Silas Sims
Co-Owner / Chief Operating Officer
Silas grew up in a small rural town in southern Indiana. He went on to play college basketball in northern Indiana and pursue his passion for the environment and fisheries. While earning his degree in Biology and Environmental Science, Silas worked for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources as a Fisheries Technician (2013-2015). Following graduation he moved to Denver, Colorado to work as a Fisheries Biologist for a small private consulting firm (2015 – 2020). In the Spring of 2021, Silas along with his friend and business partner Phil Hirshman, launched Colorado Pond and Lake. Since then, he has made it a priority to provide their clients with the highest quality of service, as well as an insight into the physical, chemical, and biological issues that may affect their aquatic resource. From the beginning, Silas has kept three core beliefs at the center of Colorado Pond and Lakes success; deliver superior customer service that cannot by matched in the industry, develop lasting relationship with clients and vendors built on trust and respect, and providing reliable services at affordable rates. Outside of work, Silas enjoys snowboarding, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Alyssa, and small dog, Ollie.
Education
- Manchester University, North Manchester, Indiana
Bachelor of Science, Biology
Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science
Associates, Entrepreneurship
- Hauser Jr. Sr. High School, Hope, Indiana
Experience
- Colorado Pond and Lake
Founder & Co-Owner
Aquatic Biologist
- Aqua Sierra, Inc.
Fisheries Biologist
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Fisheries Technician
Phil Hirshman
Co-Owner / Chief Executive Officer
Phil grew up primarily in Yorktown, VA. He attended York High, where he met his future wife, Heather. After high school, he attended the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School, where he achieved a Journeyman Shipfitter accreditation through his construction of aircraft carriers and submarines. After completing the apprenticeship, Phil decided to pursue his interest in the sciences by achieving a B.S. in Environmental Science with a focus in Geology at Old Dominion University. Shortly after finishing his degree, Heather and Phil made the leap to Denver to start a new chapter. Upon moving, Phil worked for the next two years as an analytical chemist at an environmental testing laboratory. Longing for field work, he joined an aquatic management company where he met friend and future business partner, Silas. In 2021, Silas and Phil launched Colorado Pond and Lake. The two found much common ground, with ambitions to operate a sensible management company that is scientific and customer centric. Currently, Phil enjoys co-owning CPL, with all of the human relations, problem solving, and adventure it holds. In his downtime, Phil can be found with Heather on a hike, fishing, DIY-ing around the house, or just hanging out with their goats, ducks, and cats.
Education
- Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Bachelor of Science, Geology
Bachelor of Science in Earth, Atmospheric, and Oceanic Science
- York High School, Yorktown, VA
Experience
- Colorado Pond and Lake
Founder & Co-Owner
Aquatic Manager
- Aqua Sierra, Inc.
Aquatic Specialist
- Test America
Analytical Chemist
- Newport News Shipbuilding
Journeyman Shipfitter
Noel Browning
Senior Biologist
Noel grew up in Evergreen Colorado in the foothills just above Denver. With a passion for snowboarding and the outdoors, Noel attended Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado. Following graduation, Noel worked for Colorado Parks and Wildlife in sport fish management, native aquatic species conservation, and lake and reservoir research for 5 years before joining the private sector in lake management consulting. While working in this industry Noel achieved his master’s degree in water resource management from California State University, Fresno. Noel currently specializes in water quality enhancements, nutrient remediation, fish population surveys, and bathymetric mapping. He prides himself in developing lasting client relationships and has made many lifelong friends directly through his professional career. On his time off you’ll find Noel either on the golf course or on the river fly fishing.
Education
- California State University, Fresno
Master of Science in Water Resource Management
- Western Colorado University, Gunnison, CO
Bachelor of Arts, Environmental Studies, Business Administration
- Evergreen High School, Evergreen, CO
Experience
- Colorado Pond and Lake
Senior Aquatic Biologist
- Hydrologik, LLC.
Water Resource Specialist
- Solitude Lake Management
Aquatic Biologist
- Aqua Sierra, Inc.
Fisheries Biologist
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Lake and Reservoir Research Technician
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Native Aquatic Conservation-Fisheries Technician
Ryan Fremgen
Biologist
Ryan grew up in Lake Villa, IL. With a calling to the mountains, Ryan moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to attend the University of Utah and attain a B.S. in Biology. Ryan graduated in May of 2024 and quickly followed his passion for aquatic ecology by joining the Colorado Pond & Lake team. Ryan strives to create long-lasting, personable relationships with clients while also providing accurate solutions to their aquatic needs. When not working, you’ll find Ryan camping, climbing, fishing or snowboarding.
Education
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City
Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Carmel Catholic High School, Mundelein, IL
Experience
- Colorado Pond & Lake
Aquatic Biologist
- Sekercioglu Wildlife Conservation Lab
Research Assistant
- University of Utah
Chemistry Lab Learning Assistant
- ADP
SBS Field Sales Intern