Branding and signage are some of the most influential marketing tools for any business. Equally important is ensuring that businesses select the finest printing, branding, and signage company in their vicinity to provide them with cutting-edge, top-notch, and cost-effective signage solutions, always delivered promptly. All things said, businesses in Chicagoland can rest assured that SpeedPro Chicago Loop is committed to fulfilling all these promises.

SpeedPro Chicago Loop boasts an experienced team and state-of-the-art printing equipment, providing premier large-format digital printing solutions in Chicago. As a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, they have been recognized as one of the “3 Best Sign Shops in Chicago” for seven years in a row!

Your premier choice for large-format printing and a proud service-disabled veteran owned small business — Meet SpeedPro Chicago Loop

SpeedPro Chicago Loop is a large-format digital printing franchise located near the McCormick Place convention center in the city. Eric Lazar and Rebecca Considine founded the business in 2015, and it has quickly attracted attention from leaders in the printing industry and the media. Eric initially started the business on his own but later convinced Rebecca to join him after they reconnected over drinks.

Neither Eric nor Rebecca had ever dreamt of owning a printing company; it simply happened by chance. After Eric’s career changed course after a private equity firm acquired the agency he worked for, he had a year to plan his next step. During that time, he hired multiple business brokers to find a small business for him, and they all unanimously recommended printing. Exploring different business opportunities in the printing industry and after researching various options, Eric found that the SpeedPro model had the most potential and chose to open a franchise in Chicago.

Going against conventional franchise wisdom, Eric and Rebecca chose a pricey downtown location along Michigan Avenue near convention centers and downtown hotels for SpeedPro Chicago Loop. Starting with just over 3,400 square feet in a building, the duo began operations with the philosophy of maximizing production power per foot. They acquired new advanced machinery to decrease outsourcing, increase capacity, improve speed, expand offerings, and be a cost-effective option in a competitive market with established companies.

Thanks to that, SpeedPro Chicago Loop has only upgraded two pieces of equipment in the last five years while also increasing its space by over 50% in August. They increased revenue by a staggering 105% from 2021 to 2023, along with a healthy double-digit increase in net margin.

Supporting both big brands and small businesses with a community-driven approach

SpeedPro Chicago Loop specializes in meeting the urgent needs of tradeshow management companies and exhibitors. However, they also excel at delivering creative solutions for corporate offices and retail spaces. These solutions include murals, privacy glass, wayfinding signage, window graphics, and point-of-purchase displays. This company specializes in large-scale printing for banners, boards, booths, and more, and their slogan proudly declares, “We print Great. Big. Graphics.”

SpeedPro Chicago Loop has built an impressive portfolio by embracing the “Surface Impact®” philosophy, a trademarked approach that sets them apart from the traditional print service. Their “agency-esque” method aims to understand their clients’ needs and provide tailored, budget-friendly recommendations, drawing from their backgrounds in broadcast media. This full view of a space helps them find ways to improve the brand and deliver the most value for their clients.

SpeedPro Chicago Loop has completed several impressive projects in their short time in the printing industry. They were tapped to partner on important events like Chi-Town Rising and St. Jude Dream Chicago, and have supported famous brands like Amazon, Footlocker, Live Nation, 7-11, the Obama Foundation, and News Nation.

However, ask about their favorite project, and you’ll be surprised to hear that they’ll talk about what they did during the pandemic, not about a brand or money.

With the onset of COVID-19, their business, like many others, came to a complete halt; although, the printing industry was considered ‘essential’ and they did not have to close. Starting from the viral social media post of a “Hope” lawn sign Rebecca put outside an Aldi grocery store, the team made and several hundred signs with designs like Thanks, Alone Together, Pray, and more to thank and support first responders.

Their campaign attracted the attention of TV and radio stations, leading to interviews with major media outlets. They quickly created an e-commerce site to sell signs and raise money for the Red Cross, realizing its potential for making a bigger impact than just bringing smiles to the community. Thanks to these efforts, SpeedPro Chicago Loop donated 25 percent of their revenues to the Red Cross and managed to keep their team employed until business began to resume a few months later.

Creating a positive impact, community service, and strategic vision — Driving SpeedPro Chicago Loop’s growth

In getting to know Eric and Rebecca, their pride in their company’s identity is perhaps more important than their accomplishments. They are dedicated to corporate social responsibility and donate 1% of their profits to support non-profit organizations through various contributions. In their early years of business, when they were close to bankruptcy, their donations often exceeded 3% of their total revenue. Rebecca expressed that their acts of generosity were more meaningful during those challenging times, as “sacrifice comes from the heart.”

Despite the scars of early hardships, they now move forward with the positive impact they can make as their company continues to succeed.

It was humbling to hear them talk about why they succeeded, even though they still struggle to understand their own success. Their genuine words revolve around the principles of tenacity, integrity, and respect, which profoundly shape their journey. Eric and Rebecca have fought tenaciously, and their determination remains unyielding in the face of every obstacle they encounter. They openly admit that most rational owners would have declared bankruptcy in their second year to spare themselves from further pain. They have chosen a different path guided by unwavering integrity, considering it their most valuable asset and the key to the loyalty of their clients. Their ability to show respect to one another, their team, and the people they serve is truly amazing. This outstanding quality is evident in every aspect of their company.

When asked what their future plans hold, Eric, recalling his Marine Corps days, quickly responds, “No plan survives first contact with the enemy.” However, now that they have achieved a steady rhythm, a loyal customer base, and the ability to live a comfortable lifestyle, the pursuit of a better future no longer carries the same urgency or desperation. SpeedPro Chicago Loop’s mission is to stay competitive, enhance their operations, provide excellent products and services, maintain a sustainable business, and create a positive work environment for their employees. If they grew by acquiring a small business or by creating more jobs and shifts, that’s great, but they are not aiming for world dominance. Their plan is to be happy.

Meet the founders

Eric Lazar is the Co-Founder of SpeedPro Chicago Loop. Eric is a Marine Corps veteran who served as an Intelligence Analyst from 1986 to 1994. Hailing from Port Jefferson, NY, Eric worked in broadcast television advertising sales and mobile marketing technology for his career before launching SpeedPro Chicago Loop in 2015.

Rebecca Considine is the Co-Founder of SpeedPro Chicago Loop. Rebecca is a native of Chicago and the daughter of a printer. Entering the television advertising sales industry out of college, she rose through the ranks from assistant to team manager, leaving the industry to join SpeedPro Chicago Loop as a partner in 2016.

“Boasting an experienced team and some of the most technologically advanced printing equipment to be found in the region, SpeedPro Chicago Loop is ready to help you with all of your large-format digital printing needs.”