ENTREPRENEUR TIMES
ERIC LAZAR
From Marine Corps to Market Leader Eric Lazar's Journey with SpeedPro Chicago Loop
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Editor’s
Note
From Marine Corps to Market Leader Eric Lazar's Journey with SpeedPro Chicago Loop
Welcometoourspecialissueof"BestFranchisestoOwnin2024."This year,wearethrilledtofeatureEricD.Lazar,PartnerandPresidentof SpeedProChicagoLoop,asourcoverstory
Eric'sinspiringjourneyfromtheU.S.MarineCorpstosuccessful entrepreneurhighlightsresilience,innovation,andacommitmentto excellence.HisleadershiphasmadeSpeedProChicagoLoopastandoutin thegraphicsandsignageindustry.
Eric’spathisatestamenttothepowerofadaptabilityanddedication.His transitionfrommilitaryservicetothecorporateworld,andeventuallyto entrepreneurship,showcasesaremarkableabilitytoleveragediverse experiencesforbusinesssuccess.AtSpeedProChicagoLoop,Erichas implementedstrategiesthatprioritizeclientsatisfaction,quality,and innovativesolutions,settingnewstandardsintheindustry.
Inthisissue,you'lldiscoverhowEric'suniqueapproachtobusiness,his emphasisonservantleadership,andhisfocusondiversityandcommunity involvementhavepropelledSpeedProChicagoLooptobecomeatop franchisetoown.Wedelveintothecompany’sculture,theircutting-edge useoftechnology,andtheirunwaveringcommitmenttocorporatesocial responsibility
Eric'sstoryisnotjustaboutbuildingasuccessfulbusiness;it'sabout creatingaworkplacewherediversitythrives,employeesareempowered, andthecommunitybenefits.Hisleadershipstyleandbusinessphilosophy offervaluableinsightsforaspiringentrepreneursandestablishedbusiness ownersalike.
WehopeEric'sstorymotivatesandguidesyouinyourentrepreneurial endeavors.Hisjourneyexemplifiesthespiritofinnovationand determinationthatdefinesthebestfranchisestoown.
Editor-in-Chief
T ABLE OF
20. 26. 32. 08. 36.
Eric Lazar, Partner and President, SpeedPro Chicago Loop
Investing in Yourself: The Catalyst for Entrepreneurial Success
Helen Yu - Founder & CEO Tigon Advisory Corp.
Scaling Up: Strategies for Growing Your Entrepreneurial Venture
Patrick Henry - President & CEO GroGuru Inc.
"Generosity is from the wallet; sacrifice is from the heart. Even in our early years, when we were on the verge of bankruptcy, we committed to donating based on overall revenue." –
Rebecca Considine
Our strategy has been to buy equipment that can sustain 2-3 times revenue growth. It’s just enough to make us perpetually nervous and motivated." –
Eric Lazar
When a client sees someone who they think they might better relate to and literally speaks their language, that’s cool with me. We want everyone to feel comfortable here." – Eric Lazar
TheImportanceofEffectiveCommunication
Effective communication is a hallmark of Lazar's leadership style. Whether interacting with team members,clients,orpartners,Lazaremphasizesthe importance of clear, open, and honest communication. This approach fosters a collaborative work environment where team membersfeelvaluedandempoweredtocontribute 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 overallperformance.
StrategicLocationandMarketPositioning
ThestrategiclocationofSpeedProChicagoLoop's studionearMcCormickPlace,amajorconvention centerindowntownChicago,hasbeenasignificant factorinitssuccess.Thisprimelocationallowsthe company to cater to the high demand for eventrelatedprintingservices,providingasteadystream ofbusinessopportunities.Additionally,theirfocus on maximizing production capacity within their compact space enables them to efficiently handle large volumes of work, further solidifying their competitiveedgeinthemarket.
AVisionforSustainableGrowth
Looking to the future, Lazar and Considine envisionsustainablegrowthforSpeedProChicago 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 resilientbusinessthatcanadapttochangingmarket conditionsandcontinuetothrive.
EmbracingaPositiveWorkEnvironment
Creatingapositiveworkenvironmentisapriority for SpeedPro Chicago Loop. Lazar and Considine believethatahappyandmotivatedteamisessential for delivering exceptional service and achieving business success. They strive to cultivate a supportive and inclusive workplace where employeesfeelvaluedandrespected.Thispositive work culture not only enhances employee satisfactionandretentionbutalsocontributestothe overallsuccessandreputationofthecompany.
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, LazarhaspositionedSpeedProChicagoLoopasa leaderinthegraphicsandsignageindustry Asthe company looks to the future, its foundation of quality, service, and community engagement will continuetodriveitssuccessandgrowth.
We receive calls from prospective clients saying we're the only ones who bothered to call them back. Responsiveness is actually a strategy." –Rebecca Considine
CXO Spice is not just a platform; it's a channel where innovation is translated into realworld applications.”
Helen Yu Founder & CEO
Tigon Advisory Corp.
Being recognized among the Top 50 Women in Tech is an honor, but the real achievement lies in fostering diversity and inclusion in the tech ecosystem."
By posing thoughtful questions and offering informed insights in the boardroom, Yu is contributing not just to individual companies but to the broader narrative of technological progress. Her approach ensures that innovation is not just a buzzword but a tangible force driving growth and resilience.
OvercomingChallenges:ABalancingAct
Entrepreneurshipinthetechlandscapeisnoeasyfeat, andHelenYuacknowledgestheperpetualchallenge ofbalancingstrategicvisionwithtacticalexecution. Her approach of seeking guidance from a personal Board of Directors exemplifies a humility and openness to learning that sets her apart in the everevolvingtechlandscape.
Envisioning the Future: AI, Cybersecurity, and Beyond
In contemplating the future ofAI and cybersecurity, HelenYuseesalandscapewheretheintegrationofAI becomes paramount The democratization of AI bringsforthaneedforsecuredatasharingtocombat emerging threats. Her vision foresees a delicate equilibrium between AI adoption, robust cybersecurity measures, and heightened employee awareness to ensure the industry's resilience in the faceofevolvingchallenges.
ALegacyofEmpowerment
As Helen Yu looks ahead, her vision for the tech industry transcends individual success. She aspires to be a multiplier, enriching the lives and knowledge of others. Her legacy is not about personal accolades but about catalyzing growth and empowermentonabroaderscalewithinthetechrealm.
PersonalInsights:Nature'sRoleinInnovation
Beyond the boardroom and tech domains, Helen Yu finds inspirationinnature.Herpursuits,fromjoggingtoscalingMount Everestbasecamp,mirrorthedynamismandresiliencerequired inthetechworld.Speakingatconferencesandengaginginboard roles complements these endeavors, enriching her perspectives andhoninghertimemanagementskills.
In conclusion, HelenYu's journey and contributions to the tech industry paint a portrait of a leader whose impact extends far beyond individual success. Her endeavors, from CXO Spice to board directorship, showcase a commitment to innovation, diversity, and empowerment.As the tech industry continues to evolve,HelenYustandsasaluminaryguidingthewaytowarda future where technology not only advances but also uplifts and empowersallwhoengagewithit.
In the dynamic landscape of tech, curiosity, courage, and critical thinking are the keys to mastery."
S CA LING UP
Article
Strategies for Growing Your Entrepreneurial Venture
Inthedynamicworldofentrepreneurship,theabilitytoscaleupisoftenacrucial determinant of long-term success. Scaling up involves expanding your business operations, increasing market share, and enhancing overall efficiency Here are key strategies to consider as you embark on the journey of growing your entrepreneurialventure.
Firstandforemost,asolidfoundationisessential.Ensurethatyourcoreprocesses, team, and infrastructure are robust enough to support growth. Investing in technology and systems that can scale with your business is vital for long-term sustainability.
Strategicpartnershipscanplayapivotalroleinscalingup.Collaboratewithother businesses that complement your offerings or target the same audience.Thisnot only expands your reach but also provides access to shared resources and expertise.
Diversification is another effective strategy. Explore new markets, products, or services that align with your brand. This can mitigate risks associated with dependenceonasinglerevenuestreamandopenupnewavenuesforgrowth.
Moreover, fostering innovation within your organization is key. Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and creative thinking.
Embrace new ideas and technologies that can give your venture a competitive edge in the market.
Effective marketing and branding are crucial during the scaling-up phase. Clearly communicate your value proposition to your target audience and differentiate your brand from competitors. Leverage digital channels and social media to amplify your reach and engagement.
In conclusion, scaling up requires a holistic approach that encompasses infrastructure, partnerships, diversification, innovation, and strategic marketing. By adopting these strategies, your entrepreneurial venture can navigate the complexities of growth and thrive in an everevolving business landscape.
ENTREPRENURIAL SPIRIT
Eric Lazar, Partner and President, SpeedPro Chicago Loop - From Marine Corps to Market Leader
Eric Lazar's Journey with SpeedPro Chicago Loop