Dennis serviced the welding supply industry for 41 years. He had a broad background in the gas and welding supply industry with general management, sales and marketing, business development, distribution and plant operations experience. Dennis was partner and VP of Sales for 10 years with National Alloy & Equipment in the Houston market and was instrumental in its sale to Praxair in August of 2011. He remained as General Sales Manager and Business Development at Linde/Praxair until his retirement in 2020. At the time of his passing, he was President and Owner of Diversified Services. & Solutions, LLC.

He has a long history of commitment to the American Welding Society for over 30 years, with several honors and awards including the Distinguished Member in 2017. He was a member of the AWS Board of Directors, elected to serve as Vice President of AWS from 2019 to 2022 and as President in 2023.

Dennis was an enthusiastic advocate for mentoring and leading youth toward a bright future within the industry. His focus as AWS President was on generational differences and preserving institutional knowledge by connecting the generations in new and unique ways.  “As we seek ways to connect across all generations,” he has stated, “there is a common theme of values that matters most to workers of every age and can be applied to the welding industry: Recognize, but do not dwell on, differences.” He was actively involved with SkillsUSA, AG Mechanics San Antonio and Houston, along with the Craft Training Center in Corpus Christi.

He was respected and beloved by the welding community. Those who knew him praised his leadership style, his ability to “listen and make you feel valued,” and his genuine and easygoing manner.  Dennis was regarded as a true professional who led by example.