Business Details
49 Years
experience
Custom Sign Design and Installation Services in Knoxville
Southern Signs Inc is a third-generation family-owned and operated full-service custom sign company that has been producing signs of all kinds since 1977. With state-of-the-art fabrication equipment, a digital design department, large-format printing capabilities, and cranes and bucket trucks reaching up to 100 feet, we combine advanced technology with over 100 years of combined experience to deliver unmatched craftsmanship. Our team specializes in creating signs that stand out day or night, offering LED lighting solutions that reduce energy consumption by one-third while minimizing maintenance costs. We provide full-color or monochrome LED electronic message centers tailored to clients' needs and budgets, supported by NCCCO-certified crane operators for installations of house trusses, HVAC units, light poles, and church steeples.Since our founding in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, we have expanded our 6,000-square-foot facility to better serve customers within a 100-mile radius of Knoxville, TN, maintaining a commitment to top-notch customer service and timely, quality installations. Our family legacy continues through dedicated professionals like Jessica Willis, who modernized our operations, and James K. Brooks Jr., whose expertise streamlined our installation processes. With over 45 years of excellence, we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with clients across diverse industries, including petroleum, retail, and religious institutions.
Services
Custom Sign Design
Sign Fabrication
LED Lighting Retrofits
Electronic Message Centers
Church Sign Installation
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We have over 45 years of experience in custom sign design and installation.
- Our team includes NCCCO-certified crane operators for complex installations.
- Family-owned business with three generations of industry expertise.
- Offer energy-efficient LED lighting solutions that reduce power consumption by 33%.
- Serve a 100-mile radius from Knoxville with state-of-the-art fabrication equipment.
What people say
Top notch customer service
Timely manner
Exceptional quality
Professional staff
Creative designs
Services
Custom Sign Design
Our digital design department crafts unique signs tailored to client branding needs. We utilize large-format printing on diverse substrates to ensure visibility day and night. With over 45 years of expertise, we transform concepts into eye-catching, durable signage solutions for businesses across industries.
Sign Fabrication
State-of-the-art fabrication equipment enables us to produce high-quality signs of all types. From traditional hand-lettered designs to modern LED-illuminated displays, our craftsmen combine technical precision with artistic skill to create long-lasting signage that meets exact specifications and local regulations.
LED Lighting Retrofits
We upgrade existing signs with LED lighting systems that reduce energy consumption by one-third while lowering maintenance costs. Our retrofit solutions maintain structural integrity while enhancing visibility and sustainability, making them ideal for businesses seeking cost-effective modernization.
Electronic Message Centers
We install full-color or monochrome LED electronic message centers customizable to business needs. These dynamic displays allow real-time content updates for advertising, information, or wayfinding purposes, ensuring maximum impact for retail, institutional, and public sector clients.
Church Sign Installation
Specialized installation services for church steeples, light poles, and directional signage. Our NCCCO-certified operators use cranes up to 100 feet for safe, precise placement of large religious symbols and informational displays, ensuring structural integrity and visual prominence.
People
John E. Brooks
Founder
Purchased Pitt's Sign Company in 1977 to establish Southern Signs Inc. Pioneered neon and fluorescent sign technology in East Tennessee through early adoption of crane trucks and vacuum-forming equipment.
James K. Brooks Sr.
Co-Owner
Joined in 1979, expanded into electronic message centers with American Sign & Indicator. Reimagined petroleum industry signage for major local distributors, establishing long-term client relationships that continue today.
Jessica A. Willis
Office Manager
Joined in 2012 with a Family Business degree. Reorganized operations to meet modern business demands while maintaining the company's personalized service approach and family values.
Questions
What types of signs do you create?
We design and install all sign types including LED displays, electronic message centers, church signage, and custom business signs using state-of-the-art fabrication techniques.
Do you offer sign maintenance services?
Yes, our experienced technicians provide repair and maintenance for all sign types, including LED retrofits to improve energy efficiency and reduce long-term costs.
How long does sign installation take?
Installation timelines vary by project complexity, but our streamlined processes and NCCCO-certified operators complete most commercial installations within 1-3 business days.
Can you design custom electronic signs?
We create customized LED electronic message centers with full-color or monochrome displays that integrate with your branding and messaging requirements.
Do you serve areas outside Knoxville?
We provide sign solutions within a 100-mile radius of Knoxville, TN, serving clients from Oak Ridge to Chattanooga and surrounding regions.
