Founder & CEO, Penny Loafers Shoe Shine Company
| Topics: Business & Finance |
| Interview Date: August-16-2011 |
| Extraordinary Insights: |
Audio-only version:
Founder & CEO of Penny Loafers Shoe Shine Company (est.1994), a chain of upscale shoeshine kiosks in Toronto, Penny Simmons and her 16 Valets have polished the footwear of more than half a million clients (about the population of Hamilton) from Prime Ministers and business leaders to media and sports personalities. Penny Loafers remains the only business model of its kind and is also acclaimed for exemplary Customer Service. Penny’s flare for marketing was honed from a unique perspective from the ‘sole’ of the city. She’s well-known as a master networker and for empowering the forward-thinking individuals who work with her. Media highlights include a weekly feature in National Post and a nationally televised documentary. Penny was nominated for both the Ernst & Young and RBC 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year awards. Her story was published in Dr. Samuel Gerstein’s “Live Your Dreams: Doctor’s Orders”. A consummate networker, in 2008, Penny inaugurated a monthly lunch club held on the last Friday of the month at Verity Women’s Club in Toronto with only three guests. This past year, the function has grown consistently, now attracting more than fifty women who are some of Toronto’s top movers and shakers. Also a captivating speaker, Penny Simmons is in great demand as one who truly engages and entertain audiences. Microsoft Computers used her story as the subject of an in-house motivational video titled “Visionaries”. Penny inspires people to reach their full potential, to see possibilities where others may see only wasteland, to never say die and not be afraid to move boldly forward with full confidence.