Water Well Journal
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/752472
"George is a rarity, and a real contradiction in some ways, too," Phillips says. "He's street-smart, yet with a keen and very educated sense of what works in most situations, and how—with insights honed from experience. George is loyal, even to a fault, and a man of his word; with him, there's never a need for a signed document." Phillips offered an experience of his own to point to the "amazing goodness of George Simas." "My family and I went to Boston for a visit. George took us to Jimmy's Harborside," Phillips tells it. "Whole, fresh lobsters were served and my 12-year-old son Mason had very quietly slipped a lobster claw into the end of his sleeve. George was quick to see it and one of the waiters snapped a photo. Years later when I went into his office, there it was, with a 'Lobster Boy!' label. That memento on his wall was just a small indication of the uniqueness of George." Lesson lasts a lifetime Simas' older son, George III, or "GL," feels forever grate- ful to his father for opening a door into this industry and for his introductions to the Swan family. "Both changed my life!" "My dad is the most passionate, loyal, and honest person I know," he says. "As a mentor and more importantly as a father, he has created a standard I strive for every day. "From his humble beginnings in Cambridge to his role as president of Flexcon, my dad's journey evolved from six city blocks to a global business strategist and I couldn't be more amazed or proud of his life and business accomplishments." George's younger son, Jim, mirrors his brother's senti- ments. He adds, "My dad has an innate ability to reach people and to leave a lasting impression. His passion is truly singu- lar, loyalty never challenged, and love of family and friends is the foundation for everything in life. To say I was fortunate to grow up with his guidance is truly an understatement." Dee Davis met Simas back in the mid-1990s. Today, Davis is president of Franklin Electric's North America Water Sys- tems. They shared similar backgrounds as kids: a rough-and- tumble world full of challenges and opportunity. "We both hustled and learned the value of hard work," Davis says. "George had real respect for all people: the warehouse worker, a guy under the truck, and yet he quickly related to those around the boardroom, too. "He taught me a lot about caring and passion, and doing work right. When George walks into a room, he brings with him a unique energy and passion. He's ethical, tenacious, funny, and amazingly consistent with customers, even while allowing friendships to develop. And that's why our friend- ship developed, and why my wife Karima enjoys friendships with George and Joanne too." Swan song Joe Swan, chairman of the Swan Group, has known George for more than 40 years. "George has my utmost respect and highest regard. He's an exceptionally talented communicator, and he certainly knows how to get people's attention. His competitiveness is part of his success and so is his ability to develop genuine and lasting friendships at every turn. It's no wonder that he's so well liked." SIMAS from page 35 waterwelljournal.com 36 December 2016 WWJ New patented submersible pump check valve for use on variable flow demand (VFD) systems and applications. Standard check valves will "chatter" and be noisy when the system goes to low flow, causing eventual failure. The unique Model 80E VFD and100E VFD valves are designed to minimize flow losses and hydraulic shocks in the pumping system. Flomatic's valves are used by more pump manufacturers than any other valve on the market. This new, exclusive poppet system ensures that the valve smoothly and automatically adjusts to flow changes and is noiseless at even very low flows. Call for complete information at 800-833-2040 or visit us on the web at www.flomatic.com Flomatic Corporation 15 Pruynʼs Island Drive Glens Falls, NY 12801 Phone: (800) 833-2040 • (518) 761-9797 Fax: (518) 761-9798 • www.flomatic.com Email: flomatic@flomatic.com Flomatic Corporation New VFD Enviro-Check ® Valve America's first choice. 1" - 4" Unique Patented Design VFD Valves (Now available in Ductile Iron and Stainless Steel 1" thru 8") Composite Poppet Stainless Steel Poppet © 2016