Simon Joseph is the founder of Joseph Wealth, a financial advisory firm based in Alexandria, Virginia. With over 16 years of experience, Simon has built a reputation for delivering honest, customized financial guidance rooted in long-term relationships. His journey into finance started right after graduating from Randolph-Macon College, where he earned a degree in Economics and Biology and played varsity lacrosse.
Simon grew up in Alexandria, working summers as a lifeguard and carpenter’s assistant. These early jobs shaped his strong work ethic. He began his career during the 2008 financial crisis, a time that taught him how to stay calm, think long-term, and lead with integrity.
Over the years, he worked at top firms like ING, Morgan Stanley, and Truist Wealth. He held leadership roles at each stop, including Vice President titles. But in 2022, Simon stepped away from big firms to launch his own independent practice. He wanted more freedom to serve clients his way—with care, consistency, and no hidden agendas.
Today, Simon designs financial plans that focus on balance: growth, risk management, tax efficiency, and simplicity. His goal is to help people make smarter decisions that align with their real lives—not just the markets.
Outside of work, Simon is a family man. He has three young sons, two dogs, and serves as a deacon at his church. Whether he’s fishing, golfing, or building wealth plans, Simon believes in showing up, doing the work, and always putting people first.
Simon Joseph: Defining Success Through Work, Family, and Discipline
How do you define success—personally and professionally?
To me, success is consistency. It’s showing up every day with intention, even when the work is repetitive or hard. That applies to my career and my personal life. It’s not about chasing a certain number or title. It’s about building something that lasts, whether it’s a financial plan, a relationship, or a family. I’d rather be the person people trust to do the right thing—quietly and reliably—than someone trying to make headlines.
You started your career right around the 2008 financial crisis. What did that teach you about success?
A lot, actually. I came out of Randolph-Macon with a degree in economics and biology, ready to start building my career. My first role was with ING Financial Partners, and within weeks, the market was falling apart. It was a crash course in humility. Everyone was uncertain, even the people who had been in the industry for decades.
That’s when I learned that success in this field isn’t about being the smartest in the room. It’s about staying grounded when things get messy. Listening more than talking. And being honest when you don’t have all the answers.
How has your idea of success changed since launching your own firm?
Before launching Joseph Wealth, I worked at larger firms—Morgan Stanley, then Truist. I held VP roles and hit all the performance benchmarks, but I still felt limited. I wanted to slow things down, spend more time with each client, and do the kind of work that aligned with my values.
Now, success means having control over how I serve people. I keep my client roster manageable so I can actually answer the phone when they call. That kind of availability used to be a luxury in bigger firms. For me, it’s now non-negotiable.
What’s been one of the most unexpected lessons in building a successful business?
You have to learn how to say no. In the beginning, I wanted to help everyone. But I realized that if I took on too much, I wouldn’t serve anyone well. Now, I focus on working with people I can genuinely help—and who are ready to take the process seriously. That means I occasionally refer folks elsewhere, and that’s okay. Quality over volume always wins in the long run.
You’ve also been a top producer at Hilltop Securities before going fully independent. Did those achievements feel like success?
They were affirming, sure. It felt good to be recognized. But they weren’t the reason I stayed in this career. I think the more important success was realizing that I didn’t need someone else’s scoreboard to tell me I was doing good work. Once I saw that, I was ready to go out on my own.
Outside of your career, what does success look like to you?
It’s how my kids see me. I’ve got three boys—8, 6, and 3—and I want them to grow up knowing that work isn’t just about making money. It’s about helping people and being reliable. Some days I’ll take a client call in the driveway, then walk in and read “Green Eggs and Ham” for the tenth time. That balance is hard, but it’s worth it.
We also have two dogs—black labs named Duke and Sally—who are basically part of the family chaos. Add that to volunteering as a deacon at our church, and you start to realize success also means being present in your community, not just your office.
You mentioned early jobs like lifeguarding and carpentry. Do those experiences still influence how you think about success?
Absolutely. Lifeguarding taught me how to be alert and calm under pressure. Carpentry taught me patience and how to work with my hands—sometimes you measure three times and still have to cut again. I think both jobs shaped how I approach finance today. You have to pay attention. You have to prepare. And you can’t cut corners.
What’s one habit or mindset that helps you stay focused on long-term success?
I keep things simple. I don’t try to follow every market headline or jump on every trend. I stick to fundamentals: strong planning, thoughtful investment strategy, and clear communication. That mindset applies across the board—whether I’m managing a portfolio or coaching my kid’s sports team. Stick to the basics, do them well, and build from there.
What advice would you give to someone trying to build their version of success?
Don’t try to do everything at once. Get good at one thing. Be known for doing it well, and keep showing up. It doesn’t matter if you’re managing money or mopping floors—how you do it says a lot about where you’re headed.
And don’t forget to define success for yourself. If you don’t, someone else will—and you might wake up 10 years in wondering whose life you’re living.