 1928. What began as a local observation turned into a major community effort, uniting nearly 100 volunteers to honor forgotten heroes. Eric and Eden share how they organized the event, uncovered meaningful veteran stories, and sparked renewed interest in memorialization. Their work exemplifies the spirit of MBNA’s Aspire Awards and serves as a blueprint for community impact through memorial care.

• (00:00:08) - Monument Matters
• (00:01:23) - Chillicothe Monument
• (00:04:04) - Member Interview
• (00:06:51) - Honoring Veterans: Memorial Day Cleanup
• (00:12:05) - Local volunteers clean graves at Greenlawn Cemetery
• (00:19:25) - Monument Matters: June 2017

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 lasting impact, and MBNA’s upcoming design challenge to finally create a fitting memorial. Tune in for a blend of history, design insight, and a heartfelt call to action to recognize a man who shaped the way we remember others.

• (00:00:08) - Monument Matters: Writing Monument Fonts
• (00:01:58) - About the Monument Lettering Center
• (00:05:01) - Marking the Grave of Timothy Jello
• (00:10:33) - Between the Scrolls: Memorial Design and Printing
• (00:17:09) - Timothy Jello's Modified Roman Alphabet
• (00:24:41) - Timothy Jo's grave
• (00:28:04) - Monument Builders in North America

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 educational outreach programs, and opportunities for monument builders to support and collaborate.

• (00:00:00) - Monument Matters
• (00:01:46) - Vermont Granite Museum
• (00:05:11) - The Jones Brothers Granite Shed Museum
• (00:11:22) - What's a typical day at the Central Rock Museum in Vermont?
• (00:14:36) - The Norwich Museum's challenges
• (00:22:10) - The Vermont Granite Museum's appeal for support
• (00:26:05) - The Granite Festival Exhibit
• (00:29:01) - Opportunities for Monument Builders and Retailers
• (00:30:38) - The Granite Museum's mission
• (00:32:45) - Monument Matters: Vermont Granite Museum

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.

• (00:00:08) - Monument Matters
• (00:02:04) - How MB&A Membership has impacted your company's success
• (00:03:30) - What's Your Most Valuable MBNA Resource?
• (00:06:11) - MB&E Member Spotlight
• (00:07:25) - MB and A: Inclusion and Participation
• (00:10:31) - MBNA Cleveland 2025 Industry Show
• (00:13:59) - Top Executives Discuss the State of the Industry
• (00:15:39) - Winter continues to grip the Midwest
• (00:16:53) - BNA President's Farewell Speech
• (00:17:27) - Monument Industry Show 2019

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.