Our History
Fletcher Simmons, MAI established an appraisal office in Manhattan, Kansas in May 1982. At the time, the office operated as a branch of David Craig & Company of Topeka, Kansas. In 1988, Mr. Simmons purchased the local branch office and began doing business as The Simmons Company, a local appraiser.
Through the leadership of Mr. Simmons, the company has flourished as a regional commercial appraisal firm, growing from a single appraiser to five staff appraisers. The company took new shape in 2010, as Mr. Bill Lansdowne bought into the company, becoming a majority owner in 2013. The move ensures continuity and solidifies our ability to continue servicing our customers now and in the future.
In Memoriam
Fletcher Simmons, founder of The Simmons Company and a stalwart of the appraisal industry in Kansas, passed away on November 5, 2016. He was passionate and dedicated to his profession and trained many new appraisers who continue to serve the industry. Fletcher is greatly missed by many friends, family, and business associates. The Simmons Company is committed to continuing the standard of excellence set by Mr. Simmons, through nearly 30 years of service to the real estate appraisal industry.
Our Leadership
Bill Lansdowne
Bill is currently President of The Simmons Company, a commercial real estate appraisal and consulting company founded in Manhattan in 1988. He has a Certified General Appraisal license from the State of Kansas and is an MAI designated member of the Appraisal Institute. He has considerable experience performing commercial real estate appraisal and consulting for clients including financial institutions, attorneys, accountants, corporations, and private individuals, along with significant experience completing appraisal and appraisal reviews for various Federal, State, and local government agencies. Mr. Lansdowne is passionate about improving his community and his state, and volunteers on numerous boards, often serving in a leadership role.
Gareth Rohr
Gareth is currently Vice President of The Simmons Company. He joined the company in 2010 and earned his Certified General Appraisal license in the State of Kansas in 2013. Gareth has an extensive background in finance and real estate; with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Kansas State University, years spent in a financial analyst role for Fortune 100 companies, and real estate experiences dealing in sales, construction, and development. In 2017, Gareth became a minority owner of the Simmons Company.