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Minnesota ReaL Estate Hall of Fame Induction – 2019

Motivated by growth and hard work

The success of the organizations that Dennis has worked for and built from the ground up has fueled a wonderful legacy and developed strong relationships with people all over the world. His influence, entrepreneurial spirit and gift for real estate gave him a positive place in the industry he has loved for 35+ years and enabled him to be generous throughout his life.

Dennis Doyle started his career in real estate as an adolescent who spent his summers working construction for his neighbor, George Welsh. During that period, his passion for construction and development grew exponentially. Part of the credit, according to Dennis belongs to his older brothers who forced him to work harder to keep up. He left real estate briefly to attend college on a football scholarship, with the intention of becoming a coach. He soon realized this was not his true goal and returned home to continue his career developing and constructing buildings. In 1977, Dennis and George entered into a handshake agreement, that formed the Welsh Companies, and this handshake deal shaped the next 35 years of Dennis’ life. Reflecting on this story, and on his subsequent career, he said, “I love being able to put my personal touch on buildings and am very fortunate to have found my life’s passions and being able to continue working in this field.”

George Welsh, Dennis Doyle, and the start of Welsh Companies: According to Dennis, George was a simple man, who did not attend college and spent most of his career working as a train conductor. George’s values regarding work are as simple as one would expect from Dennis’ characterization of him, first, do the right thing and second, work hard every day. These values shaped the culture of Welsh Companies. 

Welsh Companies employed around 300 people across the seven companies that made up its family of businesses. The decision to position the company into a full-service real estate firm began in 1981, and was the result of Dennis’ belief that a multifaceted company will give the company the opportunity to win as much business as possible, while providing clients with as many quality services as they require to successfully manage their real estate investment. Dennis accredits this company structure to his entrepreneurial spirit; he was constantly striving to improve the world around him and bring creative insights into solving these problems.

In 2009, Dennis sold Welsh Companies to Jean Kane. Shortly thereafter, Welsh Companies was purchased by Colliers International and Colliers International Minneapolis still operates today.

After the sale of Welsh Companies, Dennis, with his business partner, Ted Jokerst formed Wildamere Properties and Wildamere Capital Management (Wildamere). Wildamere currently owns and manages a real estate portfolio of approximately 6.5 million square feet as well as pursuing opportunities for future investments. Up to his retirement Dennis held a real estate broker’s license in Minnesota and was a member of the Board of Directors of Tradition Capital Bank located in Minnesota.