Entrepreneurial Spirit
Serati, with his business partner and long-time friend, David Dantzler, opened Music City Sign Company on November 1st of 2011. It started as a small, energized, independent sign business. Dantzler with full-service embroidery skills, and Serati with signage and fiscal management, made a great team. They chose a small space near Nashville, TN. They were figuring things out on their own, as they were not aware of the Sign Biz organization at that time.
Many entrepreneurs know about the salad days, the spirit and energy that accompanies the launch of a new business. At the same time, going through lean days and sleepless nights, bootstrapping the path forward, acquiring staff and equipment, licenses and training is tough but rewarding.
Finally, seven years later, they moved into larger digs, June 1, 2018, with new Mimaki printer, new laser engraver, CNC router all signs of growth, and all in place and now fitting their vision for the future.
Moving Day 2018
The Very First Shop
Sign projects grew in size and scope. After more than nine years of hard work, Music City Sign Company, a veteran co-owned business, now employed many talented workers and served a wide range of the local businesses with their sign needs.
Photo (L): New Table 2018
Everything was growing according to plan.
Then, on April 25th, 2020… During a normal workday, the laser engraver caught fire. Saeed grabbed an extinguisher and aimed at the fire. When he sprayed, however, the fire did not diminish in size. In fact, it kept growing.
Desperate, he immediately called 911 as he was now using his second fire extinguisher to try to dampen the fire.
The fire trucks arrived, and as Saeed explained, “Brave firefighters rushed in, and in a few minutes, they came back out and explained that they could not extinguish the fire. They said, ‘We have to wait for an expert to come in and take the building off the electric grid.'”
During this time, Saeed waited outside with an injured arm alongside the firefighters while his livelihood was burning down in front of him.
Once the building was taken off the grid, the firefighters extinguished the fire. Everything that was not damaged with fire was ruined by water.
Saeed posted on Facebook, “We are grateful for everything firefighters did and that no one was seriously hurt.”
The Best Laid Plans...
Off The Grid
Saeed’s sister, Sina, posted on GoFundMe within 24 hours, and they raised a modest sum to cover basics, though the business itself had to go “off the grid” for a few years.
“I’m setting this gofundme up because my brother lost more than what the insurance will cover. During this hard time with the pandemic and him having to wait for 6 to 12 months until the building is reconstructed, it will be a hard time for his family and the families of his workers.
I’m hoping we can help him reach this goal while he rebuilds his business and gets back on his feet. Thank you to everyone who is supportive of this cause.”
Fast Forward to 2021
Serati posted, “Over a year ago our laser cutter caught fire and destroyed our business, through hard work, determination, help from family and friends and a little help from insurance we are rebuilding our business from ground up. This will be new beginning for us with a bright future.
A special thanks to all our customers that stayed with us through this difficult time and all the people that made rebuilding our business possible. THANK YOU.”
Original Space-Rebuilding on Antioch Pike in Nashville
A NEW CHAPTER!
On July 15th, 2022, Saeed and David become official new Members of the Sign Biz Network, under the organization’s conversion program. All of this was facilitated by the gracious welcome provided by Sign Bizzer Michael Martini, who owns ImageLife Signs in Nashville. It was fortunate that there were more than enough vertical market businesses in each Members’ respective zip codes to grant a new protected Territory!
When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade!
Since July, Saeed and David have hit the ground running with step-by-step guidance from Teresa M. Young, Sign Biz President. Young requested their “Year One” P&L based on a Pro Forma spreadsheet for shop launches, which was submitted by the accountant for Music City Sign Co. “There are positive signs of stability and growth in their numbers, despite the total destruction of their business a year ago on top of a pandemic. I know this shop will grow and we are delighted these two entrepreneurs chose Sign Biz, Inc. to help them build “the second story,” says Young. “They are humble, smart, passionate – everything our Sign Bizzers demonstrate every day, and a great addition to the Network.”
“We are all inspired by their dedication, strength of purpose, and look forward to seeing a great vision grow to fruition,” adds Young.
FORGING AHEAD
Already, through Sign Biz’s special programs, new pricing and vendor discounts are now in place, Corebridge POS software has been deployed, new logo designed for readability and conspicuity is rolling out, new laminator purchased through Sign Biz at a special rate, and a brand-new website just launched under a special Members Only program. The organization is keeping abreast with important marketing elements, including assuring all web mentions have a uniform NAP (Name, Address, Phone), and new marketing options in place.
About Music City Sign Company
Music City Sign Company was established in 2011, and offers both Sign Manufacturing along with Sewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods. Our mission is to provide a high-tech, high-touch experience for clients, and to deliver products that demonstrate both talent and professionalism. We strive daily to assure a highly professional experience for clients, team and suppliers, and a focus on transparency in communications.
Music City Sign Co. ~ 1184 Antioch Pike ~ Nashville ~ TN ~ 37211 Phone: (615) 727-7700 ~ www.mcsignco.com
About Sign Biz® Inc.
Sign Biz®, Inc., founder of a worldwide chain of independently-owned digital sign & graphics businesses, provides research, education, technical support and hands-on training to digital sign and graphics industry professionals. Consulting, project management and ongoing education programs and publications have supported professionalism in the sign industry for more than three decades.
Sign Biz, Inc. 24681 La Plaza, Suite 270 ~ Dana Point ~ California ~ 92629 Phone: (800) 633-5580
