Mark Simons '95

Mark Simons ’95 referenced a favorite college book when he started his company, The Goal Inc. 

“The Goal was a book that I used in one of my business classes at Radford University.  I enjoyed the book and the lessons that came along with it.  I also knew that anytime someone said ‘the goal’ in a meeting, I would get free marketing,” says Simons.

The Goal Inc. is a specialized technology consulting firm that assists and provides professional IT services to government contractors and commercial clients.

Simons is a successful businessman who credits his leadership skills to experiences at Radford University.  “I was hard core into Greek life, and took any leadership role I could get.  A lot of that has transferred into what I am doing today,” says Simons.

In 2011, Simons was named on the Washington Business Journal 40 under 40 list which honors young, successful business leaders in the Washington D.C. region.

For the past three years, the publication has named The Goal as one of the best places to work in the greater Washington D.C. area.

“It is such a reward knowing that I have helped make a difference, not only in my company, but in improving the lives of my employees.  For me to foster and witness their success is a reward in itself,” says Simons.

Currently, The Goal has just opened offices in Atlanta and Salt Lake City.  “I work with Radford graduates.  They are a clear target of mine when we are hiring.  I have had more success with Radford alumni than any other school.  For me, I need hard working people who I trust and can communicate,” says Simons.

Simons encourages students to make relationships in the real world before they graduate.  “Prepare to be out a little sooner than when once you are out.  Having relationships upon graduation would have gotten me the head start I needed,” says Simons.  “It’s all about showing up and being diligent.  Those are two fundamentals to being successful.”