Dr. Chris Simmons

Some friendships are built in daily conversation.
Others take shape over time. Quietly. Through shared history, unexpected run-ins, and the simple choice to stay connected.

That’s the kind of friendship I’ve had with Chris.

We met at Maplewood High School, before social media made it easy to find your way back to people. After graduation, life did what it does. Careers, families, different cities.

But we never fully lost touch.

Facebook became our check-in point. Birthdays. Milestones. A quick word of encouragement here and there. We weren’t in constant conversation, but there was always that understanding. We were still in each other’s corner.

Then life brought us back into the same room.

Before I ever moved to Atlanta, Chris stopped by for Sunday dinner while he was visiting. Just one meal. One afternoon around the table.

Not long after, I relocated to Atlanta, not realizing how often our paths would cross again.

Whenever I went to visit my friend Kia, Chris would often be there too. What made it even more memorable, he and Kia shared a lot of the same food restrictions. So I found myself cooking with both of them in mind more times than I can count.

Looking back, I can see it clearly now.
Those meals were preparing me for BeeSeatedHere.

Food has always been how I show love.
Chris was at my table long before the business ever had a name.

When I launched BeeSeatedHere, Chris became more than a former classmate.
He became a customer.
A supporter.
A sounding board.

Someone I could call when I needed the truth.

And Chris will give you the truth. Not dressed up. Not watered down. Just clear and direct.

Whether we were talking about business, money, or the real weight of entrepreneurship, he never offered empty encouragement. He offered perspective.

His advice has pushed me to think differently about finances, stewardship, and building something that lasts. That kind of insight stays with you.

The Classmate Who Never Forgot

In 2023, Chris took on the responsibility of organizing our 25-year Maplewood reunion.

What looked like one event was really months of work. Coordinating. Reaching out. Pulling people back together.

But what stayed with me most wasn’t the event.

It was how he showed up.

To Chris, everyone is simply…
“Classmate.”

It doesn’t matter if he saw you last week or last saw you in the hallway twenty-five years ago.

“Hey, Classmate.”

I’ve always appreciated that.

In one word, he levels everything. Titles don’t matter. Accomplishments don’t matter. Time doesn’t matter.

You belong.

That spirit is what made the reunion feel the way it did. Chris didn’t just plan a gathering.

He reconnected people.
He reminded us that time moves forward, but it doesn’t erase where you came from.

What Chris Has Shown Me

Community doesn’t build itself.

Somebody has to reach out.
Somebody has to follow up.
Somebody has to organize.
Somebody has to ask the hard questions.
Somebody has to care enough to be honest.

Chris has been that person.

He’s shown me that friendship isn’t about constant contact. It’s about consistency over time.

A Legacy of Gratitude

Every BeeSeatedHere story comes back to people.
The ones who encourage you.
The ones who challenge you.
The ones who help you think better and move smarter.

Dr. Chris Simmons has been that in my life.

Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for your honesty.
Thank you for the conversations, the insight, the meals, and the steady presence over the years.

Most of all, thank you for reminding all of us that no matter how far life takes us, we still share something real.

We’ll always be classmates.

And your seat at my table will always be there.