Strong Ties: Barclay Simpson: Business, Philanthropy, Leadership, and the Bay Area

Strong Ties is a documentary film that explores the life and legacy of Barclay Simpson, a prominent philanthropist in the San Francisco Bay Area. The film focuses on the set of convictions and leadership qualities that allowed Simpson to build a successful business from nothing and to become one of the major philanthropists in the region. Simpson was a Navy pilot during World War II and didn't graduate from college until over 20 years after he dropped out of UC Berkeley in 1946 to help save his father's Emeryville-based window screens business from bankruptcy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Rare Bird Books

A captivating exploration into the remarkable life of Oakland, California native, Barclay Simpson, Strong Ties delves into the profound set of convictions and leadership qualities that propelled Simpson to embark on a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the foremost philanthropists in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area. Hailing from a family with a rich military heritage, Simpson's journey began as a Navy pilot during World War II. Despite his initial departure from UC Berkeley in 1946 to assist in rescuing his father's Emeryville-based window screens business from bankruptcy, he did not complete his college education until more than two decades later. Undeterred by his academic setbacks, Simpson embarked on a path of self-education, which ultimately led to the founding of Simpson Manufacturing Co, Inc. in 1956.

From a modest, artisanal enterprise specializing in the fabrication of metal connectors, Simpson Manufacturing Co, Inc. blossomed into a global, publicly traded corporation renowned throughout the construction industry for its production of over 4,000 distinct, highly engineered products. These products play a pivotal role in securing structural elements in residential and commercial projects.

At the heart of Simpson's business philosophy was a revolutionary set of principles that placed employees at the center of his enterprise. Central to these principles was a compensation system that encompassed broad-based, quarterly profit-sharing, as well as comprehensive employee development and education programs. These programs aimed to foster a culture of internal promotion, enabling employees to ascend the ranks and build lifelong careers within the company. By prioritizing employee growth and development, Simpson created a nurturing environment that encouraged loyalty, commitment, and a sense of ownership among his workforce.

As US companies grapple with the complex interplay between capitalism and their responsibility to their employees and communities, Barclay Simpson's philosophy emerges as a singular and highly relevant narrative. His unwavering commitment to employee well-being and his belief in the power of profit-sharing as a means of fostering shared prosperity resonate deeply in today's volatile economic landscape. Moreover, the seamless transfer of his core business principles to his philanthropic work is a testament to his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on society.

In conclusion, Barclay Simpson's life story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and a unwavering commitment to employee empowerment. Through his entrepreneurial endeavors and philanthropic endeavors, he has demonstrated that business success and social impact can be mutually reinforcing, paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644282175