In 1978, our founder and President started Terry Elbourn's Engineering and Manufacturing Services, Inc. and named the business Teems, Inc. Terry put his many years of knowledge and experience as a manufacturing engineer to work in developing a diverse clientele of his own.
Originally, Teems, Inc. was a job shop machine shop, with all manual mills and lathes. Terry quickly jumped into CNC machining and started producing a multitude of tight tolerance items, including those used in medical products, water monitoring components, Defense department components, oil and gas monitoring parts, and eventually fire suppression equipment for the US Forestry Service. Along the way, Teems, Inc. started to manufacture and design sign components and eventually moved into the sign manufacturing business completely.
Teems, Inc. was the first to design and manufacture a truly viable illuminated directory that was less than 4 inches deep: long before the ADA regulations came out that required cabinets to meet that requirement. Our original intent was to design an illuminated directory that could be fully recessed into a standard 2x4 stud wall, while providing full illumination in a very confined profile. Terry's forward thinking designs produced the extrusions that we still use today. With this same shallow cabinet, we build both large and small units because of the strength of the original design. Teems, Inc's other complimentary extrusion designs have made the base directory very versatile and applied in a wide variety of designs and installations.
In 2006, Teems, Inc. moved from Southern California to Longmont, Colorado. We made the move in order to gather family together and as a quality of life change.
Teems, Inc. is a family owned and operated business that still believes in answering our own phones and developing quality relationships. We look forward to being of service in the very near future!
Give us a call.
The Passing of our Founder June 2020
On June 15, 2020 Terry Dee Elbourn, at the age of 86, entered Heaven’s gates. Terry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virgie, and
his two sons Frank and Cliff. Terry is also survived by his grandson Adam and his two sons, Kal-El and Alexander, as well as, 5 additional grandchildren Justin, Rebecca, Rachel, Caleb and
Joshua.
Born in Kansas City, MO to Frank and Thelma Elbourn, Terry had two older sisters Jean Dell Cook and Ester Stucker who have proceeded him in
death. As a young teen, Terry moved to a farm just east of Overton, NE where he attended Overton High School and competed in Football, Basketball, Track and also played town team baseball.
Terry and Virgie met in Lee Summit, MO and married shortly thereafter in Raytown, MO. They started their family and then while working with Collins Radio, were transferred to Southern
California in the early 60’s where Terry worked his way up to becoming a manufacturing engineer. While continuing in corporate life, Terry and Virgie, along with his mother Thelma, provided jobs
for many local high school kids when they purchased and ran a Carnation IceCreamLand. In 1978, Terry started his own manufacturing business, TEEMS, INC., which operated in Costa Mesa, CA
until he moved his family and business to Longmont, CO in 2006 to bring the family within closer proximity. Terry was actively involved with the family business right up until his
passing.
Terry was fiercely dedicated to his boys and could always be found guiding, coaching or cheering at all of their sports and activities. His
favorite holidays were Christmas and Independence Day. He always provided his family with huge celebrations filled with love and memories. He loved and lavishly spoiled his wife, kids
and grandkids! Terry had very fond memories of his father and often shared their love of fireworks. In his memory, the family will gather in Loveland, CO at his oldest son’s Frank’s to be
remembered on this July 4th, with stories, food and fireworks!