Bill Simon Tells Secrets of Business Success

By Woody Jenkins, Editor, Central City News — With more than 60 years in business in Baton Rouge, Bill Simon is a living legend in the business community.  Simple Simon Tires is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction, quality, and integrity.

With that in mind, on Dec. 27, the Chamber of Commerce of East Baton Rouge Parish invited Bill Simon to share with their members the secrets of his success in business.  He was joined that day by former Baker Mayor Pete Heine, 94, who also spoke.

Simon recalled his background of being born in 1936 in the midst of the Depresssion to a family with nine children.  His mom was by herself trying to raise the family. They were so poor, friends suggested she turn the kids over to the state.  But they all worked hard and survived. Bill left the farm at age 14 and began to work. He was drafted into the Army and later worked in the oil field, ending up in Baton Rouge. In 1959, he had a chance to go to an Esso training program for prospective service station operators.  As he was learning the business, a friend lent him $1,500 for some advanced equipment. He didn’t know much but he worked hard and learned more and more.  His stores set sales records, attracting the attention of his national suppliers.  He finally ended up with a number of locations and a loyal team of employees.  His prize-winning, hilarious TV commercials spread his fame and his business far and wide.

Here are some of Bill Simon’s secrets to success in business:

• Do the right thing and do the best you can.

• People shop price until they find someone they can trust.  Be someone they can trust!

• Be good to people. You never know who you might need to cross that bridge.

• When you surround yourself with good people and they believe in the cause and themselves, they can do anything.

• When you make bologna sandwiches for the men and sit around the shop eating with them and they’re making good money, it’s amazing how loyal they will be.

• Never do anything new without talking to your people and getting their opinion.

• My job is to bring out the best in people.

• We all need a mentor.  Learn from him!

• Don’t say I, it’s always we.

• Love this country,

• When things get tough, pray and hold on to each other.   — Woody Jenkins, editor