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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Andrea Sipka - General Manager Andrea studied marketing and business management at Davenport University in Michigan. She has served on several boards including Gastonia East Rotary, Montcross Chamber of Commerce, and the Ladies Golf Association. Before being appointed as General Manager of the Industrial Network Group, she was a member, coordinator, and state director for the organization. Andrea has more than 30 years in a variety of sales, sales management, professional development, and project management positions. She enjoys being a connector, change agent and talent advocate. The Industrial Network Group is excited to have her dedicated leadership and vision as we take the organization to the next level.
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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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Beth Johnson - Event Coordinator Beth Johnson earned her B.S. degree in Construction Project Management and Housing from the University of Minnesota. Her background includes working within both the Public and Private sectors as a project manager, purchasing coordinator, operational support, and education. She is also the Owner of Firefly VA Services which offers, Online Business Management and Administrative Consulting to small business owners that need project management, marketing implementation, and administrative support for their businesses. Beth loves the ability to lessen the stress and chaos for others so they can do what they are best at. 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. Beth is the newest part of ING being the events manager that coordinates and handles all events for ING.
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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. ![]() |