Don Simmons
Bio:
Don established Simmons Capital Group in 1988 and became one of the first fee based registered investment advisor firms in Upstate New York. With over 30 years’ experience in portfolio design and management, business continuity and estate planning and income tax preparation Don continues to serve as chairman of the company’s Investment Committee. Don has also been a founding partner for other businesses including Real Estate Development, IT Staffing as well as the fastest growing HR consulting firm in New York’s Capital Region.
In 2007 Don learned of an international fund which is focused on economic and social development throughout the poorest regions of the world. Don soon began to utilize his business experience and training to serve as a business mentor and coach with some of the small business held by the fund. He now serves in a deeper capacity with the fund and makes numerous trips each year to, “places you wouldn’t choose for a vacation,” so that he can connect with like-minded business owners and collaborate with like-minded investors. Through the global network of relationships developed by the fund, pressing needs of businesses and their employees are uncovered. Don is passionate about collaborating to bring intellectual, technical and financial solutions to support sustainable wholistic transformational impact within missional businesses among the least reached and most impoverished regions of the world.
Life:
Don has been married to Amy since 1989. Their home is a hub of activity for their four children and a steady stream of guests. In addition to family, Don’s passions include flying an antique (1948) seaplane, mentoring small businesses in the poorest regions of the globe, cooking pizza in his wood fired pizza oven and serving as a board member for numerous charities.