After working in private equity for nearly a decade, Chris DiPreta decided to flex his entrepreneurial muscles. He acquired Art Installation Design, specializing in fine art handling and logistics, from founder Tom Zoufaly in March. The company Zoufaly started in 1984 works with notable museums, galleries, and private collectors across the country, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the New York Historical Society, and the Neue Galerie. Its services include installing multimillion-dollar paintings in private homes and corporate offices as well as transporting art between museums for traveling exhibitions.

A government major at Dartmouth, DiPreta never imagined he would work in the art world. “I was fortunate to have taken a number of art history classes,” he says, “so, while I didn’t major in the field, ultimately it was the starting point of an enduring kind of interest.”

For years DiPreta aspired to own his own company but hadn’t found the right fit. When he met Zoufaly, he says, “I felt I had found a gem with a company that provides the best service in its industry.” Now as a partner of the 40-year-old company, DiPreta has sought to modernize Art Installation Design and make it more efficient without compromising the quality of service, which he believes larger companies can’t compete with. “I feel that he’s going to be an asset and move my company forward,” Zoufaly says.

DiPetra says stepping outside his comfort zone has been rewarding. “Many careers are nonlinear, and I’ve had the most fun just taking risks rather than following a path.”