{"id":960,"date":"2020-05-06T14:46:31","date_gmt":"2020-05-06T14:46:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.speedpro.com\/north-indianapolis\/?p=960"},"modified":"2020-10-23T19:30:50","modified_gmt":"2020-10-23T19:30:50","slug":"speedpro-inspiring-bright-young-minds-to-pursue-creative-careers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.speedpro.com\/north-indianapolis\/speedpro-inspiring-bright-young-minds-to-pursue-creative-careers\/","title":{"rendered":"SPEEDPRO: INSPIRING BRIGHT YOUNG MINDS TO PURSUE CREATIVE CAREERS"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Nation\u2019s Leading Printing and Graphics Franchise Celebrates SpeedPro Owner Mark Simmons for Valuing Customer Relationships and Building a Robust Internship Program with Local High School<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNever stop learning, because life never stops teaching.\u201d That inspirational quote applies to\u00a0Mark Simmons, one of the newest\u00a0SpeedPro<\/a>\u00a0franchise owners. \u00a0Mark joined\u00a0the nation\u2019s leading printing and graphics franchise\u00a0after spending more than 30 years in retail executive management, learning the ropes and learning how to deal with the ups and downs.<\/p>\n

Mark learned the value of relationships early in his career and it factors into his early success as a relatively new SpeedPro studio owner.<\/p>\n

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\"\"\"\"\"\"One of Simmons toughest professional lessons came during The Great Recession when he oversaw chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings at a national retailer. Mark had to deliver unwelcome news about job cuts to a countless number of employees. While there is no joy out of being the bearer of a major life change, the process reinforced Mark\u2019s values of compassion and relationship building.<\/p>\n

As Mark nurtures his budding SpeedPro business, he recognizes the value of building relationships with members of his community in Apex \u2013 something other SpeedPro franchise owners have told him is the key to success with the nation\u2019s leading printing and graphics franchise.<\/p>\n

But Mark\u2019s relationship-building focus only begins with potential community clients and business partners.\u00a0\u00a0 The connection extends to the local high school,\u00a0Apex Friendship. The school is home to the\u00a0Academy of Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing. The selective AP level program gives student exposure to hands-on experiences within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It\u2019s a program his daughter Kailea, a student at Apex Friendship, takes part in. When Mark learned the school was looking to partner with local businesses for an internship program, he jumped at the chance.<\/p>\n

\u201cSchool leaders do an excellent job building relationships with local businesses, small and large. SpeedPro has a commitment to community, and the high schools are a major part of the community here in Apex. It was an absolute no-brainer when I was approached to take part in this initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n

The students had to earn their way into his SpeedPro studio. He interviewed 4 candidates, each with unique traits. Mark ultimately chose a rising senior with a 3.7 GPA, interested in aerospace and automotive design. \u201cHis resume was polished, he was very accomplished. I was impressed by his maturity after our interview.\u201d<\/p>\n

While internships are typically associated with college students,\u00a0ambitious high schoolers\u00a0are gradually learning the importance of the work experience.\u00a0The Society for Human Resource Management\u00a0says both\u00a0employers, and students benefit from high school internships. \u201cBy employing students, companies get exposure to talent early in their career journey and help support the well-being of the local community,\u201d says Robin D. Richards, chairman, and CEO of Internships.com.<\/p>\n

The student will assume a production assistant role at the SpeedPro studio \u2013 learning exactly what it takes to work for the nation\u2019s leading printing and graphics franchise. Day-to-day functions include handling the printing and finishing processes, along with exposure to graphic design. Once the intern is comfortable, he\u2019ll have the ability for some level of customer interaction, both inside and outside the facility. The program is only seven weeks, but Mark believes this opportunity will be a win-win-win for the student, SpeedPro employees, and Mark himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the student, who is only 17, he\u2019ll get hands-on exposure and experience in the design aspect that he simply would not get in school,\u201d says Simmons. \u201cThis is an opportunity for him to implement classroom observation into real life scenarios and learn the ins and outs of a local small business and manufacturer.\u00a0 He\u2019ll be exposed to real world scenarios in a pressurized position that mirrors what it\u2019s truly like to be a production assistant \u2013 something that rarely happens with internships.\u201d<\/p>\n

From a business perspective, involvement with this internship program serves as an informational session for Simmons. Later this year, he\u2019ll use the lessons learned from the experience with his intern, as a blueprint when he hires a full-time production assistant. Simmons gets to test drive the position, without any of the associated labor costs.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy whole team is excited because we get a chance to mentor an outstanding young man with a bright future.\u00a0\u00a0 This internship program gives everyone at my SpeedPro studio, including myself, the opportunity to grow and develop.\u00a0\u00a0 This is a rare opportunity for my employees to receive help from a highly motivated and intelligent intern who possesses skills that have real world impact.\u00a0\u00a0 Additionally, all of us will develop a better understanding of how to hire and what to look for in new employees while refining our delegation and training processes.\u00a0\u00a0 We can\u2019t wait to get started.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark and his team are excited about the upcoming summer lesson. He believes this venture is the start of a long-term relationship with Apex Friendship High School long after his daughter graduates. And Mark is thrilled his neighbors in Apex embraced him as much as he and his SpeedPro studio continues its growth.<\/p>\n

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Great Gatsby Prints for the school\u2019s Prom<\/p>\n

SpeedPro franchisees across the country are doing their part of cultivating America\u2019s brightest minds with a meaningful opportunity.\u00a0\u00a0 A specific focus on hiring and developing hungry and passionate employees is one of the key catalysts that have fueled SpeedPro\u2019s development into the nation\u2019s leading printing and graphics franchise that specializes in:<\/p>\n