We Rock

Fresh off a trip to Baltimore, we break down what the experience really taught us—about conventions, craftsmanship, and the people who still take pride in doing things the right way. But the conversation doesn’t stop there.

We dig into the growing frustrations monument builders are facing with cemeteries: shifting rules, weekend demands, power struggles, and the fallout caused by shortcuts taken by others in the industry. From forced installs and inconsistent policies to customers who think they own your schedule, this episode gets honest about where the real headaches are coming from.

Along the way, we talk design philosophy, quality vs. convenience, and why “traditional” has become an excuse instead of a standard. It’s a wide-ranging, unscripted conversation about craftsmanship, boundaries, and why doing it right still matters—no matter how complicated the process gets.

If you’ve ever dealt with cemetery red tape, unrealistic expectations, or wondered how to push your work beyond the cookie-cutter norm, this one’s for you.

Recorded live on the convention floor in Baltimore, this episode of the We Rock Podcast drops you into the heart of the Mid-Atlantic Convention. We talk with monument builders, suppliers, and industry leaders about why conventions still matter, what you really gain by showing up, and how relationships drive this industry forward.

From booth setup chaos and winter weather to new technology, education, and old-school shop talk, this is an unfiltered look at what happens when the monument industry gets together in one room.

If you’ve ever questioned whether conventions are worth it—this episode answers that question.

 In this episode of the We Rock Podcast, we’re joined by Nate Gingrich of Gingrich Memorials to break down the upcoming Mid-Atlantic Monument Convention in Baltimore. We talk booth sellouts, why conventions still matter, how education and vendors actually drive value, and what a well-run show looks like.
We also dive into AI in monument shops, digital memorialization, NFC tags, QR codes, and why long-term trust matters more than shiny tech. If you’ve ever wondered whether conventions are worth it—or how the industry is evolving—this episode is for you. 

 In “Where Are Your Brochures?” the guys dive into a surprisingly heated topic: why the monument world hasn’t let go of brochures yet. After a real customer email sparks the discussion, Austin and Tony explore how brochures can unintentionally restrict design, confuse families, and box in memorial creativity. They compare the old days of mailing obituaries and print packets to today’s reality where your website is your real brochure and QR codes rule the world.
 Expect some detours—Thanksgiving fails, cold-weather installs, rental-property drama, Baltimore planning, and a rant or two about Facebook ads taking over your feed. 

Episode 45 is here, which obviously means two things: the Lord’s caliber… and that other guy whose name seems to “trump” every conversation. 😏

Austin and Tony kick things off with real-estate chaos: new investments, new LLCs, and a fancy Latin company name that definitely means “stonecutter”… unless it secretly translates to “rice” and becomes the world’s most accidental Chinese-tattoo story.

From there they roll into:

• Why conventions aren’t dead, no matter what AI does to your newsfeed
• Mid-Atlantic plans, live We Rock interviews, and the unofficial fifth seminar: Hospitality Room University
• SMBA’s road trip to Cold Spring, MN, complete with quarry tours, foundry time, and Tony threatening to eat Campbell’s soup off the shop floor to prove how clean it is
• How to save money on the joint SMBA/MBNA convention by joining Southern (no coupon code, just math and a little loophole energy)

Then it’s all about AI: how they actually use it for contracts, design ideas, vector art, marketing, and possibly this description; why it’s a tool, not a replacement for taste or craftsmanship; and how the internet is filling up with AI garbage videos and fake “news” faster than you can say “trust but verify.” The guys talk about getting real inspiration from architecture, cars, bottles, carpets, and ceilings—aka going outside and touching grass instead of just hitting “generate image” again.

 Tony’s buying dirt, we're packing for Baltimore, and somehow we manage to cover everything from shop design to Aggie dog memorials. Between talk of real estate, convention plans, and day-to-day monument life, this episode is proof that even when the conversation drifts, it always lands back on the rock. 

In this episode, we tiptoe around the ever-touchy subject of pricing — not by handing out our secret formulas, but by talking through the realities that shape what things cost and why. Consider it more of a scenic detour than a behind-the-scenes tour.

From there, we take aim at a growing trend on social media: companies promising nationwide headstone cleaning and restoration services. Sounds impressive… until you start asking how exactly someone plans to scrub moss off a grave three states away. We share some laughs, a few raised eyebrows, and plenty of reality checks about what’s actually possible in this business — and what’s probably just clever marketing smoke and mirrors.

If you’ve ever wondered how far the industry can stretch before common sense snaps, this episode is for you.

In this episode of We Rock: Stone & Story, we’re joined by our good friend Mr. Jeremiah Allhands, owner of B&S Memorials. We talk about what it’s like to start a monument shop from the ground up with no family legacy or built-in ties to the industry—just vision, grit, and determination. Along the way, Tony shares his thoughts on a new product he discovered called U-Mask-It from Professional Mask, and of course, we couldn’t help but kick things off with some talk about the start of the college football season.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to break into this industry from scratch—or just want to hear a few laughs with Mr. Allhands—this one’s for you.

 After some much-needed time away, we’re back in the shop — and back on the mic. In this laid-back episode, we swap vacation stories, catch up on the latest industry news, and talk tools (both the shiny new ones and the old standbys we can’t live without). No big agenda, just a couple of monument guys shaking the sand out of our shoes and getting back to business. 

🎙️ In this episode of We Rock, we unpack the recent SMBA convention, upcoming Memorial Designer educational sessions, and our trip to Houston where the Rangers took on the Astros.  We talk shop, strategy, and stadium snacks — all while trying not to get consolidated ourselves.

If you've ever wondered what headstones, hotel breakfasts, and hostile baseball environments have in common… you’re about to find out.