From Marine Corps to Market Leader: Eric Lazar, Partner and President of SpeedPro Chicago Loop, has a remarkable story that spans military service, corporate challenges, and entrepreneurial success. Born in Port Jefferson, NY, Lazar’s journey began when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1986, serving as an Intelligence Specialist. His eight-year enlistment included deployments with a Combat Engineer Battalion and an Electronic Warfare Squadron. After his military service, Lazar earned a B.A. in Political Science from the State University of Stony Brook, New York.
Corporate Challenges and Early Entrepreneurial Ventures
Lazar’s transition to the private sector was challenging. He launched a resume and job-search business to make a living while working in retail. However, it wasn’t until 1996 that he found his footing in sales with a local cable station in Washington, D.C. His career rapidly progressed, leading him to high-profile roles in New York City and Chicago, managing national sales for WPWR-TV and later for Sinclair Broadcasting.
Success in Mobile Technology
In 2008, Lazar ventured into mobile technology, founding a company specializing in SMS communication. This company was quickly acquired by a competitor, where Lazar’s leadership as VP of Sales saw a sevenfold increase in revenue over four years. This success culminated in the company’s acquisition by a private equity firm. By 2015, Lazar was ready for a new challenge, launching SpeedPro Chicago Loop.
Establishing SpeedPro Chicago Loop
SpeedPro Chicago Loop, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business, has thrived under Lazar’s leadership. The company specializes in large-format digital printing, offering services such as corporate décor, event signage, trade show displays, and vehicle wraps. Their impressive client roster includes major brands like Live Nation, Salesforce, and The Obama Foundation. SpeedPro Chicago Loop has garnered numerous accolades, including the International Franchise Association’s 2022 Franchisee of the Year and a spot on Inc. Magazine’s List of Fastest Growing Companies in the Midwest.
Transition to SpeedPro
When asked about his transition to SpeedPro, Lazar explained that his decision was partly driven by the desire for stability and partly by the encouragement of business brokers who saw potential in the printing industry. Despite initial reluctance, Lazar’s extensive research and validation led him to embrace the SpeedPro franchise model, opening a location in downtown Chicago in April 2015.
Defining Effective Leadership
Effective leadership, according to Lazar, is rooted in servant leadership a lesson he learned from both his military service and his corporate career. Initially influenced by the direct and rigid command style of the Marine Corps, Lazar evolved to appreciate the more eloquent and communicative approach of his officer counterparts. This evolution continued through his corporate roles, culminating in a profound shift when he launched SpeedPro. “You can’t fully appreciate the value of others until the weight of your survival depends on them,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of patience, clear communication, and support for his team.
Differentiation Strategy
SpeedPro Chicago Loop’s success is also attributed to its differentiation strategy. Lazar and his business partner, Rebecca Considine, adopted a consultative, “agency-esque” approach, focusing on client engagement and delivering memorable experiences. Their investment in state-of-the-art equipment has maximized production capacity in their tight Michigan Avenue space, allowing them to handle high work volumes efficiently.
Commitment to Quality and Client Service
Quality and client service are paramount at SpeedPro Chicago Loop. Lazar and Considine have implemented rigorous quality assurance procedures to minimize errors, particularly crucial for event-related projects with no margin for mistakes. They also prioritize understanding clients’ needs to provide tailored solutions that exceed expectations.
Community Involvement and Corporate Social Responsibility
Community involvement and corporate social responsibility are also central to SpeedPro Chicago Loop’s identity. Lazar and Considine are deeply committed to giving back, donating a significant portion of their proceeds to charitable organizations, even during challenging times.
A Passion for Service and Giving Back
Eric Lazar’s commitment to service extends beyond his professional endeavors. His dedication to veteran organizations and charitable causes highlights a core principle of his leadership philosophy giving back to the community. Lazar serves on the boards of Project Relo and the Chicago Marines Foundation, organizations dedicated to supporting military veterans. His company’s policy of donating a minimum of 1% of its proceeds to not-for-profits underscores this commitment. Often, this figure exceeds 3%, even during financially challenging periods, reflecting a deep-seated belief in corporate responsibility.
Navigating Challenges with Resilience
SpeedPro Chicago Loop’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. The early years were marked by significant financial strain, requiring both Lazar and Considine to make personal sacrifices to keep the business afloat. Despite these challenges, their unwavering dedication and strategic decision-making enabled them to navigate through tough times. This resilience has been instrumental in building a robust business foundation that supports sustainable growth and long-term success.
Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement
At SpeedPro Chicago Loop, continuous improvement is a core value. Lazar and Considine maintain an open-door policy with their vendor-partners, ensuring they are always informed about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the industry. This proactive approach to learning and innovation allows them to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, SpeedPro Chicago Loop ensures that it consistently delivers cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients.
Building Strong Client Relationships
A key factor in SpeedPro Chicago Loop’s success is its emphasis on building strong, lasting relationships with clients. Lazar and Considine prioritize understanding their clients’ unique needs and goals, which allows them to provide tailored solutions that deliver exceptional value. Their consultative approach ensures that clients receive not only high-quality products but also expert
advice and support throughout the entire process. This focus on client relationships has resulted in high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, driving repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
The Importance of Effective Communication
Effective communication is a hallmark of Lazar’s leadership style. Whether interacting with team members, clients, or partners, Lazar emphasizes the importance of clear, open, and honest communication. This approach fosters a collaborative work environment where team members feel valued and empowered to contribute their best efforts. By promoting transparency and open dialogue, Lazar ensures that everyone is aligned with the company’s goals and objectives, leading to better decision-making and improved overall performance.
Strategic Location and Market Positioning
The strategic location of SpeedPro Chicago Loop’s studio near McCormick Place, a major convention center in downtown Chicago, has been a significant factor in its success. This prime location allows the company to cater to the high demand for event-related printing services, providing a steady stream of business opportunities. Additionally, their focus on maximizing production capacity within their compact space enables them to efficiently handle large volumes of work, further solidifying their competitive edge in the market.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
Looking to the future, Lazar and Considine envision sustainable growth for SpeedPro Chicago Loop. Their strategy involves continuing to enhance their processes, investing in advanced technology, and expanding their service offerings to meet the diverse needs of their clients. By maintaining a focus on quality, service, and community engagement, they aim to build a resilient business that can adapt to changing market conditions and continue to thrive.
Embracing a Positive Work Environment
Creating a positive work environment is a priority for SpeedPro Chicago Loop. Lazar and Considine believe that a happy and motivated team is essential for delivering exceptional service and achieving business success. They strive to cultivate a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and respected. This positive work culture not only enhances employee satisfaction and retention but also contributes to the overall success and reputation of the company.
Conclusion
Eric Lazar’s journey from the Marine Corps to leading SpeedPro Chicago Loop is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Through strategic investments, a focus on continuous improvement, and a dedication to building strong relationships, Lazar has positioned SpeedPro Chicago Loop as a leader in the graphics and signage industry. As the company looks to the future, its foundation of quality, service, and community engagement will continue to drive its success and growth.
