More than 22 million urns are estimated to remain in homes across the United States, often without a plan for permanent placement. In this episode of Monument Matters, Honnalora Hubbard and Garrett Wilson of Coldspring discuss the first National Cremation Placement Day on October 17 and what it could mean for monument professionals and the families they serve. They explore the emotional importance of permanent memorialization, the conversations families may be postponing and ways monument builders can become trusted educators in their communities. They also share practical resources businesses can use to participate and begin building a year-round conversation about cremation memorialization.

Some of the most valuable education in the monument profession happens when someone simply asks a question. In this episode of Monument Matters, Roger and Debbie Aholt of Washington Monument Company join Brent Dillinger and Eli Karkowski of Loess Hills Memorials to share how a chance conversation at MBUniversity grew into a two-day, hands-on mentoring experience. They discuss shop processes, cemetery installation, craftsmanship, equipment and lessons that cannot always be learned from a manual or video. Just as importantly, they explore why experienced professionals benefit from teaching, why newcomers should keep asking questions and how relationships strengthen the monument profession.

Artificial intelligence is changing how businesses approach research, communication, design and daily operations, but monument builders need guidance tailored to their work. In this episode, host Mike Johns speaks with Mike Lannen of Eternity about treating AI as a trained assistant rather than a replacement for employees. They discuss data privacy, fact-checking, customer-facing limitations, proposal development, design mock-ups and choosing the right AI tool for each task. Lannen also previews MBNA’s four-part AI Bootcamp, which will give monument builders practical, live demonstrations designed for users at every experience level, from beginners to professionals already experimenting with AI in their businesses.

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Jill Kampa, president of Sunburst Memorials, and Dylan Gertken, director of operations, about the company’s move from its 108-year-old facility into a new headquarters and production facility in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The conversation explores how Sunburst approached growth, Lean Manufacturing, employee ownership, workflow redesign, safety, technology and culture. Jill and Dylan also share practical lessons for other monument shops, including why process and people should come before equipment investments and why innovation can strengthen, rather than replace, the craftsmanship at the heart of memorialization.

In this episode of Monument Matters, Mike Johns talks with Jed A. Hendrickson, CM, FAICA, about the fundamentals of meaningful monument design. Their conversation explores lettering, proportion, balance, white space, technology and the new Monument Builders Academy Design course, created to help teams improve design awareness across the company.

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns talks with Matthew McCluney of USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park about one of Mobile’s most memorable destinations for attendees of MBNA’s 2027 Monument Industry Show. McCluney explains how the USS Alabama escaped the scrapyard, became a permanent memorial, and continues to be preserved as both a historic artifact and a place of remembrance. The conversation explores visitor access, restoration decisions, personal artifacts, park memorials and the importance of creating spaces where people can pause, reflect and honor service. It’s a timely invitation to experience Mobile’s history beyond the show floor together.

In this special crossover episode of Monument Matters and We Rock, Mike Johns, Tony Watson and Austin Keese explore how education, networking and association involvement continue to shape the monument industry. The discussion highlights the evolving value of Monument Builders of North America, the role of regional associations, mentorship, workforce development and the importance of sharing knowledge across generations. Along the way, the conversation touches on Monument Builders Academy, industry events, leadership and why staying connected may be one of the most valuable investments monument professionals can make.

In this special takeover episode of Monument Matters, the leadership team of WinMBNA shares personal stories, career lessons, and insights into the future of the monument industry. Cristine Bouwkamp, Courtney Swart, Abbey Metcalf, and Ryan Worthington discuss mentorship, networking, women in leadership, and the importance of creating supportive spaces for professional growth. The conversation also explores how WinMBNA provides education, scholarships, webinars, community discussions, and meaningful industry connections that help members grow personally and professionally. From learning to speak up with confidence to adapting to AI and new technologies, this episode focuses on carving a stronger path forward together

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.