Half Goes to Taxes… The Rest to Headaches

Creating Magic in the Monument Business

In this special episode of the We Rock Podcast, we sit down with Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World Resort, to talk leadership, customer service, culture, and what it means to truly care for people. Lee shares lessons from Disney, Marriott, and a lifetime of leadership, and we dig into how those principles apply inside a monument shop — where families are not just buying a product, they are walking through one of the hardest moments of their lives. We talk about creating a culture where employees know their role, why customer problems are usually people problems, the importance of empathy, psychological safety, training, accountability, and why every business owner has to take responsibility for the experience their team creates. It’s a conversation about more than customer service. It’s about leadership, discipline, humility, and making people feel cared for when it matters most. Lee summed up “magic” as being “so good, nobody knows how you do it,” which fits the heart of this episode perfectly.

Knowledge Is Power… and Bad Rigging Is Dangerous

In Episode 53, we cover everything from space nerds and flat-earthers to stolen bronze vases, Facebook forum advice, and the danger of bad rigging. The main focus is education in the monument industry — knowing your equipment, asking better questions, attending workshops, and understanding that experience matters when safety is on the line. Knowledge is power, and in this business, it might also keep a stone from falling where it shouldn’t.

We Rock Shorts: Banana Ball Hospitality.

Tony discusses his experience at the Savanah Banana Baseball game. Talks about the impact of the hospitality industry and how it can improve how we take care of families.

Half Goes to Taxes… The Rest to Headaches

Running a business isn’t just about growth—it’s about navigating everything that comes with it. In this episode, we talk about the reality behind the scenes: tax season frustrations, the true cost of expansion, and the ongoing challenge of finding and keeping good employees. From opening a second location to dealing with no-shows and tough hiring decisions, this is an honest look at what it really takes to keep moving forward. It’s not always easy—but it’s always worth it.

Convention Takeaways… And a Conversation You Might Not Expect

In this episode, we break down our biggest takeaways from the recent monument industry convention—what stood out, what actually matters, and what we’re bringing back to our own shops. We get into: * The value of hands-on education and learning from other builders * Practical ideas you can apply immediately in your business * Where the industry is headed (and where it’s falling short) * How AI is already being used in real monument shops—and why we’re only scratching the surface We also talk about why getting outside your own bubble is one of the most important things you can do in this business—and how seeing how others work can completely change your perspective. And toward the end of the episode… we had a conversation that most people wouldn’t.  No drama—just a real discussion that needed to happen. If you’re in the monument industry (or any business where craftsmanship and relationships matter), this is one worth listening to.