Dennis smith:
A Minnesota Story with
Humble Beginnings
Dennis grew up in White Bear Lake, where his father, a military veteran, ran a milk delivery service.
Dennis spent many hours of his youth helping his father in his milk truck. He graduated from White Bear Lake High School. Over his teenage years he won multiple national championships in BMX racing.
At North Dakota State University, Dennis served as President of Phi Beta Lambda for the entire state of North Dakota and President of Toastmasters in Fargo.
Post-graduation Dennis worked for AT&T in a variety of roles, including three years at the worldwide headquarters in New Jersey.
Uniting the rights of families,
businesses and employees
Dennis watched his father struggle with running his business.
This had a profound impact on Dennis and led to a career change. He attended law school at night at William Mitchell College of Law while working during the day in the communications industry. He then opened his own law practice upon graduation focusing on representing businesses and families.
Dennis also taught his kids how to skate and play hockey and coached them for fifteen years. He led the Osseo Maple Grove Hockey Association as President, where he was elected for two terms. Dennis’s desire to serve his community inspired him to run for State Representative of Maple Grove and Osseo in 2014.
Principles over politics
As a legislator, Dennis received numerous awards for his
zealous protection of consumer rights, Minnesota
businesses, and the environment.
He became known as a bridge builder for his fairness. His commitment resulted in Governor Dayton signing into law a record number of the bipartisan bills Dennis authored and co-authored.
Dennis has been
recognized by:
- Minnesota Retailers Association, 2016
- Minnesota Grocers Association Hero of the Food Industry, 2016
- Builders Association of the Twin Cities, Legislator of the Year, 2017
- League of Minnesota Cities, Legislator of Distinction, 2017
- Minnesota for Lawsuit Reform, Legislative Champion, 2017
- Green Industry Advocate of the Year, 2018
Service to family and community
Dennis remains active in his community today.
Dennis has two grown children. Lillian graduated from the University of Minnesota and lives in New York City. Buchanan is entering his junior year at the University of Minnesota.
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