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 sign fabricators and installers, graphic designers, vehicle wrap designers and installers, and project managers.
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 Team
Clint Avalon
Vice President of all things needing Vice Presidenting(Vice President)
Responsible For: Making sure the shop dog gets fed.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: It’s Miller time!
Jacob Botts
Fresh Prints(Print Manager)
Responsible For: Any and all large format print projects.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Smooth Sailing
G Scott Corey
Director of Making Sandwiches(Vice President)
Responsible For: Creative director, graphic design, logo design, and IT troubleshooting.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Flannel Pants
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!
Cameron Hunnicutt
Mango
(Plotter Operator)
Responsible For: Cutting all vinyls as well as general production.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: TBD
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
John Howard
Dirt Digging Wizard(Installer)
Responsible For: Digging to China, installing signs on every surface known to man (and some not.)
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Beware of Dawg
Timothy Juday
Vinyl Surgeon(Production Associate)
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
Eric Boice
Captain Red Beard
(Vice President of Operations)
Responsible For: Making sure the place doesn’t burn down.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Red
Nate Bivens
Professional Cat Herder
(Project Manager)
Responsible For: Manager of larger projects and detail gatherer.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Mr. Positive
Zack Morgan
,Professional Productioneer & Ingenious Installer
(Production Associate)
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.
Stephen Gwaltney
Bologna King
(Install Project Manager)
Responsible For: Bologna
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Princess Bear
Shelby Thompson
File Setter-Upper(Prepress)
Responsible For: Handling prepress and print work, making movie suggestions, and generally looking good.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: ??
Frannie Beard
TBD(Production Associate)
Responsible For: Making signs
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Under Construction
Jonah Waggoner
Maxmetal Samurai(CNC Operator)
Responsible For: Sign production and running CNC machines.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: I am an artist
Rachel Mitchell
The Sugar Glider(Production Artist)
Responsible For: Preparing art for client proofs, layout and design.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: TBD
Makinsie Williams
Oracle of Inspiration
(Project Manager)
Responsible For: Organizing random thoughts, and erratic activity
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Caution: Loud noise area. Ear protection required
Chris Herin
MC McCrafty
(Installation Manger)
Responsible For: Making stuff work with a twist and a twerk.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Thank you, I’ll be here all day.
Pete Menke
Maestro of Mayhem
(Project Manager)
Responsible For: Being the voice of reason.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: My birthstone is a coffee bean.
Catherine Lundquist
The Gold Polisher
(Account Manager)
Responsible For: Dollars and sense.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Surely, not everybody was Kung Fu fighting.
Georgia Bivens
Front Door Girl
(Front Desk Administrator)
Responsible For: Organizing the already organized.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Mama Bear
J Gensler
Installer
(Installer)
Responsible For: Installation of all types of signage.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: TBD