[Who_we_are]

Our Story

From our humble beginnings to becoming a trusted technology provider for clients nationwide, our journey is driven by innovation, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to our clients.

[Who_we_are]

Innovation at Our Core

We are driven to solve real-world problems through smart technology and expert craftsmanship. Guided by our founder, Paul Zweifel, we continue to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of today’s business landscape, always keeping our clients at the center of what we do. Keep reading to discover the full story behind Direct and who we are as a company.

About Us

[Our_Story]

Built on Solutions, Fueled by People

From a Basement Dream to a Thriving Business

In March 2012, Paul Zweifel started with a simple idea: help people by solving problems. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for finding solutions, he launched the business from his basement. Before long, it outgrew the space and moved to an office in Dell Rapids.

From day one, the focus was clear—do great work, build trust, and treat every customer like family.

Growing with Purpose

The first service offered was control system migrations, helping businesses modernize and streamline their operations. The small but mighty team—including Patrick Bunkers and Carson Merkwan—worked hard to build a reputation for getting the job done right. After just a few successful projects, word spread, and the company became a trusted name in automation.

As customer needs grew, so did the company. What started as automation has expanded into Managed IT, Software Development, Hardware Sales, Security Systems, and Engineering & Fabrication. Through it all, the mindset has stayed the same—be the team people can count on.

More Than a Business, It’s a Family

For Paul, this company is personal. It’s about more than just work—it’s about people. Whether it’s helping customers through critical outages (even if it means sleeping in his truck!) or watching team members families grow, this business is built on relationships.

Looking Ahead

The goal is simple: keep solving problems, keep growing great people, and keep building a company that makes a difference.

Honest. Hardworking. Solution-driven. That’s who we are.

What Our Clients Think

5

“We feel much safer with the new security cameras from Direct Companies. The system is reliable, and the team was very responsive throughout the entire process.”
5

“Direct Companies’ IT services have been a lifesaver. Their team is always responsive and proactive in solving any issues. Our systems have never run smoother.”
5

“Direct Companies provided excellent service with our new security cameras. Installation was quick, and the system is easy to use, providing great clarity and coverage.”
5

“The automation systems helped us streamline our processes and boost efficiency.”
5

“The managed IT services from Direct Companies have drastically improved our efficiency. Their team is professional and always available when we need them.”
4

“We’ve been using Direct Companies for our IT support, and they’ve consistently delivered great service. They are quick to respond and always provide solutions that work for us.”
5

“They did an excellent job with our electrical and mechanical systems design and fabrication. The project was completed on time, and they were always available to answer questions.”
5

“Direct Companies provided a solid security system with reliable access control and surveillance. Their quick response time and attention to detail made all the difference.”
5

“We never knew organizing our data could be this easy with the PI in the Sky system. It has made accessing and managing our data so much more efficient. Direct Companies made the whole process seamless.”
5

“The PI in the Sky system has completely transformed how we handle data. It’s easy to use, and Direct Companies provided excellent support during the entire implementation.”

5

“We never knew organizing our data could be this easy until we implemented the PI in the Sky system. Having all our data in one location has been a game changer.”
5

“Direct Companies installed our new security cameras with no hassle. The image quality is excellent, and we’ve felt much more secure since the system was installed.”
5

“The PI in the Sky system from Direct Companies has greatly improved our data accessibility and organization. We’re now able to manage everything from one platform effortlessly.”
5

“The security cameras installed by Direct Companies have given us peace of mind. The quality is outstanding, and the support team was quick to set everything up and answer our questions.”
4

“Direct Companies’ PI in the Sky system has helped streamline our data organization. The transition was smooth, and their team was always available for support when needed.”
5

“Direct Companies provides excellent IT support. They monitor our systems 24/7 and have been quick to resolve issues, minimizing downtime and keeping our business running smoothly.”
5

“Absolutely fantastic! Their attention to detail and responsiveness throughout the project made everything seamless.”
5

“Direct Companies helped us upgrade our SCADA system. Their team was very knowledgeable, and they provided great support to ensure everything was up and running efficiently.”
5

“Using the PI in the Sky system has simplified how we manage our data. The transition was smooth, and Direct Companies was there every step of the way to ensure success.”

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Partner with Direct Companies

From automation to IT, security, and fabrication—our expert brands work together to power your success. Let’s build something great.