{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"NWA Founders","title":"#33 - Todd Simmons (Simmons Foods)","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":5118,"description":"What does it take to lead a 70+ year old family-owned company into the future without losing sight of what made it successful in the first place?In this episode, we’re joined by Todd Simmons of Simmons Foods for an in-depth conversation on leadership, legacy, and building a company with a long-term vision. As a multi-generation family business rooted in Northwest Arkansas, Simmons Foods has grown by staying deeply committed to its people, its values, and the communities it serves. Todd shares thoughtful insights on what it means to lead responsibly, how family businesses can navigate growth without losing their identity, and why stewardship matters just as much as scale. We talk about making decisions with future generations in mind, developing strong leaders from within, and balancing innovation with tradition in an ever-changing industry. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or emerging leader, this episode offers meaningful perspective on leading with intention and creating impact over the long haul.SummaryTodd opens up about growing up in Siloam Springs, watching the company expand under his father and grandfather, and how that shaped his views on responsibility and work ethic. After years of learning every part of the business, he stepped into the CEO role and helped transform Simmons into a vertically integrated powerhouse.One of Todd’s greatest challenges has been maintaining Simmons’ strong internal culture through rapid expansion. He talks about how core values like servant leadership, long-term thinking, and putting people first aren’t just internal slogans, they’re guiding principles baked into how the company operates, recruits, and retains talent.Todd discusses how Simmons Foods has adapted to market changes, workforce dynamics, and supply chain challenges, all while investing in innovation and infrastructure. He also shares advice for other leaders: take care of your people, have the discipline to make hard decisions, and don’t let growth outpace...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/cZx0QH4NDDsfTzCuRyOPmG2L5qXGaYahrg-ELcKxcwc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jMzYw/MDBiMGUzNThjNjIy/ZjFmY2UxMzgyYTk3/MjdhYS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}