Jerry Simms

Jerry Simms, an established entrepreneur and philanthropist, hails from Ohio but has spent the majority of his life in California, moving to Los Angeles when he was just a year old and later settling in La Jolla in 1985. His business acumen, first honed in the automotive industry, led him to own several highly successful dealerships in Pasadena, California. Beyond automotive, his ventures extended into banking and then to real estate, demonstrating a keen ability to identify and capitalize on business opportunities. In 2000, Simms embarked on a significant new venture by purchasing Turf Paradise, a historic horse race track in Phoenix, Arizona. Initially opened in 1956 by Walter Cluer, Turf Paradise has become a staple in Arizona's sports culture and is noted for having one of the longest thoroughbred racing seasons in the country. Under his ownership, the track saw extensive renovations, including a $5 million investment that revitalized many of its facilities. This included the addition of a state-of-the-art equine swimming pool, which provides valuable hydrotherapy to the horses trained and housed at the track. Simms' commitment to philanthropy is evident through his extensive support of various charitable causes, especially those based in Arizona. His notable donations include substantial contributions to Phoenix Children's Hospital, Saint Mary's Food Bank, and United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona. In response to the global pandemic in 2020, he donated $1 million to the Arizona Coronavirus Relief Fund, aiding in local efforts to combat the economic and social repercussions of the crisis. Beyond his professional and philanthropic pursuits, Simms is an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoys golf, pickleball, and poker, which is a testament to his competitive spirit and community involvement.