Chris Simmons

Age: 28

Employer: Big River Telephone Co.

Position: General Manager

Family: married; one child

Community Involvement: Leadership Cape

Keeping the lines of communication flowing is what Chris Simmons does best.

"Chris is one of the brightest young men we have encountered in the telecommunication field," said Kevin Cantwell, president of Big River Telephone Company where Simmons is general manager.

"What he has been able to grasp and comprehend in this very fast-paced and rapidly-changing industry is nothing short of amazing. We have empowered him to be the focal point of the organization and run the day-to-day operations of our organization. He has excelled."

Simmons enjoys the rapid pace of his environment.

"It's changing," he said, "always challenging."

Big River Telephone Company was recently highlighted in the Wall Street Journal, Inc Magazine, Entrepreneur and other national publications, according to Cantwell.

"Our success is based on our people and Chris Simmons is the stellar example of what a 30 under 30 individual should be."

Simmons gives credit for the company's success to the people who work with him.

"We have a great executive management team," he said. "I really respect these guys; they know what they are doing. It's a fun group to work for."