40 years of DAI

John Buck left DAI
soon after its founding
but returned in 1980
as Vice President
of Finance and
Management.
18
To the Homestead
The growth spurt of the late 1970s was understandably
exhilarating. Until 1977, DAI had
never posted a profit. In fiscal year 1978, it had
net income of $38,000 on sales of $1.4 million.
In fiscal 1979, DAI earned twice as much
on revenues just under $2 million. In physical
terms, the company was also spreading out:
after outgrowing the townhouse on Jefferson
Place, it leased part of the house next door and
one floor on another across the street. The number
of shareholders expanded from 3 to 10 after
a stock offering at the end of 1978. Although the
amount invested by purchasers was modest in
dollar terms, this step helped solidify the senior
team and demonstrated their commitment to
DAI’s future. Annual stock offerings became the