Corporate Leadership
Chris Simmons
Founder & CEO
Chris Simmons – Founder & CEO
Chris Simmons holds an MBA from Gardner-Webb University and a B.A. in Business Economics from Wofford College. His background includes multiple sales and marketing roles across the industrial market, ranging from Account Manager, National Sales Manager and Vice President of Sales, for several companies. Chris has also always been an avid entrepreneur, starting and selling companies throughout his career as well.
In 2015, he saw a need within the industrial market for sales professionals to advance their relationships, sales skills & knowledge of project opportunities. He decided to create the Industrial Network Group and launched the first chapter in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Since then, he has worked diligently to create a process focused on helping industrial sales professionals be successful.
Chris continues to expand the mission of the Industrial Network Group across the United States.
Paul Dunn
Strategic Outreach Manager
Paul Dunn - Strategic Outreach Manager
Paul holds post-graduate studies from Miami University and & a B.S. in Business & Education from Georgetown College. Paul's background includes extensive experience in networking, trade shows & as a sales executive for various organizations and companies.
Paul joined the Industrial Network Group in 2015 as a sales executive in an effort to grow his network, advance his sales skills & his knowledge of industrial opportunities. In 2017, he served as the Spartanburg ING Coordinator and later was promoted to become the Vice President of Business Development over all of the existing and new ING chapters. Paul's expertise in networking and business development has helped the Industrial Network Group continue to expand to new cities and states across the United States.
Shea Simmons
Membership Services
Shea Simmons - Accounting & Finance
Shea holds a MBA from Clemson University and a B.S. in Business Marketing from the University of South Carolina. She has held multiple roles for several fortune 500 companies centered around customer service, marketing, & IT services.
Shea has worked in an advisory role for the Industrial Network Ground since it officially launched in June of 2015. In September 2020, Shea joined the company full-time and now manages both accounting and event management within the ING. Shea has made immediate impact on the ING by providing guidance and recommendations to improve our chapters.
Beth Johnson
Director of Operations and Events
Beth Johnson - Operations and Event Director
Beth Johnson brings a strong foundation in leadership and systems with a B.S. in Construction Project Management and Housing from the University of Minnesota. She also holds certifications as a Certified Director of Operations and Accredited Online Business Manager.
With a background spanning both public and private sectors, Beth has served as a project manager, purchasing coordinator, educator, and operational strategist. She is also the owner of Firefly Consulting Group, where she provides Director of Operations and OBM services to small business owners looking to streamline and scale. Her passion lies in reducing overwhelm for business leaders so they can stay focused on what they do best—growing their businesses with confidence.
She is part of multiple associations nationally and locally that empower and support small business owners to grow their businesses and help them to the next level within their industries.