Editor’s Note: They are leaders. They are inspirational. They are mentors. They are visionaries. They are, quite frankly, badasses. They are our 2022 REEL WOMEN. During Women’s History Month, you will be able to meet these incredible personalities in Advertising, Entertainment, Media and Production. Women like Rebecca Considine are making “Herstory.”
Alongside her partner Eric Lazar, Rebecca Considine is partner of SpeedPro Chicago Loop, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business. SpeedPro Chicago Loop is a large format digital graphics studio that specializes in corporate décor, event signage, exhibits & trade show displays, wall, floor, window & ceiling murals, graphic wallpapers, vehicle wraps, banners, et al. Their 360° holistic approach is more akin to a marketing solutions agency than a typical printer as they focus on how to best leverage a space for maximum ROI and greatest visual impact. Among their largest achievements, they were awarded the contract and produced all of the signage for the inaugural 2016 and 2017 ChiTown Rising New Year’s Eve event, receiving extensive national coverage and accolades for their work.
Rebecca is a two-time finisher of the Chicago Marathon, and holds a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo. She sits on the Membership Committee for the Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC), Board of Directors for the Media Advertising Club of Chicago (MAC), Fundraising Board Friends of Galileo, and has sat on the Emerging Leaders board for the Chicagoland Chamber.
Their company is dedicated to being a great corporate citizen; they have a philanthropic program for not-for-profit clients and donate 1% of revenue to charitable organizations.
ALSO READ: MORE REEL WOMEN
What’s your origin story?
My business partner and I go back 20+ years from when I was a baby assistant out of college. We were selling commercial time for broadcast television in the advertising realm. As I grew up in the industry, Eric and I continued our friendship. Fast forward many years, he was the first to find SpeedPro, but from the moment we sat down to talk, I knew running a small business was in my future. I’m a proud #2. Many times the Entrepreneur can command the focus of an organization, but for every Entrepreneur, there is a committed #2 by their side, and should be celebrated equally. Google Sasquatch Music festival. You’ll see one spirited guy dancing, that turns into a dance party. My view is, he was just a passionate, fanatical guy dancing until the #2 believer joined in.
How did you get into the creative industry?
We were quick to recognize large format print could be creatively executed and both share the passion and enthusiasm for changing the lens with which others view print. We trademarked the term “Surface Impact”™ which is a 360° approach on how to best leverage a space for maximum ROI and greatest visual impact. Large format print is constantly innovating, while the ability to turn raw materials into endless solutions makes every day a new adventure.
Who were your mentors?
My business partner Eric, sister Rachel who is an Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineer, and the countless women of the Chicagoland business community that make doing business here inspirational, one of them being my business coach Jillian Eichel.
While there will be others, what do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
Hard question! The honest truth would be becoming a mother.
What drives you to create?
People’s brands fascinate me, and my natural curiosity takes over. I love to creatively solve problems.
What shows are doing the best job of portraying strong women on TV?
I’m more of a podcast girl. The Simply Be Podcast is a favorite. She really highlights feminine leadership while being authentic to your true self.
Coffee, Lunch and Happy Hour. Name a famous woman you would like to attend each function with.
Coffee: Michelle Obama
Lunch: Connie Lindsey, former National President of Girl Scouts of the USA
Happy Hour : the women athletes of the UFC
What is the biggest challenge to women in your industry?
Print is a traditionally male industry. But, there is an influx of female leaders, owners, designers, sales, production and operators. Attracting, retaining, and advancing women’s careers can be challenging, but there are groups like the Women in Print Alliance and GirlsWhoPrint who are supporting mentorships and professional development.
If being a woman is your superpower, what is your kryptonite?
Running out of time! Scarcity of time is real! Especially as business owners, wives & mothers, and community leaders. I wish I had more time to do it all.
How has having this superpower helped you?
I love the superpowers we women possess. Our brains are wired to handle many things happening at the same time, and our feminine traits like empathy, vulnerability, nurturing, inclusiveness, and patience are critical in the business world and beyond.
When you’re not creating, what do you do in your off time?
I am a mother & wife. I enjoy spending time fundraising for my kids’ school and attending my kids’ sporting events. I love Yoga and cooking. And have recently taken up camping. I’ve enjoyed attending and watching the UFC.
Predict your future! Where are you in 5 years?
Leading a thriving, robust SpeedPro Chicago Loop, using SpeedPro as a platform to serve Chicagoland, and watching my amazing daughters become young adults and grow into their adult lives. Also, my husband and I enjoying solo camping adventures.
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