As with so many of his associates in the specialty parts business, Dennis got his start because he had an interest in racing—drag racing to be specific. He owned a dragster that toured the NHRA circuit, and he later became involved in the international distribution of performance parts. Beyond his role as president of Direct Parts Inc., he has served many terms on the SEMA Board of Directors, was on the Executive Committee and many other SEMA committees, and acted as a consultant for SEMA on industry-related issues.