Our week kicked off with a heaping helping of Southern Illinois history as Beck Simonds, President of E.T. Simonds Construction, joined our team at The Villa-Pizza Villa to share the story behind one of the region's most respected family businesses. 🏗️

Beck took us back to the very beginning, when his grandparents started E.T. Simonds with little more than a pickup truck, a wheelbarrow, and a few tools. Our young professionals were moved by that humble start and by how Beck, his sister, and his cousins continue to carry their grandparents' legacy forward today. As one team member reflected, it's a powerful reminder that every business has to begin somewhere, and that lasting success is built through hard work, perseverance, and long-term vision.

Many of our team members were surprised to learn that E.T. Simonds is a group of five companies working together, including the Anna Quarry and Illini Asphalt, which produce materials used by E.T. Simonds Construction. Beck also walked us through how road projects are bid and overseen in partnership with IDOT, shared photos of roadways from when they were first built alongside the work being done on them now, and opened our eyes to how much weather, safety, and timing shape the construction industry.

A few other takeaways that stuck with our young professionals:
🔹 E.T. Simonds still stands by the belief that no job is too small
🔹 Thriving, multi-generational businesses can and do grow right here in Southern Illinois
🔹 True community support is given generously, without expecting anything in return

For one team member, the visit felt especially personal. Their grandfather worked for E.T. Simonds for nearly thirty years, and hearing Beck speak brought a whole new appreciation for the breadth of the company.

Thank you, Beck, for your time, your openness, and for giving our team such a meaningful look at your family's story. Your visit also set the perfect stage for our tour of the Anna Quarry the following day! We're so grateful for partners like E.T. Simonds who invest in the next generation of Union County leaders. 💙

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