OUR STORY
FROM SIR SPEEDY TO CORE
Decades of Dedication, Family, and Growth
What began as a small retirement hobby has blossomed into a thriving, family-run business fueled by heart, hustle, and deep-rooted connection. Over the years, Core Integrated Marketing has grown from a neighborhood print shop into a full-service creative partner—helping businesses tell their stories through smart, personal, and impactful marketing. This is our story—one shaped by family, built on trust, and driven by a genuine passion for seeing our clients succeed.
SMALL BEGINNINGS
Where It All Started
After retiring from teaching, Ernest and Marial Poll opened a small franchise print shop in 1983 called Sir Speedy Printing in Chicago Heights, IL, focusing on photocopies and offset printing. A few years later, they expanded by launching another franchise, Copies Now in Homewood, IL, providing quick same-day photocopy services.
NEW LEADERSHIP
Igniting Growth & Opportunity
In 1994, Howie Budrow, a former pharmaceutical salesman, and his wife Judy purchased the business from Judy’s parents. Leveraging Howie’s sales expertise, the business experienced rapid expansion—earning the Sir Speedy Corporate Volume Increase Percentage Award after achieving a remarkable 90% sales increase in 1995.
MORE THAN A PRINT SHOP
Expanding Services, Evolving Capabilities
As demand and capabilities grew, the business expanded its offerings to include Create, Distribute & Print, Sir Speedy Online, Mailing Services, Marketing Services, and Large Format Printing. In 1997, the two locations were merged, and the company moved into a larger space in Chicago Heights, IL—marking a significant milestone in their evolution from a print shop to a full-service marketing partner.
THE NEXT GENERATION
Building on a Legacy of Success
The Budrow family continued building their team and momentum welcoming Laura in 2001, whose eye for design elevated the company’s creative capabilities. In 2002, Greg joined in sales, bringing energy and a natural talent for connecting with clients, while Todd stepped in as production manager, ensuring efficiency and high-quality output. With their combined strengths, sales soared—earning the company a place in the prestigious Century Club by 2004.
BRANCHING OUT
Reaching New Milestones
In 2006, Jen joined the family business, bringing her expertise in customer service. That same year, the company expanded with the purchase of a second center in Oak Brook, IL. By 2010, their success was recognized with a #16 ranking in the Sir Speedy Network, followed by the prestigious Sir Speedy Franchise of the Year award in 2011.
CORE CAPABILITIES
Breaking Boundaries and Innovating
To better serve evolving client needs and highlight a broader range of capabilities, the company rebranded as Core Integrated Marketing in 2012. In 2016, the team grew again with the addition of Dave in Sales—further strengthening client relationships and driving business development to support ongoing growth.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Embracing the Next Chapter
The Covid-19 pandemic brought many challenges—but also the opportunity to think differently and plan for the future. In 2020, Core made a strategic move by purchasing and relocating to a new building in Orland Park, IL—laying the foundation for long-term growth and stability. The following year, founders Howie and Judy proudly passed the torch to their children—Laura, Greg, and Jen—who purchased the business and continue to build on its legacy. Today, Core remains a thriving, family-owned company, committed to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions.
LET’S TALK
Your Project Starts Here
Partnering with our Team is a breeze and will take your ideas to the next level. From concept to completion, Core works with you every step of the way — developing everything you need to run, market, and grow your business. From business cards and brochures to signage, labels, forms, digital marketing, and software, we help you get your message out and keep your customers engaged. If you need it, we can create it!
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