MBNA Monument Matters

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Episode 4: In this episode of Monument Matters, MBNA President Nathan Lange, CM, AICA, shares how deeper involvement in our association transformed his business and his leadership. From building lasting friendships to navigating challenges alongside fellow members, Nathan reflects on the power of connection and community within MBNA. He also looks ahead to exciting developments in member education, including a revamped Certified Memorialist program designed to support the next generation of industry professionals. It’s the story of his journey from MBNA member to leader—built on meaningful connections and a commitment to the betterment of the industry.

Episode 3

Host: Mike Johns, Jr. CM, AICA, The Johns-Carabelli Co. Semerano Monuments & Flowers

Guest 1: Sculptor AC Button II founded Carolina Sculpture Studio in 2003, extending his family's unbroken USA heritage in granite excellence since 1891. Button's work in stone sculpture began with family apprenticeship under his cousin as they worked under Master Sculptor Gary Sassi at Celestial Memorial Sculpture Studio in Barre, VT. As a Journeyman, he moved south and established Carolina Sculpture Studio following the retirement of in-law and Master Sculptor Dario Rossi in nearby Elberton GA. Button’s popular YouTube channel features the Virtual Stone Carving Apprenticeship series currently on video 133. At youtube.com/@carolinasculpturestudio/

Guest 2: Steve Kaczmarczyk,  Shop Manager at Hunt Memorial where has worked for 11 years although he has worked making monuments for 31 years.

Guest 3: Stan Mullins is CCO – Chief Creative Officer at Stan Mullins Art Studio headquartered in Athens, Georgia. In the last quarter-century, Stan has created thousands of works of art in multiple mediums.

Guest 4: John Theis has been a dedicated member of the Coldspring team for an impressive 43.5 years, contributing his expertise across all areas of granite fabrication. For the past 33 years, he has specialized as a stone carver and sculptor, crafting intricate designs and sculptures on projects both large and small. With his deep knowledge and skill in working with a variety of granites, he has played an integral role in creating lasting works of art and craftsmanship.

Episode 1: Mike Johns, Jr. CM, AICA, The Johns-Carabelli Co. Semerano Monuments & Flowers, talks with representatives from the Granite and Marble level sponsors supporting the MBNA Trade Show about what they are planning to exhibit. 

Episode 2:

Welcome to the second episode of MBNA's Monument Matters with host Mike Johns, Jr. CM, AICA, The Johns-Carabelli Co. Semerano Monuments & Flowers

Today, we are talking about cremation trends with Barbara Kemmis, Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America, and MBNA member Troy Caldwell, a Certified Memorialist and a Fellow with the American Institute of Commemorative Art; Troy and his brother Tony are third-generation owners of Caldwell Monument Company in Indiana.

As cremation rates continue to rise, especially in North America, this episode explores the challenges and opportunities for memorialists and cemeterians.

Listeners will learn about the innovative ways cemeteries and monument builders are adapting to meet the needs of families choosing cremation. From creative memorials to understanding the cultural shifts influencing these trends, this episode provides valuable information for those in the remembrance industry.