Meet Dennis
Dennis is a Partner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. He founded Chapel & Collins in 2004 before the firm integrated with Mercer Advisors in 2024. Dennis began his financial services career in 1995. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, Certified Investment management Analyst®, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. He earned a B.S. degree in commerce from DePaul University and a MBA from the University of Denver. In addition to his professional career, he serves as a reserve officer in the United States Navy, holding the rank of rear admiral and currently assigned as the reserve deputy chief of Naval Operations for Installations and Logistics.
Dennis’s specialties
At Mercer Advisors, all of our wealth advisors provide a highly personalized approach, backed by a team of specialists that ensure every part of your financial list is addressed. Additionally, Dennis has focused experience in these areas:
- Support for business owners, from growth and succession to liquidity events and legacy planning
- Life changes after the loss of a spouse, from estate transitions to long-term planning
- Guiding clients through living in retirement with steady income and smart planning
- Complexities of inherited wealth, from taxes to legacy
- For business owners, advice on selling your business to help maximize value — and plan what comes next
His working style
Dennis is dedicated to guiding his clients through significant wealth decisions that span generations. Known for his clear communication, he simplifies even the most complex financial concepts, helping to bring clarity and simplicity to his clients’ lives.
Dennis in real life
How do you give back?
I serve as a senior reserve officer in the U.S. Navy, which has been part of my life for more than 30 years.
Favorite thing about where you live?
I enjoy the outdoors year round: skiing, hiking, biking, and fishing.
What keeps you busy outside of work?
We have two super busy and athletic daughters.
Dennis’s snapshots
The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, gained through telephone, virtual and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years’ experience, and the algorithm evaluates best practices, such as service models, investing models, compliance records as well as revenue trends, assets under management and industry experience. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings.
Please Note: Limitations. Neither rankings and/or recognitions by unaffiliated rating services, publications, media, or other organizations, nor the achievement of any professional designation, certification, degree, or license, membership in any professional organization, or any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that they will experience a certain level of results if Mercer Advisors or its investment professionals are engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A fee was not paid by either Mercer Advisors or its investment professionals to receive the award or ranking. The award or ranking is based upon specific criteria and methodology. No ranking or recognition should be construed as an endorsement by any past or current client of Mercer Advisors or its investment professionals.
Meet Dennis’s Teammates
Brian Samson
Managing Partner
What Dennis Says
Brian invests in people, elevates their confidence, and shapes teams that can achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Stephen L. West
Sr. Wealth Advisor
What Dennis Says
Stephen works every day with calm precision and composed judgement, relentlessly focused on delivering meaningful outcomes for the clients he serves.
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Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2024: The rankings, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, gained through telephone, virtual and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years’ experience, and the algorithm evaluates best practices, such as service models, investing models, compliance records as well as revenue trends, assets under management and industry experience. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings.
Please Note: Limitations. Neither rankings and/or recognitions by unaffiliated rating services, publications, media, or other organizations, nor the achievement of any professional designation, certification, degree, or license, membership in any professional organization, or any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that they will experience a certain level of results if Mercer Advisors or its investment professionals are engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A fee was not paid by either Mercer Advisors or its investment professionals to receive the award or ranking. The award or ranking is based upon specific criteria and methodology. No ranking or recognition should be construed as an endorsement by any past or current client of Mercer Advisors or its investment professionals.