Our Team

Bill Smith
President
Bill has been in the pattern making industry since becoming an apprentice at the age of 18, gaining years of experience, skill and professionalism. He worked alongside his father, Ben Smith, for many years before they purchased Foundry Pattern Service in 1989. Together they began to grow the business with Bill focused on leading the business operations and Ben leading the pattern shop. As the industry began to incorporate technology such as computer-assisted machinery, Bill understood the need to incorporate technology to grow with the evolving industry. Bill values hard work and providing the best product for his customers. Bill enjoys spending time at home with his wife, Vivian, and their dogs. He also has been a faithful fan of Tennessee Volunteers Football.

Tyler Eschbach
Design and Engineering Manager
Tyler has been with Foundry Pattern Service since November of 2019. He has been trained in CNC machining and CAD. He started out in the shop as a machine operator and is now leading our design and engineering team. He coordinates with both the customer and our design and shop team to complete projects efficiently and accurately. In his spare time, he likes hiking, camping or anything involving the outdoors.

Wes Sherman
Quality Assurance Manager
Wes joined Foundry Pattern Service in July of 2024, bringing 31 years of Quality and Manufacturing experience to the FPS Team. He has specialized in 3D metrology/CMM programming throughout his career, as well as other roles including Quality Management and Quality Engineering. This experience is being utilized with the addition of a portable inspection arm (PCMM), significantly increasing FPS’ inspection and reverse engineering capabilities. FPS is drawing on Wes’ CAD based measurement experience to extend his training in CAD design engineering and 3D printed piece parts and components.

Bobby Green
Pattern Shop Supervisor
Bobby has been with Foundry Pattern Service since 1990, bringing many years of experience to his position. He is skilled in every area of the pattern shop from shop maintenance, reworking of existing pattern tooling, and production of new pattern products in wood, metal or plastic materials. He is an integral part of the day-to-day functioning, providing coordination with our team to complete jobs on time. In his spare time Bobby is an avid hunter.

Shasta Johnson
Office Manager / Safety Coordinator
Shasta has been with Foundry Pattern Service since December 2023 as office manager and safety coordinator. She grew up in the surrounding Chattanooga area. Her background is in veterinary hospital management including safety and inventory management. Her capacities at FPS include various office and administration duties, updating and implementing our safety program, employee support and project management. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, camping, traveling and watching sports.

Vivian Smith
Secretary
Vivian has been with Foundry Pattern Service since 1989. Prior to working for FPS, she worked in patient accounts at our local hospital. She performs a variety of office related functions including planning our company dinners. In her spare time, Vivian enjoys hiking, kayaking and spending time with friends and family.

Timber
Shop Mascot
Timber loves coming to the shop every day. He makes his daily rounds to greet everyone, especially at lunchtime. He loves to get his ears scratched and a belly rub. He keeps everyone in line.
About FPS
Foundry Pattern Service, Inc. was founded by James W. Richie Jr. in 1959. Bill Smith and Ben Smith purchased FPS from Mr. Richie in 1989. We produce pattern tooling for the foundry industry out of wood, metal, and plastic. We have broadened our capabilities by utilizing the latest technology with our CAD, 3D printing and CNC machinery. By expanding the business to meet market needs and to continue to grow in industry standards, we can deliver products timelier and efficiently to our customers. Our team consists of many long-term employees who have participated in and have watched our company grow over the last quarter of a century. Our 35,000 sq. ft. facility offers room to meet the customer’s needs. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality products that meet the standards and requirements of the industry today.
Our Location
Contact Us
1248 E 38th St, Chattanooga, TN 37407
(423) 867-4800

