History of DEI

In 1985, Richard Grow and a partner purchased the sales and service division of a bank equipment company to create Design, Equipment and Interiors (DEI). Three years later, Richard took over full responsibility of the company and began building a solid employee foundation and management team. The additional staff gave Richard the relief he needed to focus on advancing the company. 

In 1997, DEI changed the focus of the company to designing and constructing financial facilities and the name Design, Equipment and Interiors no longer represented all of the company's capabilities. Now that DEI was gaining recognition, completely changing the name was out of the question. After much contemplation, DEI become both the name of the company and a simple mission statement for employees -- dedication, ethics and innovation. Changing the name was only the beginning. After many years of leasing space, DEI moved to its permanent home in Forest Park, Ohio -- a 15,000 square foot building custom-designed by DEI staff. 

DEI has evolved into a strong, forward-thinking architectural design/build company. Each year has seen DEI expand its horizons to better serve the financial industry. To date, DEI has designed, built or remodeled over 1,700 financial facilities. Today, DEI's purpose is to provide state-of-the-art retail facilities with value added features designed to help clients improve their return on investment.

Over the last several years DEI has received amazing recognition. First, MSNBC unanimously selected DEI as Terry Bradshaw's Pick of the Week, which aired nationally. Twice in three years, DEI was recognized as one of the 50 Fastest Growing privately-held companies in the region, which encompasses over 30,000 companies. In 2007, DEI made Inc. Magazine's "Inc. 5,000" as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.

With the continued success of the company, DEI re-branded to reflect its continued commitment to innovative design. Unveiled in January 2007, the new logo was carefully designed to represent both DEI's dedication to design and the science of building. Later in 2007, Richard announced Ned Compton as DEI's President. Ned has 21 years of experience in the banking industry including 11 years as the President and CEO of a large regional bank. Still strategically involved in the company, Richard assumed the role of Chairman and CEO while Ned is responsible for day-to-day operations.

DEI looks forward to continued growth and creative ways to improve our clients' bottom line. At DEI, we design and build to grow your business.