Simon Guobadia: From Nigeria to Atlanta, a Self-Made Success Story

Olivia Wilson

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Who is Simon Guobadia?

Simon Iyore Guobadia was born in Nigeria, on 2 June 1964. He’s a well-known businessman, film producer, and reality TV star based in Atlanta, Georgia USA, the Chief Executive Officer of Simcol Petroleum LLC, one of the biggest fuel suppliers in the Southeast US. Further, he’s also the co-founder and managing partner of several other successful businesses across various industries. In addition, Simon is known for his appearances on the popular reality TV show “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”.

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Early life and education

Simon was born into an upper-middle-class family, the oldest of eight siblings. He learned a lot about management from his father, Stanley, who worked as the Assistant Director at the Nigerian Prison Services.

Simon received his high school education at a prestigious private boarding school located in Ibadan, Nigeria. He then enrolled at Government College Ughelli in nearby Delta State, from which he dropped out during his freshman year to immigrate to the US. There, he studied at the University of District Columbia in Washington DC, graduating in 1993 with a degree in Accounting.

Business ventures

After graduating, Simon started working as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for several prestigious companies. In 2004, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he found a job as a full-time Tax Manager for the financial advisory firm Deloitte. However, Simon had always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and dreamed of starting a company of his own.

His first business venture was Simcol Petroleum, which grew to become one of the biggest fuel suppliers for industrial and commercial businesses in the area. He soon launched Simcol Group, which included Simcol Petroleum along with several other smaller companies across fields such as transportation, hospitality and real estate.

In 2017, he became a restaurateur, opening his own restaurant located in Midtown, Atlanta. Unfortunately, the business was shut down in May 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Over the years, Simon has also built a diverse and successful real estate portfolio, which has played a significant role in his overall wealth accumulation. Furthermore, he is also an active investor, with interests in various other businesses, including technology start-ups and entertainment companies.

Aside from managing his businesses, Simon is a philanthropist, and often gives back to the community. He is known for his generous donations to various charitable causes, particularly those related to education and healthcare. He’s donated to several non-profits that provide education and healthcare services to underprivileged children and families in Nigeria and US.

Career in the Film Industry

Simon’s passion for storytelling and his keen eye for talent led him to pursue a career in the film industry. He founded his production company, Simcol Entertainment, with the goal of producing high-quality content that resonates with audiences.

His first foray into the film world was as an executive producer for the 2012 short drama, “Jail Dogs”.  Since then, he’s continued to work on several film and TV projects, both as a producer and an executive producer. His perhaps biggest project to date has been the 2020 biographical drama film “Son of the South”, written and directed by Barry Alexander Brown. The movie followed the real-life story of Bob Zellner, a prominent civil rights activist who defied the KuKluxKlan.

Love life and relationships

Simon’s personal life has been a topic of interest and speculation in the media, particularly his relationships with reality TV stars.

Simon was married to Falynn Pina, a model and social media influencer who appeared in the reality show “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” during its 13th season. The couple wed in June 2019, and their relationship was documented in several episodes of the show.

In April 2021, Simon and Falynn announced their separation and subsequently filed for divorce, which was finalized later in the year. Shortly after the announcement of their separation, Simon confirmed that he was in a relationship with Porsha Williams, another star of “Real Housewives”. The news of their relationship made headlines, with many fans and media outlets speculating about the timeline of their romance, and accusing Simon of infidelity.

Simon and Porsha announced their engagement in May 2021, further fueling public interest in their relationship. Despite the scrutiny and speculation, the couple has maintained that their relationship began after Simon’s separation from Falynn.

Not long after announcing their engagement, Simon and Porsha starred together in their own “Real Housewives” spin-off mini-series “Porsha Family Matters”, which documented the aftermath of their controversial romance ‘breaking the Internet’ and gave a closer look into their relationship dynamic.

Simon and Porsha married in November 2022, tying the knot in a traditional Nigerian wedding ceremony. They frequently appear together on social media, expressing their love for each other, and are set to appear in the upcoming season of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”.

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Simon has five children, three sons and two daughters from his two previous relationships. Despite not being with their mothers anymore, he is an involved father and has recently revealed that all of his children have graduated with honors. The kids are also close to his wife, and have briefly appeared in “Porsha Family Matters”.

Hobbies and interesting facts

When he’s not working on his businesses or producing films, Simon enjoys a variety of hobbies and activities. He is an avid traveler and has visited many countries around the world, including several African countries and various destinations in Europe and Asia.

Simon also enjoys playing golf with his friends, he’s built a small golf course near his house and ,also spends time at a local golf club.

He is an avid car enthusiast, with a collection of luxury and exotic vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, and Bentley. Simon enjoys driving and sharing pictures of his cars on his social media accounts, where he’s amassed a significant following.

As a successful entrepreneur and film producer, Simon recognizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By making time for his hobbies and interests, he can recharge and stay focused on his various business and creative projects.

Net worth

As of April 2023, Simon’s net worth is estimated to be more than $50 million, according to various sources, primarily derived from his numerous successful business ventures, including his work in the oil and gas, hospitality, and real estate industries. His involvement in the film industry also contributes to his overall net worth.

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