Birmingham-based Simon Group Holdings’ founder and chairman Sam Simon has been honored as one of six recipients of Northwood University’s 2018 Outstanding Business Leader (OBL) award. The awards were given at the 38th Annual Outstanding Business Leader Awards Gala which was held at The Breakers Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Fla.
“I am humbled and honored to receive the OBL award from Northwood University,” says Simon. “Our achievements have truly been a Simon Group Holdings team effort. We have the best team members and leaders. We are just beginning to scratch the surface … I truly believe our best days are still ahead of us.”
OBL honorees are chosen each year by the Northwood University Board of Trustees. Candidates are evaluated on personal and professional achievements that align with the philosophy of Northwood University. Simon was chosen because the board saw a history of entrepreneurship, operational excellence, and involvement in philanthropic roles.
In conjunction with the gala, the event totaled two days and also included round-table discussions with the OBL honorees and Northwood University students and alumni. Each honoree had a student representative introduce them at the awards gala.
“Growing a successful business depends on great talent, and it is refreshing to see that Northwood University is innovating in the way they educate,” says Simon. “Students need this type of real-world collaboration with business leaders, which isn’t something that can be taught in a book. Interacting with the students at the round-table sessions made it a rewarding experience on both sides.”
Simon Group Holdings was established by Simon in 1985 with the founding of Atlas Oil Co. He created Atlas Cares in 2007. The program supports multiple metro Detroit organizations.
Simon and his wife began The Sam and Nada Simon Foundation in 2011 to support children’s organizations and help military service men and women and families.