Entrepreneur. After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, Simmons worked as a pilot for Pan American Airlines from 1950 until 1970. After Pan American, Simmons looked towards developing what at the time was an unsightly San Francisco waterfront. On October 4, 1978, after years of planning and pushing, Simmons officially opened San Francisco’s Pier 39. After selling the Pier in 1981, Simmons went on to found the Chevy’s Mexican Restaurant chain, which he held until selling it to PepsiCo. in 1993. Simmons is also credited with founding the Tia Maria restaurant chain, DISCO department stores, and CranChile, currently the world’s largest cranberry grower.  (bio by: G.Photographer)