D ennis Washington is a self-made American industrialist with a sprawling and diversified business empire held through The Washington Companies. His story is a classic rags-to-riches tale. He grew up in modest circumstances, contracted polio as a child, and started his career by operating a single bulldozer, which he borrowed money to buy. In 1964, he founded Washington Construction, which grew into a major contractor.

His big break came when he acquired a massive, and seemingly worthless, copper mine in Montana, which he successfully reopened and made highly profitable. This provided the capital for him to build a vast industrial conglomerate. Today, The Washington Companies has interests in railroads (Montana Rail Link), marine shipping (Seaspan), and mining, among other industries. He is known for his ability to acquire and turn around distressed industrial assets. He also owns a portfolio of luxury yachts.