Platinum Tools Product Manager John ‘Papa’ Phillips to Retire
The industry veteran and immensely respected icon will step away after serving more than 35 years, the last 18 years with Platinum Tools.
John “Papa” Phillips
NEWBURY PARK, Calif. — After more than 35 years in the industry, the past 18 years with Platinum Tools, and with an unmatched reputation rightfully earned by everyone he worked with and knew, John “Papa” Phillips has announced his retirement, effective Oct. 2.
“John truly has been the ultimate employee and a true friend,” says Platinum Tools Founder Lee Sachs. “I can’t thank him enough for what he brought to myself personally and towards the great success of Platinum Tools. John’s reputation in our industry is unmatched and irreplaceable and he will always be remembered for his loyalty, honesty, integrity and patience. Semper Fi … always faithful, always loyal, always our friend.”
Phillips joined Platinum Tools, a leading manufacturer in solutions for the preparation, installation, hand termination and testing of wire and cable, in 2002 as sales manager. In 2008, he handed off the sales manager responsibilities and took on the responsibilities of product manager, product development and product support.
“John joined Platinum Tools when we were small and looking to grow,” adds Sachs, who also recently took a first major step toward a well-earned retirement by stepping down from his role as Platinum Tools president. “John developed our core sales rep force and trained and assisted them in how to sell our products. He also developed our core customer base and provided invaluable support and assistance with our marketing programs and tradeshows. He’s also not bad at driving a forklift and shipping, although he tended to abuse the tape gun!”
Known for his quiet, humble and incredibly friendly demeanor, Phillips has always been the ultimate team player. His product knowledge is legendary in the industry and his great passion for passing that product knowledge on to Platinum Tools’ employees, reps, distributors, and end users is truly his legacy. The nickname “Toolman” is well deserved.
“I love my job, so hanging up my hat is not an easy task,” says Phillips. “In fact, I do so with mixed emotions…excited and at the same time sad. It is amazing how fast my 18 plus years with Platinum Tools passed me by. I have been in this industry for more than 35 years, and my 18 years with Platinum were the best because of the strong friendships I built during this time with my associates. So, as I begin a new chapter in my life, these special friendships will be part of the journey!”
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