A native of Bessemer, Peter Simmons, owner of Simmons Distributing Company, is one of the nicest men you will ever meet. An unpretentious man, he opened Simmons Distributing Co. in Bessemer in the early 1980s.
Today, he owns Simmons Distributing Co. and Fishbonz Tackle Co.
Entering his office, Peter’s love of the outdoors greets you. The paneled walls are adorned with mounted deer, pheasants, bass, a bull dolphin and black bear, along with bass prints. This successful businessman is always hard at work on Second Avenue and 20th Street, North — driving a forklift, stocking shelves or loading a truck.
A man’s man, Peter is admired and respected in the community for his commitment to his business and family.
What is Simmons Distributing Company?
Peter: Simmons Distributing fell in line with what we were selling. It gave us the opportunity to buy at a deeper discount because of our volume.
Today, Simmons sells to several of the big box retailers along with many independent retailers. We ship products all over the country.
What products do you sell?
Peter: Among our name brand products include Lew’s, Zoom, Strike King, Berkley, Gamakatsu and Lucky Craft.
Tell me about your family?
Peter: I was born in 1966, the youngest of five children of the late Betty and Ralph W. Simmons, Sr.
I have been married for 30 years to Melanie Russell Simmons, and we have one daughter, Mary Harper Simmons.
Tell me about the family business?
Peter: My father, Ralph W. Simmons, Sr., opened Simmons Pawn Shop on Second Avenue and 20th Street, North in 1945. In the early 70s, Simmons changed to Simmons Sporting Goods.
I would often walk to the store after school to work. I began working full-time in the retail business in 1984.
Do you have a favorite television series?
Peter: The British—American television drama series, Outlander.
When did you receive this significant plaque?
Peter: In 2004, I was given this certificate of appreciation plaque from the U.S. Army, 1st Cavalry Division. It was in recognition of our donation of 100s of rods, reels and fishing tackle to the U.S. troops stationed at Camp Liberty in Baghdad.
This was during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The soldiers also received 500 T-shirts which read Iraqi Fishing Expedition.
Are you a collector?
Peter: Yes, sir. I enjoy collecting old fishing tackle, particularly crank baits and tackle boxes. I have 100s of Zoom WEC crank baits.
I also collect vintage fishing and hunting advertisements (posters). A centerpiece of my office is the Trace Distillery Buffalo.
What is your favorite meal?
Peter: My favorite meal is chicken and dumplings with fried okra, green beans, carrots and for dessert, soft serve vanilla ice cream.
What gives you joy?
Peter: Seeing my daughter happy as she achieves her goals.