Mike Shea - Joslin and Sons Signs

Mike Shea, a Nashville native, is a Project Manager and Sales Representative at Joslin and Son Signs, a company renowned for designing, manufacturing, and installing custom signs that have shaped the landscape of Nashville. With extensive experience in the sign industry, Mike has played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of numerous projects over nearly a decade at Joslin. He has been guiding Nashville PBS through the process of designing and installing our new marquee building sign, ensuring it honors our legacy while embracing the future and providing a strong visual footprint that connects the old with the new.

Carolyn Adkerson (CA): Mike, it’s great to have you here. Can you start by sharing your background and how growing up in Nashville influenced your life?

Mike Shea (MS): Well, I grew up as Michael Shea, but somewhere along the way, I became Mike. It started back in high school when someone put "Mike" on my athletic equipment instead of "Michael," and it just stuck. I was born and raised in West Meade, Nashville, behind the Belle Meade Methodist Church. I come from a large Catholic family—I was the only boy with six sisters. Growing up in that neighborhood was incredible. It was a time before cell phones, where we rode bikes, played kick the can with about 20 kids on weekends, and had a mix of friends from both public and private schools.

I attended MBA (Montgomery Bell Academy), and my early years were full of outdoor adventures, especially fishing in Richland Creek. I eventually got lifetime permission from Mr. HG Hill himself to fish on his property, which felt like a huge win as a kid.

CA: That sounds like an amazing childhood. It's clear that Nashville has been a big part of your life. Can you tell us more about your parents and the impact they had on the community?

MS: Absolutely. My parents were both remarkable people who made lasting contributions to Nashville. My mother, Iris Imogene Cooper Shea, was an extraordinary nurse. She worked at Clover Bottom Hospital, where she became the director and was highly respected for her expertise in caring for patients with mental disabilities. She was deeply committed to ensuring that everyone received the best possible care, and she even fought against state decisions that she felt would compromise the quality of care for those in group homes. In addition to raising seven kids, she also raised 15 foster babies, showing her endless compassion and dedication to others. She also earned the title of "Scrap Iron Queen" of Forest High School for her efforts in gathering scrap iron during the war. Her dedication to nursing and her compassion for others left a significant mark on the healthcare community in Nashville.

My father, Edward Joseph Shea, was equally influential. He was the Executive Vice President of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce during the 1960s, a pivotal time for the city. He was involved in major decisions that shaped Nashville, including efforts to promote civil rights and end segregation. He also played a key role in getting liquor-by-the-drink laws passed, which was crucial for the city's economic growth. My dad was an exceptional public speaker and a master at bringing people together, whether it was business leaders, government officials, or ordinary citizens. He had a hand in many of the developments that have made Nashville what it is today, and he was always working to ensure that the city operated smoothly and prosperously.

CA: It sounds like your parents had a profound influence on you and on the community. How has the transformation of Nashville over the years impacted you and your family, especially given your deep roots here?

MS: The change has been significant. Growing up, Nashville was a different place, with smaller communities and a slower pace of life. But I’ve seen it grow into this bustling city with new buildings popping up everywhere. As someone who's worked in the sign industry for decades, it's been fascinating to witness and contribute to this transformation. I've worked on countless signs across the city, from local landmarks like The Hermitage to national brands like Cracker Barrel. One of my proudest projects is the NBC Peacock sign in Chicago, but locally, seeing signs in person or on TV that I’ve worked on around Nashville, like on Broadway and at the Hermitage, always fills me with pride. Seeing new addresses come across my desk that I could’ve never imagined.

I’ve also seen how neighborhoods like East Nashville have evolved. It's a place where old and new coexist, and I'm proud to have played a role in helping businesses establish their presence through signage. Nashville’s growth has been exciting, but it’s also important to remember the history and character that make this city unique.

CA: Speaking of local landmarks, you mentioned attending MBA. I understand you were also quite involved in sports, particularly soccer. Can you tell us more about that?

MS: Sure! Soccer has been a huge part of my life. I started playing in high school at MBA and was known for my aggressive playing style—my teammates even nicknamed me “Tasmanian Devil” because of the way I spun around on the field. I played soccer at MBA and led the team to the state championship, where we won against Webb School in Bell Buckle. Later, I played at Vanderbilt, where I was the captain and leading scorer for 23 years. Soccer has always been a passion of mine, and I’ve continued playing well into my adult years. I still play in an over-40 league in Bellevue, and I love that my teammates look up to me, hoping they can still be playing at my age. I’m also coaching my son Cooper’s soccer team, and after games, you can often find me having beers with my teammates at Jonathan’s. And, of course, I attend Nashville Soccer Club games whenever I can.

CA: It’s wonderful to see your passion for soccer continuing. Now, I have to ask about the Pancake Pantry. I’ve heard you have a great story about working there—can you share that with us?

MS: Ah, the Pancake Pantry! That was one of my first jobs. I started out bussing tables, but within a few days, the owner saw something in me and moved me to the kitchen as a cook. I ended up cooking there for two or three years while saving up for my first car. The Pancake Pantry wasn’t just a job; it was an experience. I got to cook for some of Nashville’s music legends, like Porter Wagoner and Jimmy Dean. Dolly Parton even came in a few times. It was exciting to be part of that Music City vibe, cooking breakfast for people who were shaping the music industry.

CA: You’ve clearly made a lasting impact on Nashville’s landscape, both through your work and your connections. How does your work align with the idea of "For the Love of Nashville," especially in relation to Nashville PBS?

MS: "For the Love of Nashville" is about celebrating and preserving the unique character of our city. My work in signage is a part of that—helping to shape the visual identity of Nashville while respecting its history. Growing up, WDCN / Channel 8 (now Nashville PBS) was a big part of my life. I remember watching it when I was home sick as a kid, but what really stands out is how it connected me with my father. Despite coming from different worlds—his being more intellectual and mine more athletic—shows like Monty Python brought us together. We would sit and laugh together, finding common ground through the humor. Nashville PBS has always had a role in connecting the community, whether through local stories on Tennessee Crossroads or educational programming. As Nashville grows and changes, it's important for Nashville PBS to continue being that unifying voice, bridging the old with the new, and reminding us of what makes Nashville special.

CA: That’s beautifully said. What are your hopes for Nashville PBS as we move into this new era?

MS: My hope is that Nashville PBS continues to be a bridge between the past and the future of Nashville. As the city evolves, it's important to keep telling the stories that make Nashville unique—stories about our neighborhoods, our history, and our people. I also hope that Nashville PBS remains accessible to everyone, fostering a sense of community in a city that's growing so rapidly. It's a crucial part of keeping Nashville's spirit alive and ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the city’s rich heritage.

CA: Thank you, Mike. It’s clear that your work and your connection to Nashville run deep. We're excited to see how you continue to shape our city and contribute to its ongoing story.

MS: Thank you, Carolyn. It's been a pleasure to share my story, and I'm proud to be a part of Nashville's growth and history. And of course, I couldn’t do it without the support of my wonderful wife, Angela, and our children—our daughter Lucy, and our sons Cooper, Grady, Leon, and Young. They keep me grounded and are my biggest cheerleaders. And of course, I have to give a shoutout to my team at Joslin and Son Signs, who have been with me every step of the way.