Dennis Mitchell Farrah built a life defined by resilience, discipline, and service. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he grew up in a poor household where hard work was the only path forward. That early experience shaped his determination to build something lasting for himself and for others.
As a young man, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, receiving an honourable discharge in 1972. The Army taught him discipline, responsibility, and focus—traits he carried into his next chapter. After returning home, Farrah pursued higher education at Roger Williams University, where he earned two bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and finance. Those fields gave him the precision of numbers and the strategy to apply them in real-world situations.
In the mid-1970s, he launched his career in accounting and tax planning. Over the next four decades, Farrah built a successful tax and retirement planning business, working with individuals, families, and small businesses. He specialised in accounting, forensic accounting, and tax filing, always prioritising clarity and trust. He avoided the securities industry, believing his strength was in helping people understand and manage the areas most essential to their financial lives.
Farrah retired in 2017, but his legacy continues. Today, he remains active in his community in Fishers, Indiana, through local politics, charitable donations, and support for food pantries and St. Jude’s Hospital. His story reflects how service, education, and persistence can shape both professional success and a meaningful life.
Success with Dennis Mitchell Farrah
What does success mean to you?
Success has never been about money alone. For me, it’s about helping people, raising a good family, and keeping integrity at the centre of what you do. Numbers were my trade, but the real value was in the trust people placed in me.
How did your upbringing shape your view of success?
I grew up poor in Boston. We didn’t have much, but we worked hard. That background gave me perspective. I knew early on that success wasn’t guaranteed—it had to be earned. And I knew that once I had it, I wanted to share it by helping others.
What role did the Army play in your success?
The Army gave me structure. Serving during the Vietnam era was difficult, but I came out of it with a strong sense of responsibility. Discipline became part of my daily life. That discipline was the backbone of my career.
How did your education contribute to your success?
After my discharge, I studied mathematics and finance at Roger Williams University. Math taught me logic, while finance taught me strategy. Together, they became the tools I used to build a business. Without those degrees, I wouldn’t have had the foundation to succeed.
What habits helped you achieve long-term success?
Routine. I started every workday reviewing client files before appointments. It kept me prepared and calm. Even now, in retirement, I use routine—bike rides in the morning, time set aside for reading. Success often comes from consistent habits.
Was there a time you failed, and what did you learn from it?
Yes. Early on, I tried to grow too quickly. I took on more clients than I could manage, and my service slipped. I learned to slow down, focus on quality, and let growth happen naturally. That lesson stayed with me for forty years.
What was the most rewarding part of your career?
The relationships. I once worked with a family for three generations. Seeing trust pass from parents to children to grandchildren reminded me that success is measured in relationships, not just balance sheets.
Do you believe success changes over time?
Absolutely. In my twenties, success meant stability. In my forties, it meant running a trusted business. Now, in retirement, success means giving back—supporting food pantries, St. Jude’s, and being active in my community. Success shifts as your life does.
What is one belief about success that most people may not share with you?
I believe success is more about service than ambition. Many think it’s about climbing as high as possible. I think it’s about lifting others as you go.
What advice would you give younger people about success?
Don’t chase quick wins. Focus on education, discipline, and honesty. Build slowly. Success that comes steady and with integrity lasts longer than anything fast and flashy.