By Pam Windsor
Stephen Shutts was very young when he first discovered Elvis.
“I was mesmerized as a young kid and I begged my dad to take me to see him in concert,” he recalls. “So, my dad became a fan, and we went to four Elvis concerts in Ohio where I grew up. Then I went to college near Memphis because of the history and that sort of thing.”
As he learned more about Elvis, his interest became a passion that evolved into a lifelong business. Shutts became a collector of all things Elvis and began buying, selling, and curating items once owned by the King.
“Things like jumpsuits, jewelry, and other clothing,” Shutts says. “I’ve had a TV he shot out, I’ve had several of his vehicles. I have one of his snowmobiles sitting in my living room right now. Elvis gave it to a detective in Denver after a snowmobiling trip. I had a ski boat I found in a barn in Arkansas that’s currently on display in Graceland.”
He also began collecting Elvis' autographs and became an expert on authenticating Elvis’ handwriting.
“Elvis never turned anyone away, so he signed thousands upon thousands of autographs. But there are also a lot of forgeries out there. And because he got immense amounts of mail and couldn’t sit down and sign everything, his secretaries would also often sign for him.”
Shutts has written a book that delves deeper into Elvis autographs in several ways. The book “Yours Elvis Presley” offers guidance in authenticating an Elvis signature, while also sharing personal accounts of people who got his autograph in person.
“The book is all about the encounters and the autographs obtained by people, and the stories they recall having met him. Then there’s a study guide, a separate booklet that goes along with it, that breaks down how to analyze Elvis’ autograph if you want to collect or study his handwriting.”
Nearly 50 years after his death, an Elvis autograph remains extremely valuable. Depending on the type and circumstances surrounding it, one can sell for anywhere between $1500 and $30,000.
Shutts, who never got to meet Elvis personally, says he’s amazed by what he hears from those who did. Those experiences remain vivid even decades later.
“I've met so many people who were gate gals, people who hung out at the gates, or people who got to meet him backstage, and I wanted to document these stories in the book. Women can remember what he smelled like, what he wore, just everything. And guys recall a lot of things, too, because they thought he was cool.”
While Shutts spends a lot of time working with Elvis Memorabilia (he has a pop-up shop offering items for sale on his Rockology Facebook page every weekend), his expertise stretches into other areas, as well.
“I also deal in a lot of historic country,” he explains. “Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and then a lot of contemporary country as far as personal items and stage clothing. I handled the Charlie Daniels estate recently as far as partial liquidation, Jerry Lee Lewis and B.J Thomas, so I do a lot of celebrity estates and collections.”
He also had a show for several years on CMT that dealt with the search for memorabilia.
He enjoys it all, but there’s something special about Elvis.
“I think because of his undeniable, incredible looks and charisma, he was clearly in his own class.”
It’s a fascination he shares with many around the world, including those he highlights in the book who actually met him.
"It's like his presence is still here today when you talk to these people," Shutts says. "When people recall having met him, it's never sloughed off; it's like 'I met Elvis, let me tell you about him.' Sadly, it’s a dwindling class of people just because of age, but they all have a common thread of adoration and are fascinated with having met him. And a lot of times, he changed their lives in a lot of different ways."
To learn more or connect with Shutts, check out his Rockology Facebook page or website at https://www.rockologyllc.com.
BY PAM WINDSOR
The idea behind Extreme Escape Games is to make sure everybody has a good time. With five themed rooms like the Quarantine room, Mad Scientist room, and others, there’s something for everyone. Owner David Miller says each room was uniquely designed with Hollywood-type movie sets, high-tech props, and actors in every room.
“We bring in a theatrical element other escape games don’t have,” he explains. “And two of our rooms have a second actor you get to interact with.”
With customized packages available, people get to choose their own experience whether they’re coming for birthday parties, corporate meetings or team-building events, or simply making memories with friends or family members.
“People love the adrenaline race against the clock,” Miller says. “And we try to take people on a rollercoaster of emotions, so they’re going to get some surprises. All of our rooms have trap doors, hidden compartments, and secret passageways.”
He says you’ll likely feel like a character in your own movie.
There are a couple of rooms that might be a bit scary for small children, so people with kids under the age of 10, would be directed to the more age-appropriate rooms during their visit.
Miller is a realtor who was a fan of these type of games long before he decided to create his own escape game business. He also operates the popular Millers Thrillers Halloween attraction.
“We’re all about making memories. We’re selling laughter and good times with your friends. And from the minute you walk in the door, you’ll feel positive energy from our staff about the fun things we offer.”
While fun’s a top priority at his escape games business, there are additional benefits, especially for people who work together. He says the experience can help gauge teamwork and problem-solving skills.
“We have a dedicated staff person that takes notes during your games. And we do a debrief afterward to recap people’s different skills whether it’s leadership, teamwork, or their ability to think outside the box. We do it in a fun way that gets the group laughing and helps build a bond with their employees.”
To keep things fresh, Miller is getting ready to add a brand-new themed room for summer. It will replace the existing Mad Scientist room. So, if you’re curious about what the Mad Scientist has to offer, you have a couple more weeks to check it out before it’s gone.
Business at his Extreme Escape Games has been booming. So much so, Miller plans to open a second location in Spring Hill later this summer. He’s excited at the opportunity to expand.
“I get a kick out of people saying, ‘Wow, that’s awesome’ or ‘‘That was neat how you did this.’” Miller says. ““I enjoy giving people ‘wow factor’ moments, stuff they’ve never seen or experienced anywhere else.
Extreme Escape Games is located at Cool Springs Mall beside Toys R Us. (1724 Galleria Blvd, Suite 1015, Franklin). For more information call (615) 332-5535.