Employee Ownership Through ESOP: How D4 Solutions Honors its Founding Principles

Founding of ComGraphics in 1980

In 1980, D4 Solutions was born as ComGraphics, a family-owned business with roots that stretch deep into customer service and innovation. In a recent interview, Denise Kretzer, the former owner and president, reflected on the company’s journey—one that began with her father, Bill Dwyer, whose vision was built on trust, hard work, and a dedication to solving client problems.

Bill Dwyer's Vision and Early Dedication

Bill, with a background in data processing, started ComGraphics by converting sensitive documents onto microfiche for heavily regulated industries like healthcare, insurance, and finance. This was a time when business deals were sealed with a handshake, and Bill often found himself driving to hospitals to personally collect data from mainframe computers or working late nights to ensure paper records were meticulously transferred to microfiche. His 6’7” frame and welcoming demeanor became synonymous with the brand, and many clients who started with ComGraphics are still loyal to D4 Solutions today, remembering Bill and Denise’s early dedication.

Growth and Adaptability of ComGraphics

As client demands grew, so did ComGraphics. The company evolved from handling data storage to offering print services, and when outsourced mailing services didn’t meet Bill’s high standards, he didn’t hesitate to invest in equipment to bring those capabilities in-house. This adaptability became a hallmark of the business.

Denise Kretzer's Leadership and Commitment

Denise officially joined the team in 1990, learning the ins and outs of every machine and every job. She valued the loyalty of the employees who had become like family and committed herself to the same high standards her father set. When Denise decided it was time to step away from the business, her priority was preserving the company’s culture of putting customers first, working hard, and fostering positivity.

Preserving a Legacy Through ESOP and Rebranding as D4 Solutions: The Next Chapter

To honor this legacy, she transitioned ComGraphics into an employee-owned (ESOP) company, ensuring that the success of the business would be shared with the team that had built it. In 2022, ComGraphics rebranded as D4 Solutions and moved into a cutting-edge 85,000-square-foot facility, better reflecting its modern focus. D4 stands for Dynamic Data, Document, and Digital Solutions, positioning the company at the forefront of an evolving market while staying true to its core values. With Denise’s longtime business partner, Angelica Kemlage, at the helm, the company continues to grow, supported by a loyal team—many of whom have been with the company for over a decade. At D4 Solutions, the core values remain the same: customer first, work smart, encourage others, and keep a positive attitude.

Denise’s Reflections on the ESOP Transition

Reflecting on the rebranded ESOP company that D4 Solutions is now, Denise said, “When I began thinking about the company’s future and my own exit strategy, I explored several options, but the more I learned about ESOPs—it was just a no-brainer! In going the ESOP route, it was an all-around WIN, and since I did not have children of my own to pass the company to, it was an option that I know my father would have been very proud of and happy with, which was important to me. But ultimately, the two key reasons that made going ESOP most attractive to me were, first, that I could handpick my successor and have a hand in rebuilding the new leadership team—a team that I knew would maintain and prioritize the core values and philosophies that CGI was built on, surrounding our client relationships and the importance of outstanding customer service. Secondly, becoming an ESOP would provide so many of our loyal, long-tenured employees with an additional financial benefit and a feeling of true ownership in the company. All of these factors made the decision quite clear for me, and I could not be more proud of the job the new team has done and the direction the company has taken since my retirement!”

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