A shared sense of “win”
With a vision of making people’s lives better and a guiding philosophy that humility and culture are foundations worth fighting for, so began the business ventures into the defense and aerospace, marine, and software technology industries.
CORE VALUES & CULTURE
Driven by our guiding principles.
We thrive in business with a shared sense of “win” between our people, partners, culture, and community.
Problem solvers.
We value smart people who attack problems head-on and with confidence.
Culture is everything.
We are authentic and intentional in the way we work and play. Being stodgy has no place here.
Stab from the front.
We are respectful in the way that we hold one another accountable. No games, no hidden agendas.
Resiliency.
We thrive on change and growth. We pivot when we need to and re-group quickly.
Humility reigns.
Whether engaging with our teams, customers, or partners we approach it with the heart of a servant. We are go-givers that believe in creating space for people to grow.
our history
30+ years and true.
Thirty years later, this innovative, visionary, and entrepreneurial spirit continues to move Simplified Investments in new and exciting directions, while staying true to the fundamental belief that service to each other, our partners, and our community benefits all.
1950s–2010
Two generations of the Borisch family built their careers as entrepreneurs in the defense and aerospace industry. In 2010 the family sold the business, and because of a non-compete agreement, channeled their enterprising spirit in a new direction.
Two generations of the Borisch family built their careers as entrepreneurs in the defense and aerospace industry. In 2010 the family sold the business, and because of a non-compete agreement, channeled their enterprising spirit in a new direction.
2012
In 2012, with ties to the Northern Michigan community, the Borisch family began the redevelopment of Walloon Lake, Michigan (the summer home to Ernest Hemingway), which included investments in numerous businesses such as restaurants, marinas, retail, and office space, and eventually a hotel.
With a vision of creating a store that served the water sports enthusiast in Walloon Lake Michigan, Matt Borisch connected with Tommy Phillips who owned Tommy’s Slalom Shop in Denver, Colorado. Tommy Phillips started his company in 1981 after years of being active in the water sports community and teaching hundreds of people how to ski, and it quickly became a known destination for all water sports enthusiasts. Tommy’s Slalom Shop offered boat sales, a full-service department and a wide array of water sports equipment and accessories. Upon Tommy’s retirement and the purchase of his Colorado dealership in 2012, the entrance into the watersport industry and Tommy’s Boats began.
Shortly after, another boat dealership, Liquid Sports Marine was purchased in Orlando, Florida and was rebranded to become the second Tommy’s location.
In 2012, with ties to the Northern Michigan community, the Borisch family began the redevelopment of Walloon Lake, Michigan (the summer home to Ernest Hemingway), which included investments in numerous businesses such as restaurants, marinas, retail, and office space, and eventually a hotel.
With a vision of creating a store that served the water sports enthusiast in Walloon Lake Michigan, Matt Borisch connected with Tommy Phillips who owned Tommy’s Slalom Shop in Denver, Colorado. Tommy Phillips started his company in 1981 after years of being active in the water sports community and teaching hundreds of people how to ski, and it quickly became a known destination for all water sports enthusiasts. Tommy’s Slalom Shop offered boat sales, a full-service department and a wide array of water sports equipment and accessories. Upon Tommy’s retirement and the purchase of his Colorado dealership in 2012, the entrance into the watersport industry and Tommy’s Boats began.
Shortly after, another boat dealership, Liquid Sports Marine was purchased in Orlando, Florida and was rebranded to become the second Tommy’s location.
2013–2014
In June of 2013, Matt Borisch realized his vision of a Tommy’s in Michigan and opened a Tommy’s location on Walloon
Lake offering boat sales, service and an extensive selection of the best water sports gear and accessories. In addition, Barrel Back, a new restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating also located on beautiful Walloon Lake opened.
Towards the end of 2013, the historic venue, the bed and breakfast style Walloon Lake Inn, was purchased and renovated into a fine dining restaurant on the shores of Walloon Lake, officially opening in May of 2014. Walloon Lake Inn offers an unparalleled fine dining experience complete with Walloon Lake views, creative cuisines, and sommelier selected wine pairings.
In 2014, Tommy’s Florida moved their existing Orlando location to Clermont, Florida. Malibu Boats, the worldwide towboat leader and world’s largest manufacturer of water sports wake, ski and surf boats indicated that the Grand Rapids, Michigan territory would be the location of the next Tommy’s in 2015.
In late 2014, construction began on what would become Hotel Walloon, which was originally the site of a turn-of-the-century resort hotel for vacationers who would take trains from Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana to visit and summer.
In June of 2013, Matt Borisch realized his vision of a Tommy’s in Michigan and opened a Tommy’s location on Walloon
Lake offering boat sales, service and an extensive selection of the best water sports gear and accessories. In addition, Barrel Back, a new restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating also located on beautiful Walloon Lake opened.
Towards the end of 2013, the historic venue, the bed and breakfast style Walloon Lake Inn, was purchased and renovated into a fine dining restaurant on the shores of Walloon Lake, officially opening in May of 2014. Walloon Lake Inn offers an unparalleled fine dining experience complete with Walloon Lake views, creative cuisines, and sommelier selected wine pairings.
In 2014, Tommy’s Florida moved their existing Orlando location to Clermont, Florida. Malibu Boats, the worldwide towboat leader and world’s largest manufacturer of water sports wake, ski and surf boats indicated that the Grand Rapids, Michigan territory would be the location of the next Tommy’s in 2015.
In late 2014, construction began on what would become Hotel Walloon, which was originally the site of a turn-of-the-century resort hotel for vacationers who would take trains from Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana to visit and summer.
2015
In May of 2015, Hotel Walloon opened and has since been named one of the top three resort properties in the Midwest by Travel and Leisure magazine.
In June of 2015, the fourth Tommy’s dealership location in Grand Rapids, Michigan opened.
In May of 2015, Hotel Walloon opened and has since been named one of the top three resort properties in the Midwest by Travel and Leisure magazine.
In June of 2015, the fourth Tommy’s dealership location in Grand Rapids, Michigan opened.
2017
With the rapid and expansive growth of Tommy’s dealerships, the options for software that could manage information and data in multiple locations was limited. As a result of talent inside the business and several years of investment, a dealer management software was created to fulfill sales, service and parts and make that accessible from any browser without installation. Licenses to this game changing technology were sought by competitor dealerships as well as manufacturers.
With the rapid and expansive growth of Tommy’s dealerships, the options for software that could manage information and data in multiple locations was limited. As a result of talent inside the business and several years of investment, a dealer management software was created to fulfill sales, service and parts and make that accessible from any browser without installation. Licenses to this game changing technology were sought by competitor dealerships as well as manufacturers.
2018
In 2018, Tommy’s acquired Skiers Pier in Detroit Michigan, which became the fifth Tommy’s dealership location and the Tommy’s footprint now encompassed Michigan, Florida, and Colorado in near entirety.
In the spring of 2018, the Borisch family sold both Hotel Walloon as well as Walloon Lake Inn and Barrel Back restaurants.
At the same time, based on previous manufacturing industry expertise and a significant gap in the supply chain, General Dynamics approached Matt Borisch to start a new manufacturing business to build the SMET/MUTT program, a fully autonomous electric vehicle and thus the conversations began.
In 2018, Tommy’s acquired Skiers Pier in Detroit Michigan, which became the fifth Tommy’s dealership location and the Tommy’s footprint now encompassed Michigan, Florida, and Colorado in near entirety.
In the spring of 2018, the Borisch family sold both Hotel Walloon as well as Walloon Lake Inn and Barrel Back restaurants.
At the same time, based on previous manufacturing industry expertise and a significant gap in the supply chain, General Dynamics approached Matt Borisch to start a new manufacturing business to build the SMET/MUTT program, a fully autonomous electric vehicle and thus the conversations began.
2020
In late July, General Dynamics was awarded the SMET/MUTT program and development and staffing of the newest business of MKB Holdings/Simplified Investments, Gen3 Defense & Aerospace, a manufacturing integrator began. The name, Gen3, pays homage to the first two generations of family who built a formidable reputation in the defense and aerospace industry. Gen3 Defense and Aerospace moved into their facility, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan in November 2020.
In late July, General Dynamics was awarded the SMET/MUTT program and development and staffing of the newest business of MKB Holdings/Simplified Investments, Gen3 Defense & Aerospace, a manufacturing integrator began. The name, Gen3, pays homage to the first two generations of family who built a formidable reputation in the defense and aerospace industry. Gen3 Defense and Aerospace moved into their facility, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan in November 2020.
2021
After several years of conversation, Tommy’s acquired Boulder Boats, who held a considerable market share in the West region. This significantly increased Tommy’s footprint with stores in Fresno, California, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Phoenix, Arizona.
In addition to growth on the west coast, Tommy’s expanded its regional footprint in the state of Tennessee through the acquisition of the family-owned dealership, Marine Outfitters, as well as Moses Watersports, which has resulted in two new dealerships to the Tommy’s family, one in Knoxville and the other in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
After several years of conversation, Tommy’s acquired Boulder Boats, who held a considerable market share in the West region. This significantly increased Tommy’s footprint with stores in Fresno, California, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Phoenix, Arizona.
In addition to growth on the west coast, Tommy’s expanded its regional footprint in the state of Tennessee through the acquisition of the family-owned dealership, Marine Outfitters, as well as Moses Watersports, which has resulted in two new dealerships to the Tommy’s family, one in Knoxville and the other in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
2022
Early in 2022, Tommy’s announced the addition of Waterski America to the Tommy’s family, a premier Malibu/Axis dealer serving the North-Center Texas area in Lewisville and Ft. Worth. In addition, Tommy’s Boats continued its expansion by green-fielding two additional dealership in the greater Los Angeles area.
Early in 2022, Tommy’s announced the addition of Waterski America to the Tommy’s family, a premier Malibu/Axis dealer serving the North-Center Texas area in Lewisville and Ft. Worth. In addition, Tommy’s Boats continued its expansion by green-fielding two additional dealership in the greater Los Angeles area.
Simplified Philanthropy
Providing help & hope through Simplified Philanthropy.
Simplified Philanthropy is a purpose driven, non-profit arm of Simplified Investments. Our principles are rooted in an employee-centric culture and steadfast commitment to social responsibility. We are passionate about the well-being of our employees, vendors, customers, and the communities in which we serve.
Our mission is simple: to provide help for the helpless and hope for the hopeless. Our belief is that the greater our business successes are – the greater our responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves. While we are proud of any successes at Simplified Investments, we are most proud that those successes give us greater opportunities to serve those who need help the most.
Simplified Philanthropy is making a direct impact in communities nationwide through some of the following nonprofit organizations:
bsmgr.org
Equipping and empowering youth, through holistic development, to be the future leaders of restoration and hope in their communities.
grantmehope.org
We seek to find loving, adoptive homes for foster children before they age out of the foster care system alone facing homelessness.
Volunteerism
Sharing our talents for good.
We value giving back to our respective communities in meaningful ways. Simplified Investments supports this in both word and action and encourages employees to participate in volunteer activities by providing paid time off for this important work.
Leadership
MATTHEW BORISCH
CEO
View bio >MATTHEW BORISCH
CEO
Matt’s vision of making people’s lives better is heavily rooted in how he was brought into the business over 30 years ago. While beginning in the defense and aerospace industry, his move into the marine industry and software technology arenas were challenges he met with eyes wide open and without hesitation. Matt keeps his team on their toes with, “Hey” texts where the follow-up message could range from, “just wanted to see how you were doing today” to “I’ve decided to start a new company, we’re meeting on it in 15 minutes.” In the world of assessments used to describe someone’s preferred work style, Maverick couldn’t be a more fitting label. Matt is fast-paced, visionary, innovative and strong in his convictions that humility and culture are foundations worth fighting for.
BROOKE HEDGECOCK
Executive Assistant
View bio >BROOKE HEDGECOCK
Executive Assistant
While Brooke’s official title may be Executive Assistant, her actual role resembles a Queen Bee making sure the hive is in order. Pivoting multiple times during the day to serve the different industries that comprise the Simplified Investments portfolio keeps her agile, as does managing Matt’s calendar. Whether it is coordinating travel, being the main resource for corporate credit cards or communicating to a variety of employees and vendor partners, Brooke knows that the better she is at her job, the better the executive team can be at theirs.
DAVE LEWIS
Philanthropy Program Associate
View bio >DAVE LEWIS
Philanthropy Program Associate
If you’re looking for someone with deep tribal knowledge in the marine industry, Dave’s your guy. His experience includes owning a watersports school, serving as the General Manager of marine dealerships, designing educational strategies, and spearheading the efforts to ensure Tommy’s dealerships meet the tough standards of MRAA 5-star certification.
With a passion for coaching others in improving business operations, Dave’s true secret sauce is in building relationships, which was the perfect skillset for his current role in running the philanthropic giving extension of Simplified Investments. In this position, Dave can navigate the intersection of community relationships and employee passion, to bring the vision of being a Go-Giver to life.
EDWARD WELLS
Sr. Project Manager
View bio >EDWARD WELLS
Sr. Project Manager
Ed has seen it all. With over 40 years’ experience in Operations and Financial positions across a variety of industries, he’s served as our Patriarch and a key utility player with a “Put me in, Coach!” attitude. Much of Ed’s experience has been in rapid growth companies or turnarounds where leadership, cost controls, working capital and cap exp management were keys to success.
Ed has been a key player in three private businesses where value has been substantially increased upon the exit of the owners. Having served several generations of the Borisch family, he continues to make business decisions with the best interests of Simplified Investments in mind.
Tim Freel
VP of Gen3
View bio >Tim Freel
VP of Gen3
Balance. Seems like a funny word to describe a big guy, but Tim would list his passions as including quality time with his family, personal growth and overcoming what seem like impossible challenges in the workplace – all requiring a balance of time and energy. Tim’s background includes start-ups, product launches, turnarounds, and deep expertise in operations in the automotive and defense sectors. His energy comes from finding solutions to failing processes and the warm fuzzies of watching a team achieving things they didn’t think possible. When he’s not making magic happen within the walls of Gen3, Tim can be found escaping to the woods with his dad and son to recharge for the next growth challenge that awaits!