DuPRIEST POP - Hiding in Plain Sight

Preventing Risks to Keep Everyone Safe

When AJ Dhorajiya first received the call from Federated Insurance^®, he hesitated. As part-owner of DuPRIEST POP, a legacy large-format screen and digital printing company in Dallas, Texas, AJ wasn't sure he needed a "safety walkthrough." His company had served customers in major U.S. cities since the 1930s. He questioned what the process entailed. Was it really necessary? Despite his doubts, AJ agreed to the visit. That single decision proved invaluable, transforming how the company approaches safety and protecting the people they care about most.

The Responsibility of Ownership

For the owners of DuPRIEST POP, business is personal. “We run the company as a family,” said Shrey Patel, part-owner at DuPRIEST POP. Shrey feels a personal responsibility for his nearly 20 employees and their families. “It’s my job to keep my employees safe and make sure no one gets hurt because we missed a safety step,” he said.

AJ carried that same weight of responsibility into the meeting with Federated Insurance Risk Consultant – Fire Specialist Cody Collett. When Cody arrived on-site, joined by a local field risk consultant, they sat down with AJ to set the stage for a walkthrough at the business. Cody explained that the walkthrough wasn't an audit to find fault. Instead, the goal was to identify potential risks, ensure compliance, and provide actionable ways to prevent hazards. This approach put AJ at ease, and also sparked his curiosity about how Federated^® could help.

Taking a Closer Look

“When I came into DuPRIEST, it was obvious they care about risk management,” Cody noted. “They are a great example of ownership that appreciates, understands, and really enjoys the things that we do for them.” From the start, the facility showed solid safety protocols. But Cody’s experience taught him that surface-level safety isn't enough.

“No matter how prepared or careful a place is, risk can often hide in plain sight,” Cody said. The facility houses a significant amount of combustible materials, from inks to solvents to cardboard and printer medium. Even when they are well-stored, any potential ignition source could be dangerous. 

Finding Invisible Danger

Cody used an infrared thermography camera to scan the facility. This tool detects heat buildup in electrical systems — heat that is invisible to the naked eye but often signals a failing component. The scan revealed a critical issue: one of the electrical breakers was running dangerously hot.

“I was initially stunned, thinking it was normal because the breaker is constantly running,” AJ admitted. He soon learned the reality of the situation. The heat was a warning sign of a potentially catastrophic fire. In an environment filled with paper and solvents, an overheated breaker could have been disastrous. “We wanted to take care of the situation so that our building was safe for our employees and customers,” AJ said.

From Discovery to Action

The discovery changed the tone of the walkthrough. Cody proceeded to walk through every section of the facility, end to end. He maintained the same diligence throughout, explaining his findings to AJ. After the visit, DuPRIEST POP received a detailed report.

AJ and Shrey wasted no time implementing every recommendation. This included adding another breaker to redistribute the power flow and eliminate the overheating risk. “Federated was very proactive in their approach,” Shrey said. “Having someone advising us on these matters allows us to focus on running the business, and feeling safe ensures we can all focus on what’s important.”

The Value of a Fresh Perspective

For DuPRIEST POP, the walkthrough was transformative. And by swiftly implementing the changes, AJ and Shrey ensured a safer environment for everyone in the building. Now, they can focus on what they do best: delivering exceptional service, care, and quality products.