Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico
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.
Sean brings a decade of experience working with Veterinarians. Having previously spent his entire professional career in banking Sean started working with Veterinarians exclusively when he went to work for Bank of America’s Practice Solutions Group. There he focused on the New England and New York Veterinary lending market. He focused on helping associates become owners via either acquisitions or through start-ups. From this role, he left to join a Fintech start-up that specialized in lending to doctors. In his role at Provide, Sean was tasked with building the brand for Provide in the Veterinary lending market. During this time, he continued his working relationship with Simmons & Associates. Jim approached Sean regarding his own transition plan. And in 2021 Sean took over the Simmons & Associates market for New England and New York.
Sean is excited to bring his experience on what he has learned on the buy-side of the transaction to help owners navigate their transition. He has spoken at numerous conferences and seminars in his career. And there is a high probability you have attended one of these seminars or have met him at a trade show over the last decade.
Sean was born in Connecticut and grew up in Central New York. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. He currently resides in Milton, MA just across the line from Boston. With family spread throughout all New England and New York, there is not a part of his territory that he hasn’t traveled to. When Sean is not traveling you can find him spending time with his wife, son, and crazy lab. If he can occasionally sneak in 18 holes of golf, he is very happy.
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.