New Business Spotlight: SpeedPro brings creativity, business solutions to Knoxville

A company that combines creativity, technology and practical business solutions has expanded its East Tennessee presence. SpeedPro Commercial Graphics celebrated the opening of its second location at 4313 Papermill Drive in Knoxville with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 5.

The new studio is owned by Ethan Gouge, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Marine Corps officer who began operating SpeedPro in the Tri-Cities in 2015.

SpeedPro specializes in large-format printing, signage, architectural graphics and environmental designs that transform ordinary spaces into memorable experiences. From business interiors and exterior signage to graphics for hospitals, schools and other institutions, the company focuses on making spaces both attractive and functional.

“We’re excited to be here in Knoxville,” Gouge told those attending the celebration, expressing appreciation for the community’s welcome and the employees whose work made the expansion possible.

Why Knoxville?

For Gouge, the decision to establish a Knoxville location was driven by existing business relationships and the importance of working directly with customers.

Several of SpeedPro’s business partners already have operations in Knoxville, bringing the company to the area regularly. Opening a local facility allows the team to respond more quickly and work closely with customers throughout their projects.

“We had a lot of synergy coming down to Knoxville anyway,” Gouge explained during an interview following the ceremony. “A lot of our good partners have locations in Knoxville, and we found ourselves coming down here for work.”

He said proximity is particularly important in an industry where understanding a customer’s space and solving problems on-site can make a difference.

While larger national companies may ship products and send installation crews across the country, Gouge believes having a local presence provides an advantage.

“There’s always a gap of being there and solving the problem and talking to the customer on site,” he said.

Making spaces work beautifully

SpeedPro’s work extends beyond traditional signs and banners. The company creates architectural and environmental graphics that help businesses and institutions communicate their identities while improving the experience of people who use their spaces.

Gouge pointed to hospitals and schools as examples. Graphics can help create welcoming environments for patients, make educational spaces more engaging for students and give businesses a distinctive appearance that captures attention.

The goal, he explained, is to provide the visual impact that attracts attention while ensuring the finished product serves a practical purpose.

“It’s function and beauty combined into one,” Gouge said.

Visitors to the ribbon-cutting celebration were invited inside to see examples of the company’s capabilities. Gouge noted that the graphics displayed throughout the interior and exterior of the new location were produced by SpeedPro’s own team.

The studio itself serves as a demonstration of how graphics can change the appearance and atmosphere of a business.

A welcome investment in Knoxville

A representative of the Chamber of Commerce welcomed SpeedPro’s expansion and thanked the company for investing in the community.

She highlighted the company’s plans for approximately 10 jobs at the location and its potential to help other local businesses strengthen their visibility and customer experiences.

Representatives attending the celebration included Mark Kennedy from the Knox County mayor’s office and a representative from Congressman Tim Burchett’s office.

Gouge also recognized the employees who helped make the expansion possible, emphasizing that the company’s success depends on the collective efforts of its team.

The ribbon-cutting concluded with an invitation for guests to tour the facility, meet SpeedPro employees and see firsthand how the company combines creativity with practical business solutions.

For SpeedPro, the Knoxville expansion is about more than opening another location. It is an opportunity to build relationships, support local businesses and help organizations create spaces that leave lasting impressions.

Learn more: Visit SpeedPro Knoxville or call 423-446-2642.