Dr. Richard Symons

With a robust education and decades of experience across the field, Dr. Richard Symons has showcased an impressive career involving research, consulting, startup funding and more.  

Dr. Symons graduated from WVU with a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics in 1971, followed by a Masters’s of Science in Statistics in 1973 and a PhD in Marketing & Logistics from the University of Tennessee in 1976. He was also a member of the WVU basketball team.  

Once a member of a research team for Natl. Steel, Dr. Symons assisted in the divestiture of Weirton Steel, which was once the world’s largest tin plate producer and West Virginia’s largest employer. He was then on a team that developed the employee stock ownership plan at Weirton Steel, which was the largest ESOP ever developed.  

Dr. Symons went on to be the founder of SS&C, a consulting company that specialized in quality management and supply chain management. He then sold SS&C and founded Olive Angel Equity Group.  

In addition, Dr. Symons assisted in the funding and consulting of 11 startup companies, all of which are still operating profitably.  

Upon his retirement, Dr. Symons was awarded Emeritus Professor status from Ashland University. He has also served on the boards of various organizations, including Accugrind Corp., Reduction Engineering, Ten Point Bow Manufacturing, Edgepoint Capital Advisors and Tiffin Metals.  

Dr. Symons remains busy today during his retirement. He is currently the chairman of the board at Cutting-Edge Counter Tops, an adviser for Edgepoint Capital Advisors and a board member of the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. He also works consulting with Stratus Corp/Vestar Equity, focusing on acquisitions and integration. 

Dr. Symons also stays committed to his alma mater, contributing to Chambers College and the WVU Athletic Department Academic Assistance Program. He is a member of the Summit Society and Irvin Stewart Society, which recognizes donors who have made philanthropic commitments. In addition to his financial gifts, he also comes back and meets with students and classes.