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 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
Clint Avalon
(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!
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
G Scott Corey
The Sandwich Eater
(Vice President)
Responsible For: Creative director, graphic design, logo design, and IT troubleshooting.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: I like flannel pants.
Tim Elizer
(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
(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
Vinyl Surgeon
(Production Lead)
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
Nate Bivens
Professional Cat Herder
(Special Projects Manager)
Responsible For: Manager of larger projects and detail gatherer.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Mr. Positive
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
Leslie Harcrow
The “I do this, I do that” Woman
(Production Associate)
Responsible For: All around production of signs and prints.
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.
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: emojis
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.
Jonah Waggoner
(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
(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
Todd Leslie
Beard
(Installer)
Responsible For: Installation of all types of signage.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Beard
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.
(Project Manager)
Responsible For: Managing 1s and 0s
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Heyyy can I pet your dog?
Richard Halchak
Clarity Technologist
(Outside Sales)
Responsible For: Make your ideas a reality.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: Glad to to see you!
Jason Talley
See Em Why Kay?
(Printer Operator)
Responsible For: I make the prints.
If I made a sign to describe myself, it would say: I’ll be right with you.