He started his career while still in college as an employee of Union 76 and Mid-Continent Systems, Inc. During his employment, and while in the process of receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Texas Christian and Sam Houston State Universities, he developed truck stop marketing strategies and, along with Mid-Continent, established a nationwide truck stop chain.

During the 1970’s OPEC oil embargo crisis, Simons served as an industry advisor to the U.S. government and focused on the nation’s pipeline and distribution systems. In this role, he worked with regulators that were to later become the Department of Energy to help formulate rules and regulations that gave rise to major structural changes that shape the U.S. oil industry of today.

Early on, Roger recognized major opportunities and developed unique lubricant products and services for drilling, exploration and production operators in the oil and gas industry resulting in Simons becoming the leading supplier of diesel fuel, lubricants, and innovative customer services to that industry. In 1994, Simons formed Pathway Network, a bridge between a trucking company’s requirement for over-the-road fuel and direct fuel supply from the petroleum industry. Pathway linked Simons' supply capability with 181 full-service truck stops throughout the U.S. providing a reliable supply of quality diesel fuel to the transportation industry and access to a full range of physical delivery fuel cost control management programs.

In 1974, Roger was named Vice President of Simons Petroleum, was named President in 1978 and in 1984 was elected Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. In 2004, he merged Simons Petroleum into what is now Maxum Petroleum, Inc. and has played a key role in that company’s continued growth and diversification through several major acquisitions. Maxum. with sales of several billion dollars annually. now employs over 1,400 experienced men and women. Roger currently serves as Maxum’s Vice Chairman.

In 1990, Roger began serving as a member of the Products Committee of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). Roger has held positions in many organizations primarily oil industry related; commonly has been featured speaker at many conferences throughout the down-stream petroleum industry. He is also active in his church and local, regional and national charity organizations.

He and his wife Barbara have a son Brad and a daughter Angie both of whom also live in Oklahoma City. Roger is now semi retired and managing his assets of Simons Investment Company.