Dr. Doyle Watson earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in 1976 and immediately embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that would leave a lasting mark on the veterinary profession. He began in clinical practice, owning and operating three hospitals in South Georgia—St. Simons Island, St. Marys, and Jesup—before expanding his impact far beyond the exam room.
In 1982, Dr. Watson founded Veterinary Forum, a clinical magazine that became a respected resource for practitioners nationwide. Just a few years later, in 1985, he joined Simmons & Associates as co-owner, and in 1988 he became the sole owner of the company. Over the next 25 years, he transformed Simmons into the international organization it is today, now serving veterinarians through 12 North American territories.
Working alongside his esteemed Simmons colleagues, Dr. Watson helped shape the current veterinary practice valuation and sales profession. He was a key contributor in the early development of VetPartners and played an instrumental role in creating Simmons VetStats© and the nonprofit, Simmons Educational Fund. Simmons VetStats© remains the foundation for the Cost of Value Tool used by the VetPartners Valuation Council, and the Simmons Educational Fund has contributed more than $4 million to the veterinary community since its founding in 2003.
Known for his sense of humor and practical wisdom, Dr. Watson has long been trusted for his sound business counsel. Throughout his 50-year-long career, he has not only cared for countless animals but has profoundly influenced the professional journeys of veterinarians across the country. Whether assisting with a practice purchase, providing a valuation, or guiding an owner through an exit, Dr. Watson’s work has left a lasting imprint on many.
As he gradually transitions into the next chapter of life, Dr. Watson remains actively engaged with Simmons. He continues to provide practice valuations throughout the Southeast and consults with the Simmons team on complex valuations and transactions across North America. He is also proudly passing the torch to his daughter, Carly Tobler, now CEO of Simmons, ensuring that the company he built continues to serve the profession with the same integrity, expertise, and heart that have defined his remarkable career.