San Francisco Peninsula

Cre8 a Couch Opens in Burlingame

awning

Hey...CRE8 A COUCH!  That's what the founders of a new custom furniture franchise hope you'll do; and Speedpro Imaging recently helped them with signage, window graphics and display labeling for the launch of their pilot venture in Burlingame, CA. Our friend Karen Andreacchi is heading up the initial venture on Primrose Road, just off of Burlingame Avenue, and having worked for many years with her husband Mike (one of the founders of the national franchise Junk King), the relationship was a natural. 

To help launch the new venture, Speedpro provided design adaptation/modification, production and installation for window, awning and interior signage on a "start-up" budget.  Cre8 a Couch hopes to grow regionally and nationally by offering a huge variety of high-end furnishings in a high-touch, "made to order" environment.  Stores will be located in small boutique environments in high traffic, upper income neighborhoods with an emphasis on personal service and custom construction.   

It was a pleasure working on this project, and we wish them the best of success.  You can find them at: www.cre8acouch.com. Now go CRE8!

Godiva tasting at DFS/SFO

Godiva tasting area at DFS Galeria/SFO International Airport

Godiva Chocolates currently has a tasting area in the DFS Galleria shop at San Francisco Airport's International Terminal. Godiva is introducing a new line of fruit flavored "Chocolats Exotiques," and Speedpro Imaging was called on to print posters, wall graphics and backlit signs for the display at the Duty Free Shop.  

Somehow, we blew it and didn't get around to tasting the samples.  Don't know what we were thinking...or not.  We'll have to do better next time.  Meanwhile there are Johnnie Walker and Dior displays to work on.  I guess it's just as well that we don't regularly partake in our customers' product offerings.  Between the gelaterias, bakeries, restaurants, candy makers, vintners and distillers we work with, the potential for over indulgence is ever-present!

Another Boudin "Lunch Machine" van wrapped

Boudin's Lunch Machine keeps it chill

Speedpro Imaging wrapped another refrigerated delivery van for San Francisco's famed Boudin Bakery.  The bright red "Lunch Machine" is a customized 2013 Ford Transit Connect with refrigeration.

Speedpro Imaging of SF Peninsula worked with Enterprise Fleet Management to wrap the vehicle at our San Carlos facility, taking advantage of the climate controled indoor space to avoid the spring rain.  Speedpro used top-of-the-line 3M IJ180c vinyl and matching gloss laminate, including the new 3M 8548 PVC free laminate on the roof and hood. 

Boudin Bakery is the venerable San Francisco sourdough company that has expanded into cafes and catering. Boudin's heritage goes back 160 year to its founding in 1849, but the company is strictly 21st century with state-of-the-art facilities, online ordering, delivery and, of course, eye-catching vehicle branding.

The truck features a custom refrigeration unit and will deliver catering to Boudin's customers who can order online at www.boudincatering.com.  After you've enjoyed a delicious sandwich, salad or soup from Boudin Catering, kick back and start thinking about how you want YOUR vehicle wrapped.

Flatbed's coming

Coming Soon!

Yes.  The rumors are true.  Stay tuned for more information, but soon we'll be getting a new HP Scitex FB 500 printer.  This will augment our current options by allowing us to print directly to a variety of rigid substrates including metal, wood and acrylic, as well as Gatorboard, foamcore, coroplast and Sintra pvc.

The UV cured inks are durable and fast drying, and complement our Eco-solvent and Latex wide format printers.  Each of them have special strengths and capabilities, and together we'll have greatly increased capacity to meet growing demand.  Stay tuned for more news!

A Quick Face-lift at the Zoo

Vinyl overlay being applied to outdoor sign

Some of our projects are big, and some are quick and simple.  We recently made a trip to the SF Zoo to update their Donor sign with an overlay. On a foggy Monday afternoon right around closing time, we popped in, laid down some of 3M's fabulous laminated ControlTac vinyl and presto (!) - a fresh sign.

The challenge here was to quickly help the San Francisco Zoological Society refresh their Donor Board without a budget burning overhaul.  Speedpro was able to swiftly turn around the layout, printing and installation with a revision that was intended to be temporary, but may be the start of more frequent refreshes.  In the photo, Felix is shown squeegeeing down the vinyl before heat setting and trimming.

Alas, it was too late in the day to visit the big cats or monkeys. We'll be back on another project soon, we hope, and next time we'll see some animals while we're there.

Wrap that Gelato Bar to Go, Please

Gelato Bar wraped with polycarbonate laminated graphic

Wrapping isn't just for cars, trucks, busses and boats.  Think about the opportunities for elevator doors, ATM machines, or...how about a Gelato wagon for catered events?

Mauro Pislor, owner of San Francisco's La Copa Loca Gelato needed elegant and non-branded graphics for the mobile gelato bar he provides for weddings and other catered events.  Speedpro Imaging of SF Peninsula had the answer.  We removed the existing graphics from the cart and replaced them with a durable and functional wrap featuring a polycarbonate lamination for scratch resistance and easy cleaning.  Now the cart is properly "dressed" to arrive in style at a variety of culinary events.  

If you're in the Mission District in San Francisco, drop by La Copa Loca on 3150 22nd Street (at Capp St.), or check them out online at http://lacopalocagelato.com/ for store hours or catering information.

Half Dozen Pickups for Dome

Dome Construction's newly decaled F-150s

We recently created and installed brand decals on six new pickup trucks for Dome Construction Corporation of South San Francisco.  The ID package design was developed in-house at Dome Construction and features Dome's logo, slogan and areas of specialization.

Speedpro Imaging matched Dome's Pantone colors, printed and contour cut the decals and wrap strips with top-of-the-line 3M laminated film, and applied to the half dozen new Ford F-150's here in San Carlos.  When companies have acquired new work vehicles, they need them in the field as soon as possible, so our ability to go from quote to completion on a rapid schedule was critical.

Dome Construction Corporation (www.domeconst.com) has been the Bay Area's most trusted construction management services firms since 1969, specializing in technology, tenant improvement and healthcare projects.

Goodbye to Santa Hue -- for now...

Speedpro's mascot Hue in holiday hat, laminated, contour-cut concrete vinyl

We're about to say good bye to the seasonal "Santa Hue" concrete graphic on our entry way.  Just grabbed a quick pic of him before he's peeled off.  

This material, BTW, is called StreetRap, and is a fantastic option for short term graphics on cement, asphalt or other exterior pathways.  StreetRap sticks like crazy for up to a couple of months, then peels right off.  And as you can see from the photo, it can be contour cut into unique and eye-catching shapes.

So if you're looking for an economical and effective way to create directional signage or branding for exterior exhibitions, convention entryways, street fairs, marathons and so forth, we'd be happy to help you out.

Innovating the Fleet

Innovate the Office

Speedpro Imaging is in the midst of a multi-vehicle wrap project with Inside Source  -- San Francisco and Silicon Valley's leading provider of new and used office furniture.  As part of an upgrade and expansion to their fleet of delivery vehicles, Inside Source wanted to take advantage of the “big canvas” that exists on the sides and back of box trucks with a series of big statements conveying what Inside Source is all about. 

For the art direction, we recommended the team at Suiter Creative, whose designs incorporated crisp headlines, bright colors and patterns created from photos of Allsteel office furnishings.  The giant graphics were then digitally output on our wide-format printers to specialized automotive vinyl that is laminated and applied to the trucks.  The result is a fresh advertising campaign which expresses Inside Source’s essence and has the durability to last for years.  You can learn more about their range of services and client roster at www.insidesource.com.

As specialists in large format display graphics Speedpro Imaging works with many leading Northern California companies on vehicle graphics – ranging from decals and lettering to full wraps.  Give us a call if you're interested in getting more brand value from your road warriors.

Meet the HiPster - our HP Latex 26500 wide format star

61" HP L26500 with mini-Hue

Back in July, Speedpro in San Carlos welcomed a new piece of gear into our production studio.  And frankly, we've been so busy printing with it, we've been remiss in making introductions.  So here's a late but proud introduction to the printer we call "HiPster"... because it's more fun to say than "Hewlett-Packard DesignJet L26500 Wide Format 61" Latex Printer."

There's a lot to say about this baby:  HP's revolutionary latex ink technology allows permanent, fade resistant printing for posters, vehicle wraps, clings and vinyl.  That speeds up our production process by allowing lamination and finishing right away. We have increased the materials we can print on, with new fabrics, PVC-free wallpapers and card stocks; and the latex inks allow us to be even GREENER than before.

We still love "Rolie," our 74" Roland XJ740 printer, and it remains a fast, beautiful and durable workhorse.  But the increased capacity and unique attributes of the new machine are a joy, and we've got well matched G7 profiles for each.  Next time you're in the neighborhood, stop by and check out some samples!

New Banners for Redwood City Library

Pole banners at Redwood City main Library

Redwood City's main library in a beautiful and historic building on Middlefield Road that once housed the main Fire House for the county seat.  As part of the Civic Center area, this part of the street features wide sidewalks, large trees, tables, chairs, umbrellas, and now...bright, colorful street banners.  This summer we were fortunate to have the opportunity to again work with Shamiko Designs and the Redwood City Public Library to update their double-sided pole banners.  The design features a color blocking design, highlighting the words READ, GROW, INTERACT, LEARN, THINK and DISCOVER.  Five fluted street light poles were fitted with new fiberglass banner rods and pairs of double sided, heavy duty banners in a pallate of bright green, yellow, turquoise, and deep lavender.

Speedpro printed and finished the banners to the design created by Sharon Lee of Shamiko Design.  If you need long term outdoor banners like these, or short term indoor banners, feel free to drop us an email or call us at 650.596.3444.

Speedpro SFBay Sponsors Palo Alto International Film Festival

Speedpro is proud to be one of the Print Sponsors for PAIFF, the Palo Alto International Film Festival.  The festival runs from September 27-30, 2012 and celebrates the convergence of art and technology through films, talks, workshops and music.

The Festival, which is only in its second year, is put on by the non-profit Palo Alto Institute.  This fall's lineup will feature 50 films, 20 speakers, 4 Parties, local Wine Bars, and 4 free Outdoor Films.  We're pleased to be helping out on this local event and look forward to the screenings.

Check out their site at www.paiff.net.

Fleet Re-branding for SPUD.com

SPUD = Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery

We recently completed the last couple of trucks in the delivery fleet for the San Francisco operations of Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery, or SPUD for short (www.spud.com).   Since the trucks are busy delivering local and organic produce most days, Speedpro Imaging worked with Spud’s management to schedule the wraps over a series of many weeks during  non-peak days.

The new design for the truck boxes is a clean look featuring calligraphic script and a bold row of bright red apples in a “woodblock cut” style.  Cabs were cleaned up with new cut vinyl lettering on the doors and front.   The facelift brightened up this fleet of veteran trucks and made them almost look new again.

Whether you’re re-branding existing assets or starting from scratch, Speedpro is committed to delivering some great looking vehicles on a schedule and budget that works for you.

Propel Fuels Premiers Clean Mobility Center

Renewable fuels island at Propel's Fullerton. CA station

On May 18, 2012, Propel Fuels launched its premier Clean Mobility Center in Fullerton, California. And as fantastic as that is, we probably wouldn't be writing about it if it weren't for the banners, signage, decals and other branding provided by Speedpro Imaging!

We have been fortunate enough to enjoy a fantastic partnership with biofuel leader Propel Fuels for several years while their key strategy was installing renewable fuel islands -- featuring Propel branding and messaging -- in existing gasoline stations. This approach has grown Propel branded E-85 Ethanol and Biodiesel sites in the Seattle, Sacramento, SF Bay Area and Southern California regions for several years.

Now, Propel has debuted its first full service station with both conventional and renewable fuels, a convenience store and mechanic on duty. Speedpro Imaging of SF Peninsula was proud to print and install bollard mounted signs, regulatory decals, banners, pump-topper graphics and many other branding elements for the station. Additionally, we wrapped the oval dispenser valences, created labels and signs for the free air station and Information Area.  The Propel Clean Mobility Center uses sustainable design practices and is part of a growing network under the California Energy Commission's Alternative and Renewable Fuef and Vehicle Technology program. For more information see www.propelfuels.com/news_and_media.

Boudin Adds To Wrapped Delivery Fleet

Boudin Catering's "Lunch Machine"

Say hello to the newest bright red "Lunch Machine" delivery van.  This refrigerated 2012 Ford Transit Connect is fully wrapped in the colors of Boudin Bakery, the venerable San Francisco sourdough company that has expanded into cafes and catering. Boudin's heritage goes back 160 year to its founding in 1849, but the company is strictly 21st century with state-of-the-art facilities, online ordering, delivery and, of course, eye-catching vehicle branding.

Speedpro Imaging of SF Peninsula worked with Enterprise Fleet Management to wrap the vehicle at our San Carlos facility, taking advantage of the climate controled indoor space to avoid the spring rain.  Speedpro used top-of-the-line 3M IJ180c vinyl and matching gloss laminate. 

The truck features a custom refrigeration unit and will deliver catering to Boudin's customers who can order online at www.boudincatering.com.  After you've enjoyed a delicious sandwich, salad or soup from Boudin Catering, kick back and start thinking about how you want YOUR vehicle wrapped.

If You've Got Glass, We've Got Graphics

Big, Small, Indoors or Out

Yes, we do Windows (the glass kind)!  Interior and exterior windows are fantastic surfaces for graphic applications, and there's a great variety of options for different needs.

For short-term usage on a retail storefront, clear or white window cling is easy to install and remove.  For more permanent signage, we produce and install a variety of print-and-cut or solid color vinyl to storefronts, doors, showrooms...you name it. And for interior spaces from lobbys to cubicles to conference rooms, Speedpro has printable frosted vinyl, dusted crystal panels and contour cut directional or brand icons. 

For the month of April, we're running a special on some of our custom window graphic media.  Give us a shout and we'll see if we have the solution you're looking for.

Game Developers Conference kicks off busy month

Moscone North Entry - Game Developers Conference 2012

The month of March got off to a roaring start for Speedpro of SF Peninsula with the Game Developers Conference being held at Moscone Center on the 5th-9th.  We often support multiple companies and exhibit contractors with production capabilities, and sometimes it comes down to a last minute crunch before a big trade show.

For the GDC, Speedpro produced large, two-sided banners, booth panels for over a dozen modular exhibits and kiosks, multiple sets of Session Agenda meterboards and window vinyl for the convention center entry.  Additionally, over the weeks ahead of the conference we had made retractable banner stands and mounted posters for several other clients.

We love working on trade show and exhibit properties.  The deadlines are unforgiving, the quality has to be top notch the first time, and we really get to prove what sets Speedpro apart.  Bring it on!

LuLu's Los Altos Opens with Mega Menu Boards

LuLu’s on Main Street, the newest of the LuLu’s Mexican Food restaurants, opened in early February in Los Altos, CA.  Diners are greeted with large, wall-mounted menu boards displaying the variety of Platillos (house special plates), Antojitos (appetizers), Sopas (soups), Ensaladas (salads) and A la Carte items.  Speedpro Imaging produced the giant menus, along with other information boards and window graphics.  The giant signs are laminated and mounted to Sintra panels that are bolted directly to the wall in a  casual fashion that complements the atmosphere of wood, corrugated metal, and concrete.

Speedpro had previously worked with LuLu’s on wrapping their catering box truck, and we also worked with their sign company for the front and rear exterior street signage.

LuLu’s on Main Street is their fourth location on the San Francisco peninsula.  The other locations are in San Carlos, Menlo Park and Palo Alto.  You can find them on the web at www.lulusmexicanfood.com.

A.G.Ferrari Catering - Branding on the Roll

A.G. Ferrari Catering Cart

We've wrapped a lot of unusually shaped items, but foldable vinyl food service cart covers was a new one for us.  Our friends at the catering division of A.G. Ferrari Foods knew they were missing a branding opportunity when wheeling those tall rolling carts to corporate clients.  So when they purchased a new set of covers, Speedpro applied large laminated decals to three sides of the covers so that passers-by could know who was providing that delicious spread to their neighbors.  

We provided a durable, flexible decal to the covers, using 3M vinyl which features an aggressive adhesive to bond the material through the wear-and-tear and cleaning that it will endure.

A.G. Ferrari Foods, San Francisco Bay Area importers of fine Italian foods since 1919, can be reached at 800-335-5090 or www.agferrari.com/catering_summary.  Mmmm...good stuff!

Hunting the Wild Camo-wrap Jeep

Camouflage Jeep Wrangler

Most of the vehicle wraps we do are designed to draw attention and stand out from the surroundings.  But occasionally we bag more exotic game where the challenge is to blend into the surroundings -- camouflage!  One such recent opportunity was to wrap a Jeep Wrangler in full camo disguise for a local hunter.  Jeeps present unique challenges since there are exposed hinges, multiple curves and accessories (winches, grills, etc.) to either wrap or remove during installation.

Needless to say, the process invoked the usual, corny camo-jokes in our wrap bay ("where did the Jeep go?  I can't see it" and so on).  And in the end, the Jeep's transformation from bright red to woodland pattern was a sure fire success.

We have a variety of camouflage wrap designs for outdoors persons, if that's your thing.  If you're into aquatics, Speedpro can do boat wraps, too.  Or if your needs are more urban and marketing-oriented, we'll be happy to sit down and consult on design options for making your vehicle jump out from the rest of the herd.

Versatile Dual Duty Stand Debuts

2 x 3 tiger poster on Dual Duty Stand

We've added a new stand to our inventory.  It's an inexpensive option that can serve as either a double-sided banner stand supporting 24" wide banners or hold one or two posters.  In the photo, we've got a 24" x 36" mounted poster of the tiger on the stand, and if it weren't dwarfed by the 48" x 72" wall mounted poster of the same tiger, you might be impressed!  A second poster can be supported on the other side -- which is great for exhibit or retail situations where you have traffic coming from multiple directions.  It has a sturdy, black metal base, but is light enough to easily move from place to place.  Since the base is a square of metal, it doesn't pack into as small a case as some of our other options, so it's not right for every travel situation.  But for a cost effective, flexible stand, it's hard to beat!

Sparky's Wild Wild West

Mesh banners flank the stage

This summer, Sparky's Hot Rod Garage hosted a western themed fund raiser event here in San Carlos.  The hootenanny featured classic cars, pig races, live music, and plenty of BBQ & drinks, and benefited a fine cause - Kainos in Redwood City.  Speedpro Imaging provided big mesh banners for the loudspeaker towers on the stage wings and over-the-stage proscenium, as well as several "standee" cut outs of the Sheriff Sparky character.