Chris Simmons – Founder & CEOChris 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 - Vice President of Business Development 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.
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Shaylyn Simmons - Member Marketing Shaylyn holds a B.A. in Public Relations and Management from the University of South Carolina. She has held multiple roles centered around social media, marketing, public relations and communications. Shaylyn first joined the Industrial Network Group as the Social Media Coordinator to promote all existing & new chapters and members. In 2020, Shaylyn was promoted to handle all Marketing & Communications activities within the ING. From managing social media, graphic design, digital marketing and connecting members to manufacturers, Shaylyn has helped the Industrial Network Group's branding and growth.
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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.
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Sandi Owen - Marketing & Communications Sandi holds a B.A. in Communications from Auburn University. Her diverse background includes radio broadcast announcing and commercial voice work, advertising and public relations agency experience, sales management, as well as marketing and CRM strategy. Sandi started as an ING member in 2020 to increase her industrial and manufacturing network connections. Soon after, she took on the role of coordinator with the Pee Dee Chapter. She now helps out on the ING Corporate side with member and prospective member outreach efforts.
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Tracy Cook - Event Manager & Administration Tracy Cook earned a BS in Secondary English Education from the University of South Carolina Upstate and a Master’s in Technology in Education from Lesley University. Her background includes teaching, curriculum development, technology implementation, and website design. She is also the founder of a small nonprofit animal rescue. Tracy is serving in the role of Event Manager & Administration for the ING. Tracy handles scheduling our chapter's events and communicating events to our chapter coordinators and members.
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Starr McKinney - Social Media Coordinator Starr McKinney earned a BA in English and Education at the University of NC in Charlotte. Her background includes teaching, purchasing, property development & management, marketing & public relations. She is president of Southern Starr Promotions, offering social media marketing, email campaigns, and customized services to local businesses. This includes networking events through Love Local Upstate, a non-profit she initiated to promote locally owned businesses. Regarded as an evangelist for entrepreneurs, Starr’s motto is “Let someone social, handle your social media!” Starr served as Secretary of the SC Tooling and Machining Association for many years and is now using her training and skills to assist Total Industrial, the marketing & sales division of the Industrial Network Group, as the Social Media Coordinator. She also manages all social media for the ING. ![]() |