Meet the 2025 Women in Wide Format Winners: Terry Smith

Terry Smith
Partner/Owner | FASTSIGNS of Murfreesboro & Cookeville
Murfreesboro, TN

WITH MORE THAN 16 years of experience in the wide-format digital printing industry, Terry Smith has established herself as a dynamic, influential leader whose career is defined by innovation, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to mentorship.

After beginning her professional journey as a software engineer at Verizon, she brought her strong technical foundation and problem-solving mindset into the sign and graphics space—where she launched her own business from the ground up. Under her strategic leadership, what began as a small venture has grown into a thriving enterprise, surpassing $13 million in total sales and consistently outperforming industry benchmarks.

You’ve built a successful career in a traditionally male-dominated sector. What first drew you to the wide-format industry?

The wide-format industry appealed to me because it’s primarily business-to-business, which allows me to build strong partnerships within the business community. I’m especially drawn to the creative aspect of the work.

Whether it’s helping a new company enter the market, supporting an established brand seeking more market share, or assisting with a rebrand, there’s always a creative element. It’s rewarding to collaborate with clients to promote their identity and achieve their goals. No two projects are the same, which keeps the work exciting. The constant innovation and creativity energize me.

A key factor in the success of your company has been the development of best practices. Could you share a few of those?

Our foundation is built on company culture and values. We hire not only for skills but also for cultural fit. As part of our hiring process, the entire team meets potential candidates to provide feedback.

At our Murfreesboro location, which I founded 16 years ago, one employee recently celebrated his 15-year anniversary. Our team longevity is a point of pride. We actively listen to customers through surveys and social media, involving them in product launches and major projects, such as setting up a new e-commerce site. Their feedback guides our direction.

We also use scalable systems. Processes that work for a small business don’t always scale as you grow, so we prioritize systems that can expand with us. We automate where possible while maintaining the personal touch that matters most.

What do employees love best about working for your company?

We ensure our team members work well together and truly function like a family. Employees celebrate milestones together, even participating in each other’s weddings. At our Murfreesboro location, our least-tenured team member has been here for over a year, and most have four or more years of service.

We meet employees’ needs by providing the right tools, resources, and learning opportunities. If someone wants to learn something new, I encourage them to pursue it. For example, several team members are attending an outside sales seminar this week.

For women interested in entering or advancing in wide-format graphics, what skills and qualities are most valuable?

Cultural fit is crucial, because many skills can be taught. I also hire for my weaknesses—if I’m not strong in an area, I bring in someone who is. For example, I’m not a natural at graphic design, so I hire strong designers. I’m not great with finances, so I brought in an accountant.

In this industry, success comes from passion, persistence, adaptability, and a healthy sense of humor. I’ve seen people with many different backgrounds thrive, but the ability to grow with challenges and work well in a team is key.

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You’ve been an active leader in your community through roles with the American Red Cross, United Way, 100 Women Who Care, and the Community Foundation of Rutherford County. Why is community service so important to you, and has it benefited your company?

Giving back is a core value for me. The community has supported me and contributed to my business success, so I believe in fostering mutual support. I also serve on the Chamber of Commerce board, which allows me to strengthen the broader business community and, I hope, create a stronger local economy.

While my main motivation is to give back, my involvement has had positive effects on the company, increasing our visibility and strengthening community relationships.

How do you balance community outreach with your day-to-day responsibilities?

I have an amazing team behind me. Hiring the right people and empowering them to make day-to-day decisions gives me the flexibility to participate in community activities. Without them, I couldn’t do what I do.

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