Nashville Entrepreneur Center · Priority 1 Project Briefing

David Furse Memorial Wall

A permanent tribute to the architect of EC's mentorship program — installed in the member cafe, launched at the inaugural Furse Mentor of the Year Award.

Status
Restart · Active
Project Owner
Rob Williams
Vendor
RJ Young · Scott Shreves
Ribbon Cutting
Thu · Oct 1, 2026
Standing Quote
$9,300 · re-quote pending

1. Where We Stand Today

Fri · Jun 26, 2026 — restart meeting with Scott complete. Project officially un-stuck.

The David Furse Memorial Wall sat for ~12 months. Today's noon meeting with Scott Shreves at RJ Young restarted it with a real plan, a hard deadline, and clear owners. The next 21 days are about three things: re-measuring the wall, finalizing a design Michael and Kimberly will approve, and converting the stale 2025 quote into a fresh signed quote that reflects the $10K in-kind contribution from RJ Young.

21
Days to design lock
(target: Jul 17)
51
Days to formal approval
(Aug 16 · Michael & Kimberly)
66
Days to install start
(Aug 31)
97
Days to ribbon cutting
(Oct 1 · David's 88th week)

Top 3 priorities this week

  1. Re-measure the wall. Current dimensions are unreliable. Use only the flat section from the door over (the curved café side is dropped from scope). Send dimensions to Scott so he can re-quote against an accurate design.
  2. Talk to Sam about the in-kind agreement. Sam's back next week. He knows what "$10K in-kind from RJYoung" means; nobody else does. Without this in writing the budget math is fiction.
  3. Email Destin Echols (RJY AV). Scott will flag the intro. Ask: what software runs the screens, how do we push content, is the support plan really optional, what's the cost to keep content fresh.

"The measure of a life well-lived isn't in the titles you earn but in the lives you touch."

— David Furse · signature quote for the legacy panel

2. Meeting Recap — Friday, June 26

12:00 PM · EC · Rob Williams + Scott Shreves (RJ Young). Granola transcript ↗

Mostly Rob driving. Scott receptive, framed the work as straightforward once design is locked. Big shift from what we thought we were doing: the screens get embedded into the wall, not flat-mounted — which means a separate drywall contractor cuts an opening, frames it, and that has to happen before graphics go up. New sequencing, but it actually opens flexibility in scheduling.

NEW — Installation approach

  • Screens will be embedded in the wall, not flat-mounted (more seamless look).
  • Drywall contractor cuts opening & installs frame. Screens go first — graphics build around them.
  • Screen framing can be done as early as late August on approved design, and the frame can sit until full install.
  • Once area is prepped, graphics install is ~1 day.
  • AV install can be on a separate, later visit.

NEW — Wall & design

  • Wall is curved — we are using only the flat section from the door over.
  • Old dimensions are unreliable. Re-measure from scratch.
  • Existing vinyl image needs to come off; wall painted before install.
  • Current overhead is a fluorescent strip — needs replacing with gallery-style lighting. Open whether RJY can do it.

Resolved — File specs & assets

  • For images: Adobe Illustrator or EPS, fonts converted to outlines, highest resolution possible.
  • For text/layout: PDF preferred.
  • RJY can test-print to check for pixelation before final.
  • Rob will set up a shared Dropbox folder for asset collection & QC.

Resolved — AV & screens

  • The screens are essentially computers — content pushes directly to them over the network.
  • Support plan in quote is NOT required. It's optional warranty-style help.
  • Destin Echols (RJY AV lead) is the person to email for all AV setup/content questions. Scott will flag the intro.

Open — On Rob

  • Re-measure wall accurately.
  • Finalize design and send to Scott for re-quote.
  • Get Sam's definition of the in-kind agreement (Sam back next week).
  • Email Destin re: AV setup.
  • Resolve lighting plan.

Open — On Scott / RJY

  • Check with Cameron on the "at cost" arrangement.
  • Confirm whether RJY can install gallery-style lighting (or recommend a third party).
  • Issue a refreshed quote (v2) once Rob delivers updated design + measurements.
  • Schedule drywall contractor & AV team — late August target.
  • Connect Rob with Destin Echols.

"Like I said, my biggest thing is once we have a general design concept there, we can work from that."

— Scott Shreves · meaning: the design is the gate. Everything downstream waits on it.

3. Installation Plan

Updated post-meeting: screens are now embedded in the wall, which changes the sequence.

Step 2 · Screen framing

Drywall contractor cuts & frames the two embedded screen openings

Earliest: late August, on approved design. Can happen before final art is ready.
What happens
  • Drywall contractor (third party, coordinated through RJY) cuts the openings.
  • Frames installed for the two 43" displays.
  • Frame can sit empty until graphics + AV install — this is the key flexibility unlock.
  • Existing vinyl removed; wall painted.
Why this is now first

We decided we don't want the screens sticking off the wall like TVs. Embedding requires construction. Construction has lead time and scheduling drag. Getting it on the calendar early lets everything else flow.

Step 4 · AV go-live + lighting

Screens powered up, content live, lighting installed

Following Step 3. Target: by mid-September. Final dry-run before Oct 1.
What happens
  • RJY AV team mounts displays into the prepared frames.
  • Network connection, ViewBoard Manager setup, content uploaded.
  • Gallery-style lighting installed (RJY or third party — pending Scott's confirmation).
  • Full dry-run with screens looping intended content.
Step 5 · Launch

Ribbon cutting on the Furse Memorial Wall

Thu Oct 1, 2026 · David's 88th birthday week (Oct 3)
What happens
  • Public ribbon-cutting event at the EC.
  • Donors, family, mentors, and members invited.
  • Tribute video + screens live; mentor-quote intake QR live.
  • First Furse Mentor of the Year named at NEXT Awards on Oct 19.

4. Timeline

Critical path with hard deadlines flagged.

Date Milestone Owner Detail
Mon · Jun 1Initial outreach to Michael & Kimberly DoneRobReset relationship after the long pause; introduce new deadlines.
Fri · Jun 26 ★Restart meeting with Scott (RJY) DoneRob + ScottEmbedded-screen approach decided. New sequencing locked. Quote re-do confirmed.
By Mon · Jun 30Re-measure wall UrgentRobFlat section, door to end. Send to Scott.
Week of Jun 29Confirm in-kind agreement with Sam UrgentRob → SamSam back from travel. Get the in-kind in writing.
Week of Jun 29Email Destin re: AV setup OpenRobScott flagged intro. Ask: content management, software, ongoing cost.
By Jul 152026 Furse Award recipient decidedSam + selection cmteStays secret until NEXT Awards on Oct 19.
Thu · Jul 17 (target)Design v1 locked & sent to Scott OpenRobGate for the re-quote. Use Illustrator/EPS spec.
By Jul 24Refreshed RJY quote (v2) in handScottShould reflect 2026 pricing, $10K in-kind, TN tax exemption.
Thu · Jul 31EC.co Furse Fund web page liveRobGiving link, contact form, 2025 campaign video.
Fri · Aug 15Ribbon-cutting invitations sent · digital RSVP liveRob + MiraDonors, family, mentors, members.
Sun · Aug 16 ★Design approved by Michael & Kimberly Hard deadlineSam to coordinateNo-slip date. Schedule the review window now.
By Aug 31"Circle Back" podcast episode producedRobInterviews with Michael, Kimberly, Brian Fox, Linda Rebrovick, others David impacted.
Mon · Aug 31 ★Install begins — drywall contractor onsite Hard deadlineScott → contractorCut openings, frame screens. Wall paint follows.
Early SepGraphics install (~1 day)RJYWall wrap, 3D lettering, all printed elements.
Mon · Sep 8Podcast episode released · linked on web pageRobDrives traffic ahead of ribbon cutting.
Mid-SepAV install + lightingRJY (Destin) + lighting vendorDisplays mounted, content live. Final dry-run.
Thu · Oct 1 ★Ribbon cutting on Furse Memorial Wall LaunchEC teamDavid's birthday is Oct 3.
Sun · Oct 192026 NEXT Awards · inaugural Furse Mentor of the Year namedEC teamFirst name added to the modular award panel.

5. Budget & Quote

Standing quote is from Sep 2025 and expired. A v2 is required.

Standing RJ Young quote — v1 (expired)

LineCost
Wall background graphics & 3D display / photo cutouts$3,700
Digital displays — 2 × ViewSonic 43" + mounts + 5-yr warranty + AV labor$3,450
Graphics install, wall prep, inset-mount construction$2,150
RJY Total (pre-tax)$9,300

Funding picture

SourceAmountStatus
Donor budget (Sam-confirmed)$15,000Confirmed
RJ Young in-kind contribution$10,000Needs definition (Sam → Rob)
Total available$25,000

Budget vs. standing quote

$9,300 quoted$15,000 donor budget

If the $10K in-kind covers labor and install ($3,150 of the quote), donor cash needed is ~$6,150 and leaves ~$8,850 of donor budget unspent. If the in-kind covers the full quote, donor cash needed is $0 and $15K is available for upgrades or Year 2. We can't model this further until Sam defines the agreement.

Decision deferred until in-kind is defined

If donor budget is preserved, the obvious places to spend it:

Notes that affect the v2 quote

6. Decisions Log

Open items first, by owner. Resolved items at the bottom for the record.

Open — Rob owns

Owner: Rob · By Mon Jun 30
Re-measure the wall accurately

Working from the door across the flat section only (curved section dropped). Old dimensions are unreliable. Required before re-quote.

Owner: Rob → Sam · Week of Jun 29
Get Sam to define the in-kind agreement in writing

Sam mentioned "$10K in-kind from RJYoung" in the Jun 23 email. Nobody else knows what that covers. Scott will ask Cameron on his side. Until both halves agree in writing, the budget math is fiction.

Owner: Rob · This week
Email Destin Echols (RJY AV)

Scott will flag the intro. Ask: what software pushes content to the screens, is the support plan actually required, what's the cost-per-year of keeping content fresh, can content be scheduled remotely.

Owner: Rob · By Jul 17
Finalize design v1 and send to Scott for re-quote

Build in Illustrator. Use the new measurements. Include all 7 components (legacy panel, personal quotes, mentor quote field, 2 screens, QR module, memorial description, modular award slots).

Owner: Rob
Resolve wall lighting plan

Current overhead is a hanging fluorescent strip — wrong light for a memorial. Need gallery-style lighting. Open whether RJY does this or we contract third party. Get Scott's confirmation before deciding.

Owner: Rob
Set up shared Dropbox folder for asset collection

RJY will use this to verify image quality before final print. Drop Furse portrait options, sponsor logos, mentor-quote graphics, screen content drafts here.

Open — Scott / RJ Young owns

Owner: Scott → Cameron
Confirm the "at cost" arrangement

Scott referenced this in the original 2025 meeting; never clarified in writing. Scott will check internally with Cameron. Rob will check with Sam on the EC side. Both halves need to match before v2 quote is signed.

Owner: Scott
Confirm RJY can install gallery-style lighting (or recommend a vendor)

If RJY can do it, it goes as a line on v2. If not, Scott to recommend a third party Rob can hire.

Owner: Scott
Issue refreshed quote (v2)

After Rob delivers re-measured dimensions + finalized design. Should reflect 2026 pricing, $10K in-kind, TN tax exemption, embedded-screen drywall work as a separate line, and lighting if in scope.

Owner: Scott
Schedule drywall contractor & RJY AV team

Screen framing can be set for late August on approved design. Confirm the contractor & team windows so the calendar is real, not aspirational.

Open — Family & donor approvers

Owner: Sam · Coordinator
Schedule the Aug 16 design review with Michael Burcham & Kimberly Pace (Furse)

Both need to formally approve the design before fabrication. Lock the format (in person at the EC or video review) and book the window now.

Resolved

Resolved · Jun 26 meeting
Screens will be embedded in the wall, not flat-mounted

More seamless, looks intentional rather than like TVs on a wall. Requires drywall contractor to cut openings and install a frame. Adds a step but allows piecemeal install.

Resolved · Jun 26 meeting
Install sequence: screens first, graphics second, AV third

Screen frames can be installed once design is approved and sit empty. Graphics build around the frame. AV install can be a separate visit.

Resolved · Jun 26 meeting
Scope is the flat section only — curved café side is dropped

Reduces complexity, reduces cost, focuses the visual.

Resolved · Jun 26 meeting
File specs locked

Illustrator or EPS for images (fonts converted to outlines, max resolution). PDF preferred for text/layout. RJY will test-print before final.

Resolved · Jun 26 meeting
Support plan in the quote is optional

Per Scott: not required. Covers warranty-style help. We can skip it and save the line.

Resolved · Sep 2025
Display hardware locked: 2 × ViewSonic 43" CDE4330

Downsized from original 3 × 65" concept due to wall stability. AV team signed off on the 43" spec.

Resolved · Sep 2025
LED ticker tape dropped from scope

Too expensive (over budget). Replaced by static mentor-quote field on the wall + dynamic rotation on the two screens.

7. Design Components

Per the current wireframe — seven elements on the wall.

Component Status What it needs
1. Furse Legacy Panel Content pending Portrait photo, 30-word narrative, impact metrics (1,000+ mentoring hours, mentors recruited), signature quote, sponsor area.
2. Personal Quotes (×2) Need to ask One quote each from Kimberly Pace (Furse) and Michael Burcham. Rob to send the ask.
3. Mentor Quote Field (~15 slots) Collection not built Static printed quotes at launch + ongoing intake via QR. Need a curated launch batch by Aug 1.
4. Two Embedded Digital Displays Hardware quoted 2 × ViewSonic 43" CDE4330. Embedded with drywall frame. Content management via ViewBoard Manager (5-yr subscription included).
5. QR Code & Mentor Submission Form Build needed "Share your mentor's best advice" form. Typeform or Airtable. Feeds new quotes into the screen rotation.
6. Memorial Description Block Copy needed Brief on-wall text explaining who David was and the purpose of the wall.
7. Annual Award Recipient Slots Modular system Expandable design. First name added Oct 19 at NEXT Awards. Plan for ~10 years of additions.

Screen content strategy — open

Hardware is settled; what plays on the two screens isn't scoped. Three candidate loops:

Recommended: all three on a 5-minute loop. Decide ownership for content production (likely Rob + EC marketing intern).

8. The RJ Young Quote — In Plain English

What the 18-page RJ_Young_Company.DE024601.v1.9.pdf actually says, without the legalese.

This is RJY's screens-only quote. It's one piece of the larger $9,300 RJY engagement (the other $5,850 is wall graphics + installation, covered in the NEC-AwardWall quote). The screens portion is $3,450 all-in.

What you're actually buying — $3,450

ItemCostPlain English
2 × ViewSonic CDE4330 43" displays$1,500Two commercial-grade 4K smart TVs built for business signage. Run Android, connect over WiFi or ethernet.
2 × Universal wall mounts$200The brackets that hold the TVs on the wall.
2 × WiFi modules$160Add-on WiFi adapters so the TVs talk to the EC network without a cable.
5-year ViewBoard Manager subscription$240Web dashboard that lets you push content to both screens remotely. No one has to physically touch the screens to change what's playing.
Extended warranty (years 4–5)$200Manufacturer covers years 1–3; this extends to year 5.
AV labor$1,000Technician's time to mount and set up both displays.
Onboarding fee$100Initial config and training (1 hour included).
Project materials$50Cables and small parts.
Subtotal — screens$3,450

What the installer will do (pages 4–5)

Unbox, mount, run cables, connect everything, test that it works, give you one hour of training. Standard scope.

The 10 pages of legal boilerplate (pages 8–18) in three sentences

The one thing this quote needs immediately

It expired Oct 2, 2025. Signing it is not an option. Scott will issue a v2 once Rob delivers re-measured dimensions and finalized design. Ideally v2 is one combined quote bundling this $3,450 with the $5,850 graphics-and-install side, so we sign once and have a single PO.

9. Key People

Who's on the project and how to reach them.

Project team

NameRoleContact & scope
Rob Williams EC · Director of Marketing · Project owner rob.williams@ec.co · Owns execution end-to-end. Drives design, comms, vendor coordination.
Sam Davidson EC · CEO · Budget approver sam.davidson@ec.co · (615) 260-3082 · Confirms in-kind agreement, signs quote. Back in town week of Jun 29.
Scott Shreves RJ Young · DPS Account Rep · Primary contact scott.shreves@rjyoung.com · (615) 838-7083 · Owns the relationship and the re-quote.
Destin Echols RJ Young · Technology Sales Consultant · AV lead destin.echols@rjyoung.com · (615) 515-7433 · All AV setup, content management, screen software questions.
Cameron Newly named RJ Young · internal · scope of "at cost" arrangement Scott to confirm the at-cost terms with Cameron internally.
Marlene Ramirez RJ Young · Marketing collaborator

Family & donor approvers

NameRelationship & involvement
Kimberly Pace (Furse)David's wife · co-approver of design · $100K Furse Fund donor (collected).
Michael BurchamEC founder · co-approver of design · $10K Furse Fund pledge.
Brian FoxBusiness associate · $100K Furse Fund pledge.
Linda & Art RebrovickDonors · $25K Furse Fund (collected).

10. Furse Fund Context

The wall is the physical face of a $1M endowment.

The Furse Fund's purpose, per the campaign doc:

"To endow a paid staff position to focus on mentor and advisor recruitment, training, and matching. The Furse Fund also creates the Furse Mentor of the Year Award, to be given annually at NEXT Awards."

— Furse Fund Purpose Statement (Jun 1, 2026)
DonorCommittedCollected
Kimberly Pace (Furse)$100,000$100,000
Brian Fox$100,000$0
Linda & Art Rebrovick$25,000$25,000
Michael Burcham$10,000$0
Subtotal$235,000$125,000

Committed vs. $1M goal

$235K committed (23.5%)$1,000,000 goal

Collected vs. $1M goal

$125K collected (12.5%)$1,000,000 goal

11. Files & References

Everything in Dropbox/Claude/Context/Furse Wall/.

Context

Quotes & estimates

Design & inspiration

External links