Simmons Southeast

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. 

Growing up in the industry and officially joining Simmons in 2010, Carly has been exposed to a wide range of appraisal and transition nuances as well as ownership transition trends. Alongside Dr. Watson and Sheila Collins, Carly is on the forefront of each listing, working with sellers and prospective owners to help each achieve their next career goal, while simultaneously overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Simmons Southeast team. Clients compliment her patience, friendliness, sincere honesty, and innate ability to mediate a prudent solution for both parties. Upon first contact with Carly, you will see that she is business-oriented, attentive to detail, and genuinely interested in meeting your needs. In her free time, Carly enjoys spending time with her husband Paul, their children George and Grace, two dogs Bubba and Mikey, and extended family.

Having worked with Simmons Southeast for 21+ years, Sheila prides herself in multi-tasking in all facets of our services. She is very knowledgeable and experienced in the industry. One very important function is to dovetail with Dr. Watson in contract negotiations. However, her most challenging function comes into play at the point of contract, getting financing together and orchestrating all closing details amongst both parties, their professional advisers, and the lender all the way to the closing table. Unpredictable, unique, and apparently insurmountable challenges surface with almost every transaction. She is the ramrod, foreman, and problem solver and is great at it. For this reason, we just do not lose our contracts once made. Sheila also manages the day-to-day structure and operations of the Southeast office. If anyone needs assistance, Sheila is the helper.

Sheila is very business-oriented and knowledgeable yet buoyant, personable, and approachable. Married with two sons and a daughter-in-law, she enjoys family time. She spends her free time in her church, entertaining family and friends, and traveling in the family’s motor home (especially to Athens for football games and to their 2nd home in the Blue Ridge Mountains). Regardless of which service we are providing you, Sheila is in the mix; you will get to know her very well.