If you were to ask Dennis Corley what excites him most about his role as Director of Lending and Investing at Three Roots Capital, he can sum it up simply: “It’s about creating opportunities for business owners to achieve their goals and dreams through financing that enables their success. That financing often requires creativity and sophistication.”
Dennis joined the Three Roots team in 2017 after spending more than 30 years in the IT industry, where he served in leadership roles including founder, CEO, and COO. Since coming on board, he has helped businesses secure more than $46 million in capital. His decades of experience honed his skills in critical thinking and problem solving, which are essential to financial underwriting and investment due diligence. He also gained experience in growing and selling businesses, having led two successful exits as a CEO.
These experiences allow Dennis to relate to Three Roots’ clients on a personal level. “I’ve been there,” he said. “I know what it takes to grow, lead, and sustain a business through every stage of its lifecycle.”
While Three Roots’ approach is often described through its core pillars of capital, connections, and coaching, Dennis likes to highlight a fourth: collaboration.
“We believe our ecosystem is stronger when we all work together for the greater good and no one is worried about who gets the credit,” Dennis said. “When we collaborate, we can leverage the vast assets of this region to grow, attract, and retain the types of businesses that make our community thrive. In effect, when we collaborate, we put our best foot forward.”
Throughout his time at Three Roots, Dennis has contributed to several transformative projects, including 625 North Broadway, Protomet Rockwood expansion, Girl Talk House, TreisD, and Blank Beauty. Each represents a unique intersection of innovation, community impact, and partnership.
625 North Broadway – Historic Sanitary Laundry Building
In partnership with SouthEast Bank and the State of Tennessee’s LendTN program, Three Roots is providing financing to support McCarty Holsaple McCarty (MHM) in renovating a 100-year-old historic building near downtown Knoxville. The project, a former dry cleaner, has undergone environmental remediation and energy-efficient upgrades while preserving its historic architecture. The building will soon serve as MHM’s new headquarters and has two tenant spaces on the lower level.
Protomet Rockwood Expansion
Three Roots collaborated with Regions Bank to finance the acquisition and renovation of an abandoned sock mill in Rockwood for Protomet Corporation, a leader in maritime manufacturing. The project is expected to create over 200 new jobs and strengthen the area’s industrial base.
Girl Talk House
Working with SouthEast Bank and the LendTN program, Three Roots helped this nonprofit expand its footprint to better serve local girls and young women. In 2023, Girl Talk reached 467 participants, more than 80 percent of whom were low-to-moderate income individuals. The expanded facility will allow the organization to serve more than 800 girls annually, adding computer access and other educational resources.
TreisD
TriesD is a 3D imaging and printing technology company that relocated from Atlanta to Knoxville with support from Three Roots, the University of Tennessee, and the Knoxville Chamber. Three Roots used its Impact Fund and the LendTN program to provide flexible financing for TreisD’s new operations in Mascot, Tennessee, which will create 50 jobs and strengthen new technology growth in the region.
Blank Beauty
Blank Beauty develops hardware and software for customizable cosmetic manufacturing using robotic kiosks. Three Roots invested alongside international partners Epson and RPM in a recent equity round and is exploring financing for a multi-store rollout with a major retailer.
When asked why communities should prioritize supporting small businesses, especially in underserved areas, Dennis returns to the Three Roots philosophy.
“Communities that make capital accessible help businesses grow, and that growth feeds the community in return. Connections provide referrals, mentors, and partnerships that strengthen the ecosystem. And coaching helps business owners discover what they don’t yet know and address their business needs. That’s where organizations like Three Roots can make a real difference.”
For entrepreneurs looking to build lasting relationships with lenders, Dennis offers straightforward advice.
“Communicate early and often. Build relationships with your lender before you need to borrow. When challenges arise, transparency and timely communication can make all the difference.”
Three Roots’ president and CEO Grady Vanderhoofven said: “Dennis brings an impressive range of skills and qualities to our organization, but what I admire most is that he is the consummate team player. As the lead for 3Roots on multiple projects, initiatives, and relationships, he combines leadership with collaboration—always encouraging and supporting those around him. He’s also a sharp strategic thinker whose insights I value deeply. When I ask for his perspective, Dennis provides thoughtful, well-informed input rooted in a genuine commitment to the team’s success rather than personal agenda.”
“I’ve known Dennis for 24 years, and when I reached out to him eight years ago to join 3Roots, I knew he’d be an outstanding addition. From day one, he has added real value to our enterprise, and in recent years he has truly hit his stride. Dennis isn’t just a colleague—he’s a friend and a foundational part of who we are as an organization. He’s one of our tap roots,” he continued.
Outside of his work at Three Roots, Dennis channels his passion for teaching into another field: golf. A certified putting instructor for more than six years, he has coached professional mini-tour players, collegiate athletes, and high school competitors. You can learn more about his putting instruction at dcputt.com.