The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Kris Simonds in our Community Proud series, sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union. Kris is the owner of Simonds & Co. and co-owner of Stonington Farms Shellfish Inc. Through both businesses, he has built a life centered on skilled craftsmanship and family. He has also created opportunities to give back to the community he has always called home.

Kris has long felt connected to two types of work. He loves carpentry and being on the water. Although these passions may seem different, both require patience and careful attention. They also require a willingness to learn through experience.

In 1996, Kris started Simonds & Co. as a painting and power washing company. He grew the business by observing skilled tradespeople and studying how they approached their work. Over time, Simonds & Co. evolved into a full-service remodeling company specializing in kitchens and bathrooms.

Today, Kris runs the company with his wife Beth. He takes pride in completing detailed projects that require creative problem-solving and a high level of skill. After years of watching and learning from others, he can now serve as a teacher and mentor to those developing their own abilities.

The trust behind each project is just as important as the craftsmanship. Home remodeling is personal because clients are inviting a team into their homes. Kris understands that a strong reputation takes years to establish. It is built through honesty and communication. Respect for the client and their home is also essential.

In 2017, another opportunity brought together Kris’s love of the water and his devotion to his family. When a local oyster farm became available, he purchased it as an investment in his son Jake’s future. Jake is on the autism spectrum and had always dreamed of building a career on the water.

That decision became Stonington Farms Shellfish Inc., an oyster farm encompassing 120 acres in the Mystic River. What began as a hobby farm has grown into a respected aquaculture operation.

Kris approached oyster farming in much the same way he approached remodeling. He listened to people with experience and learned through trial and error. He remained willing to ask questions and improve. Those lessons allowed the farm to grow while staying connected to its original purpose.

For Kris, the oyster farm is both a business and a family legacy. It created a path for Jake to pursue meaningful work in an environment he loves. It also gave the entire family a new way to care for the Mystic River and connect with the community.

Stonington Farms Shellfish has developed a strong focus on education and community outreach. The farm works with The Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed and supports initiatives that protect the river. These efforts also help people understand the importance of its natural resources.

The farm also works with Little Pink Houses, a program that supports breast cancer patients and survivors. The organization also assists caregivers and families affected by the disease.

Beth participates in the Classroom Speaker Series through Yellow Farmhouse. Stonington Farms Shellfish has hosted countless field trips for local students. The farm has also welcomed groups traveling from as far away as Hartford.

These visits give young people an opportunity to learn directly from the river. Students can see how oysters are raised and understand the work required to operate a shellfish farm. They can also learn how aquaculture connects to the health of the surrounding environment.

The family plans to announce additional partnerships and projects in 2027. Each effort will build on the farm’s commitment to education and responsible stewardship.

Kris hopes his legacy will extend beyond his businesses. His family remains the greatest source of inspiration in his life. He is grateful for Beth and their children Jake, Thomas, Adam, Matt and Chelsea. His business partner and friend Dana has also been an important part of the journey. Kris knows how fortunate he is to be surrounded by people who want to see one another succeed.

Being recognized through the Community Proud series gives him a chance to reflect on that journey. Running two businesses often means focusing on the next task or challenge. There is not always time to stop and recognize how much has already been accomplished.

For Kris, the work has always been personal. The Chamber’s recognition is a reminder of the relationships he has formed and the progress his family has made. It also honors the trust that customers and community partners have placed in him.

Kris has lived in the same house for 35 years and has spent nearly his entire life in the area. Aside from shorter periods in Maine and other parts of Connecticut, southeastern Connecticut has always been home.

He is also a lifelong hockey fan and a devoted supporter of the Philadelphia Flyers. Kris played hockey for most of his life before an injury forced him to stop in 2017. One fact that may surprise people is that he was once an avid skateboarder, though he admits those days were a long time ago.

Whether he is restoring a home or working on the river, Kris brings the same curiosity to every challenge. He values the process of learning and takes pride in work that lasts.

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Kris Simonds and his continued commitment to the Mystic River and the community surrounding it.