Bold. Bright. That describes 28-year-old Drew Lowry’s work world as operations manager of SpeedPro Cincinnati East, a large format printing company.
Whether “large format printing” is a familiar term or not, the graphic results certainly are. This form of promoting a business or event, creating an inviting and informative space, is everywhere. Banners, wall murals, eye-catching window images, vehicle wraps, the list is long. Often printed on flexible vinyl that can adhere to and wrap any surface, new technology and equipment mean Drew can print directly on other surfaces such as metal or glass.
Two of Drew’s favorite projects to date: eye-catching images that wrap three Clermont Transportation Connection buses, and a set of elevator doors that required a precision application to reveal a coffee shop scene when the doors close.
It’s not exactly the career path Drew anticipated, but nearly a year in, he’s definitely enjoying the decision. Even more special? It’s a family affair.
Drew’s parents, Julie and Kelly Lowry, have been fixtures of the Loveland business community for two decades. Kelly is an engineer and founder/owner/president of Lowry Controls, which designs, builds, programs, and installs control systems for companies nationwide. Julie currently serves as part-time office manager for both Lowry Controls and SpeedPro, which operates out of the same building.
Drew began working for Lowry Controls during his summers at Loveland High School, then NKU, but all three Lowrys eventually recognized that engineering wasn’t the best fit for creative-minded Drew, who also had experience with graphic design and video production.
Julie and Kelly began looking for a small business to buy, one that might capitalize on Drew’s talents and experience. When a SpeedPro franchise went up for sale in Milford last year, Kelly bought it and moved the operation to Loveland.
Since then, with Drew running day-to-day operations and Kelly as owner/mentor, the business has expanded. Exploded. “It’s really just been by word-of-mouth,” Julie says. To formalize getting the word out, Drew’s brother, Dean, is stepping in with marketing via social media.
The biggest investment in launching SpeedPro into a bigger and bolder future can be found in its large shop. Since opening for business in January, the Lowrys have replaced all of the equipment, the centerpiece of which is a large UV ink hybrid printer.
Production manager Andrew Gonzales demonstrates its precision and clarity by feeding a large piece of PVC (like foamboard, but sturdier) into the printer after selecting an image from an integrated computer screen. It’s one of Drew’s favorites—“Cognoscenti in a Room Hung with Pictures,” currently in London’s National Gallery. It just takes a few minutes for the large print to roll out.
“When clients contact us, they may just want a banner, but we can help them elevate their brand by showing them new materials and more creative ways to get attention,” Drew says.
He can’t help but smile when he thinks about the potential of those partnerships. And with family in the mix, that’s a future to be thankful for.
SpeedPro.com/cincinnati-east | 273 E. Kemper Rd, Loveland | 513.753.5600
“It’s exciting to suggest new materials that clients don’t know about for a more creative way to brand their business.” - Drew
The Greater Project
In September, SpeedPro provided banners and signs for Loveland-based Greater Project’s Sonder Brewing 5K Run/Walk, a fundraising event to support GP’s mission throughout the U.S. and beyond. Locally, GP partners with local schools to support children from low-income families and special needs kids, assisting with homework, food and other services to help them thrive. GP also serves orphaned, abandoned, and abused children living in extreme poverty in Kenya and India. A longtime friend of GP founder Lisa Fields’ family, Drew believes SpeedPro’s involvement and continuing support of Greater Project events are another way to be a good and valuable community partner.