Daniel Southard never planned to get into the monument business — but when an unexpected opportunity arose next to his mother’s shop (Crazy Me) on JR Miller Boulevard, he decided to take a leap of faith.
Southard recently purchased G&G Monument Sales, located at the corner of JR Miller and East 20th Street, from longtime owner Gene Vanover. He’s since renamed it Southard Monument Sales, bringing a fresh perspective to an industry steeped in tradition.
“There was no plan to do this,” Southard said. “But when Mr. Vanover mentioned to my mom he might be ready to sell, she threw my name out there. A few months later, he reached out to talk, and here we are.”
Southard said Vanover had operated the business for several years and was ready to spend more time with family. As a local teacher and coach, he saw value in the business’s existing structure and customer base, even if the field was completely unfamiliar.
“I had never even thought about where you’d go for a headstone until this came up,” Southard said. “It’s one of those purchases people usually aren’t prepared for — but everyone ends up needing.”
The small lot doesn’t have a storefront, just a selection of stone samples displayed near JD Byrider. Still, Southard hopes to grow the business, possibly adding a small design office in the future using a converted shed or tiny home.
“I’ve always liked being creative,” he said. “With this, I get to design monuments and help families create something meaningful. You can add emblems, custom shapes, and even unique etchings, such as basketball goals. There are more options out there than most people realize.”
Southard plans to balance the business alongside teaching and coaching. He said one of the biggest motivators for taking on the venture was the chance to help people during difficult times.
“I don’t want to just make money off folks going through something hard,” he said. “I want to make this a comforting process. People are grieving when they come to you. If I can ease that burden just a little, that’s what it’s about.”
Southard said he is eager to help families through every step of the process. He added that he’s grateful for Vanover’s help as he learns the ins and outs of the monument business.
“I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Vanover for his guidance and support,” Southard said. “Even after purchasing the business from him that he built, he has generously shared his knowledge with me, teaching me step by step and helping me every step of the way.”
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“There’s something special about being able to sit with someone and help them create a tribute that really means something,” he said. “I want to be that person people know they can trust.”
