Meeting Dennis McGarry

Background
People who know Dennis would describe him as hardworking, determined, persistent, positive, bright, ethical and caring.

Dennis, the oldest of five (5) children, grew up in a close-knit family. Because his Dad served in the Navy, Dennis moved constantly within the U.S. As a teenager he learned the importance of being flexible, as he had to adapt to attending six (6) junior high schools and four (4) high schools.

Dennis’ family was of modest means, so Dennis’ entrepreneurial spirit was sparked at an early age as he had to pay for his own clothes and entertainment. You could see him every weekend carrying his bucket of supplies down the street as he went house-to-house generating odd jobs. No work was beneath him. He washed cars, cleaned windows, waxed floors, mowed lawns, shined shoes, and the list goes on. As a kid, he earned excellent income helping others while honing his self taught entrepreneurial skills.

Education
Dennis McGarry completed his B.A. degree at the University of South Florida (USF) with a major in finance in 1967. He was one of a few students who received the University’s Scholar Award in his senior year. In 1969, he earned his MBA at the University of Florida, which serving as President of his class. In 1980, he was the recipient of the USF Outstanding Alumni Award.

Family
Dennis and his wife Kaye Bernard McGarry have been married for forty-one (41) years. They have four (4) grown children and three (3) granddaughters. Family is important to him.

Serving Others
Besides working long hours in his business, he always makes the time to be involved in his community and church. He helps drive senior citizens to doctor appointments and church throughout the year. He delivers Friendship Tray meals to shut-ins. Come Christmas, you’ll see him wearing his Santa hat and ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at a local shopping center. He’s a major donor for the annual picnic for the disabled and helps direct traffic for this event. He’s also a major donor and volunteer for the Sweet Tea Jubilee in Charlotte, where proceeds go to the Levine Children’s Hospital, and for Birthday Blessings, where homeless children in Charlotte receive a special birthday party with wrapped gifts.

He has served on a number of civic, cultural and charity boards, including the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, UNCC Athletic Foundation, Opera Carolina, Charlotte Dilworth-Southend Rotary, Physically Disabled Adults, and Cultural and Heritage Foundation. He has also served on St. Gabriel’s Pastoral Council.