Our History
Founded by Wayne and Lynette Meece in 1991, the original home of Signs First Nashville was in a strip mall in Belle Meade. In 1996, the Meeces hired 16-year-old Tim Elizer for what was supposed to be a summer job. Tim quickly realized he had discovered an industry that allowed him to blend his fascination with technology with his love for art; and, he never left. After years spent learning all facets of the sign business, Tim achieved his goal of becoming the owner of Signs First Nashville. Fast forward to the present; Tim now leads a team of highly experienced project managers, designers, fabricators, and installers.
When asked how he feels about the journey of growing Signs First from a “mom and pop shop” to a business that handles local, national, and even international projects, Tim says, “It’s been wild. It’s been crazy. But, it’s also been fun. That’s what keeps me doing it. We’ve come a long way, but we’ve only just begun. We have an ever-growing group of fantastic people and several new cutting-edge technologies that will allow us to do amazing things in the future. I’m excited to see where we’ll be in 20 years, but I’ve really enjoyed the process of getting to where we are now. I’m very thankful for everything.”
Our Mission
To exceed client expectations by doing things the way they need to be done, not the way they’ve always been done.
Our Vision
We will elevate the industry and our community by exceeding client expectations in pursuit of individual, team and operational excellence.
Our Team
Tim Elizer
Chief Cheerleader
(President)
Responsible For: Keeping team morale up while leading Signs First to new heights.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Passionate about life!
David Bethuy
Zi Biker Dude
(General Manager)
Responsible For: Operations of the whole shop.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Bikes.
Jonathan Annis
Jonathan of the house Annis, First of his name, King of the east side and the first of men, the waterer of plants, feeder of hummingbirds, protector of mothers, and lover of husband; The breaker of chains, and father of dogs.
(Director of Sales)
Responsible For: Managing 1s and 0s
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Heyyy can I pet your dog?
Mike Waggoner
The “You Do This, You Do That” Man
(Production Manager)
Responsible For: Coordinating and delegating specific jobs to the production staff, making sure deadlines are met, and scheduling installations.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Will Work for Comic Books
Timothy Juday
Print Surgeon
(Print Manager)
Responsible For: Making customers’ signs come to life while also creating an atmosphere that inspires a creative, honest, unique, and relationship-focused work environment.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Married world’s most beautiful woman
Kylie Brown
Senior Vibe Manager
(Senior Project Manager)
Responsible For: Aiding and assisting with all of the vibe checking duties.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Be groovy or leave, man.
Zack Morgan
Professional Productioneer & Ingenious Installer
(Project Manager)
Responsible For: Creation and completion of signage, installation of car wraps, and outside installations.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: I like cheese.
Jacob Domingue
Pretty Boi
(CNC Operator)
Responsible For: Keeping the shop on their toes.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: What you see is what you get.
Roz Alderson
The King
(Print Associate)
Responsible For: Slinging Prints
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say:
Jonah Waggoner
Maxmetal Samurai
(Production Associate)
Responsible For: Sign production and running CNC machines.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: I am an artist
Leslie Smith
The “I do this, I do that” Woman
(Production Associate/PrePress)
Responsible For: All around production of signs and prints and file prepping for print.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Morning forecast: Slightly exhausted with 100% of needing coffee, followed by scattered sarcastic comments through the afternoon.
Hannah Smuda
Hannah Banana
(Office Manager)
Responsible For: Tour Managing the office
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Will work for Rihanna tickets and vacations to Bali.
Erik Lundquist
BIG E
(Lead Installer)
Responsible For: Torpedo level operation and bucket truck shenanigans.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: We don’t need a ladder.
Richard De La Rosa
The Go-Getter
(Install Associate)
Responsible For:
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say:
Stephanie Williams
Tefi
(Project Manager)
Responsible For: Resident detective- I solve the office mysteries.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Bring me coffee, and I’ll be nice to you 😉
Chloe Koster
Silly Goose
(Production Artist)
Responsible For: Making mischief and pretty pictures
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: I think she might be my long lost sister —>
Rachel Gordon
The Sugar Glider
(Art Director)
Responsible For: Preparing art for client proofs, layout and design.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Kitties n’ Beer!
Sara Wood
Ol’ Reliable
(Install Project Manager)
Responsible For: Wrangling cats
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: I’d rather be hiking.
Will Steele
Squill
(Project Manager)
Responsible For: Consulting a Magic 8 Ball
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: You don’t have a choice to grow old, but you do have a choice if you grow up.
Kat Weaver
Squeegee Runner
(Vinyl Installer)
Responsible For: Playing with Stickers
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Life is a Highway
CeeJay Bruns
my name is a nickname
(Production Associate)
Responsible For: Laying giant stickers
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Nerdy, weird, and my OCD wants things done.