Skip to content

The Direct Journey

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

Meet the Team Behind the Work

Learn who we are, what we value, and how we show up for clients.

How It Started

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.

Contact Us Today

Partner with Direct Companies

From automation to IT, security, and fabrication, our teams work together to support your most critical systems. Let's build something that lasts.

Download the Controls Risk Checklist

Fill out the form to access the 10 point checklist and see where downtime risk is building.

7 Common Tank Gauging System Headaches

Download the Emerson white paper on tank gauging accuracy, safety compliance, and modernization.