Meet Simon Dogbe: From the Rugby Pitch to Financial Planning in the Valley
Part of the Aspen Business Connect series, Meet the People Behind the Business.
Simon Dogbe came to Aspen to play rugby. A love of mountain life, a family of four and a career change later, he's a Wealth Management Advisor and Financial Planner with Northwestern Mutual, helping valley families map a path from where they are to where they want to be.
From London to Aspen
Simon was born in London and earned a degree in Business Economics and Finance at Loughborough University in the UK. Right after university, he moved to Aspen to play rugby for the Gentlemen of Aspen.
"I loved the lifestyle and eventually met my wife," he says.
He spent nine years in hotel management in Aspen before moving into finance, the same career path he'd been on track to follow had he stayed in London. Today he and his wife are raising two daughters, one in middle school and one in elementary school.
The road wasn't always smooth
Staying in the valley was never the original plan. "Being a foreigner, navigating the visa landscape complicates things and prolongs the journey," Simon says. He stuck with it, and the valley is now home.
Planning the whole picture
Simon offers holistic financial planning alongside wealth management. "I help my clients see a path to their financial goals efficiently by connecting where they are now to where they want to be," he explains. That plan brings together insurance, investments and tax efficiencies.
Working under the umbrella of a Fortune 100 company, he adds, gives him access to world-class products and services for his clients.
Start early, like your health
Simon wishes more people in the valley knew they don't need to be wealthy to benefit from a plan. "Of course, the more money you have, the more there is to do in planning," he says. "But everyone should get a consultation the moment they have disposable income, like a doctor giving you a second look."
He compares it to exercise: the earlier you start, the better. Even people who already have a wealth advisor or a personal insurance plan can benefit from an overall plan that works with what they're already doing.
Right now, he says, that matters more than ever. With a concentrated stock market, high interest rates and low tax rates, Simon sees a long-term plan as essential. "Employee benefits are a great start," he says, "but more and more people of all generations are using us to round off their planning, whether you're a do-it-yourselfer or already working with a financial team."
What's exciting now
The business is growing fast, much of it organically. "It's exciting to see so many new clients, as well as longer-term clients hitting goals they thought were out of reach, would take too long, or had no idea how to start," Simon says.
A good life in the Roaring Fork Valley
For Simon, a good life here means "having the freedom to enjoy the outdoor activities and unique offerings with my family. We're lucky to have access to so many offerings for such a small place."
He gives back to organizations close to his heart: Basalt Education Foundation, Windwalkers, the Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Foundation, Swarm and the Buddy Program.
Simon's local favorites
- Restaurant: El Korita
- Day off: A bonus activity with the kids, whether a day trip, biking, skiing or swimming
- Local tradition: Ruggerfest (and he still misses the HBO Comedy Festival)
- Best advice: "Hard work beats talent unless talent works hard."
Connect with Simon
Simon works with clients across the US, not just in the valley or Colorado, and appreciates referrals to family and friends who live elsewhere.
- Email: simon.dogbe@nm.com
- Phone: 970-925-1844
- Website: simondogbe.com

















