Dennis Farrah is a retired financial planner, Vietnam veteran, and respected community advocate. For more than 40 years, he ran a successful tax and retirement planning business, earning a reputation for integrity, clarity, and service.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Farrah grew up in a poor family, an experience that shaped his work ethic and values. He joined the United States Army during the Vietnam era and received an honourable discharge in 1972. After his service, he pursued higher education at Roger Williams University, graduating with two bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and finance. This combination of analytical skill and financial knowledge became the cornerstone of his career.
In the mid-1970s, Farrah began his practice in accounting and tax planning. Over the decades, he helped countless families and businesses navigate financial decisions. He focused on accounting, forensic accounting, and personal tax filing, staying clear of the securities industry and concentrating on areas where he felt he could make the greatest difference.
Farrah retired in 2017 but continues to stay active in his community. Based in Fishers, Indiana, he is involved in local politics through the Democratic Party and regularly donates to food pantries and St. Jude’s Hospital.
Reflecting on his life, Farrah often emphasises values over wealth. “Being a good person and raising a good family means more to me than any business success,” he has said. His story is one of resilience, discipline, and service—qualities that have defined his career and continue to shape his legacy.
In Conversation with Dennis Farrah: A Career Built on Service and Numbers
Q: Dennis, let’s start with your early years. What was life like growing up in Boston?
A: I grew up in a very poor family in Boston. We didn’t have much, but we had each other. That experience made me value hard work and perseverance. It also made me realise how important it is to help others whenever you can.
Q: You later joined the Army. How did your military service influence your life and career?
A: Serving in Vietnam was a defining time. I learned discipline, responsibility, and resilience. When I was honourably discharged in 1972, I came back with a strong sense of duty and purpose. Those qualities carried over into my career later on.
Q: After the Army, you pursued higher education. Why did you choose mathematics and finance?
A: I’ve always liked numbers. Mathematics gave me structure and logic. Finance allowed me to connect those skills with real-world problems. At Roger Williams University, I studied both and earned degrees in each. That combination gave me the tools to build a career in financial planning.
Q: How did you get started in your business career?
A: In the mid-1970s, I started working with families and small businesses, helping them with accounting and tax planning. At first, it was just me and a few clients. But word spread. People appreciated honesty and clear advice. Over time, the business grew steadily.
Q: You ran that business for 40 years. What do you think set your practice apart?
A: I never tried to do everything. My focus was on accounting, forensic accounting, and tax filing. I stayed away from the securities industry. I felt that by concentrating on what I knew best, I could serve people more effectively. Clients trusted that I was giving them straightforward help, without overcomplicating things.
Q: Do you have any anecdotes that capture what your career meant to you?
A: I remember one family I worked with for decades. I helped the parents with their taxes, and later, their children came to me when they started businesses of their own. That continuity showed me the value of building long-term relationships. For me, it was always about people, not just numbers.
Q: What was the most rewarding part of your career?
A: The people. Helping my fellow man has always been my goal. Numbers matter, but they’re only tools. What mattered most was giving people peace of mind.
Q: You retired in 2017. How did you find the transition?
A: Retirement wasn’t easy at first. After 40 years, you get used to the rhythm of work. But it gave me time to enjoy life more—biking, golf, and boating. And it gave me time to give back in other ways.
Q: Tell us about your community work today.
A: I’m active in the Fishers Democratic Party. I also donate to local food pantries and to St. Jude’s Hospital. I’ve been blessed in life, and I feel a responsibility to give back.
Q: Looking back, what lessons would you share with others?
A: Be honest, be reliable, and focus on service. Being a good person and raising a good family means more than any business success. If you keep your values at the centre, the rest will follow.
