Planned P. Graham Dunn transition brought forward following family business founder’s injury 

Gift leader Peter Dunn has handed the reins of his family-run company to the next generation.

The 64-year-old has stepped down as president, naming son, Paul, and son-in-law, Joe Knutson, as co-presidents of the Dalton, Ohio-based company known for combining an accent on rustic styles with innovation.

The transition planned for some time in the future was brought forward after Dunn broke a femur in a cycling accident in September. Dunn remains owner of the business, where his voice will continue to greet telephone callers.

“We expect that Peter will be lending his time and energy and expertise to various projects, but he will no longer be responsible for day-to-day operations,” said Knutson, who has been with the company for six years. “There is not going to be an abrupt change in the way the business operates.”

Founded in the basement of his home in 1977, Dunn’s business, which employs around 100, has grown into a 104,000-square-foot center not far from the family farm. The company won a CBA Impact Award for its product development in 2006, and Dunn served on the trade association’s board as a gift supplier representative for three years.

While maintaining an emphasis on art, wall decor and plaques, the company has added other lines and introduced personalization laser engraving centers currently in around 150 stores. In addition, P. Graham Dunn runs six retail outlets, previously overseen by Knutson. 

It was an ideal time for a transition of leadership, Knutson said. “As a company, we have really scratched and clawed to work our way through this downturn, and we have found new ways of manufacturing, innovation and taking our business in new directions.

“While Peter has certainly been the driving force behind the company over the past number of years, he has really put a lot of onus on the next generation developing and building on these ideas,” he added. “We are well prepared to do this.” 

Among the company’s changes in the last couple of years have been reduced price points to meet consumer demand. As part of that move, P. Graham Dunn recently introduced a new line of 6-by-4-inch miniature prints. Featuring some of the company’s most popular designs, they retail for under $10 each.