Archive for category: Employee Bios

By Gina Stuelke, CEO of Kenton Brothers

Kip Phillips is a rare breed in today’s world. He has dedicated 35 years of his life to the security industry. From running his own business Phillip’s Electrical Enterprises on and off for 21 years, to working for other security integrators along the way.

Kip began learning the electrical field starting at 8 years old from his Father and went to school to become an electrical engineer at Southern Illinois Carbondale. To this day, Kip is a life-long learner and is passionate and committed to his craft. He has followed in his father’s footsteps by carrying on the tradition of teaching others to share his knowledge and perpetuate the industry.

Kip’s Role at Kenton Brothers

Kip’s role at Kenton Brothers as Integration Manager is to oversee the leadership and management of the technicians that perform the installation of our projects. He also makes sure that our customers get what they need in a timely manner with a successful outcome. He’s a master at streamlining processes and implementing quality standards to ensure that our technicians do the job consistently and with quality.

As a 35 year security industry veteran, Kip’s top tips to be a successful technician include:

1. You must understand all of the systems involved
2. You must have the desire for continuous learning; be interested in the technology, the environment you’re working in, and value your hand tools
3. You must want to learn it, not just do it
4. You must have the technology skills, but also be willing to get your hands dirty

The technicians that he is leading love his experience and willingness to take time with them to mentor and help them advance in the industry.

“I especially enjoy commercial access control systems because there are so many moving parts. We can do so many things with the options, your imagination with AC is limitless. Protecting people, protecting things, plus it can interface with just about anything… the possibilities are endless!”

Outside of his work life, Kip is happily married to Angela, his wife of 35 years.

“We enjoy riding bicycles and walking trails in state, national and city parks. I enjoy researching history on old hand tools from the 1880 to the 1950’s. I enjoy the challenge of trying to find rare tools in usable shape. I enjoy finding and collecting old tool hardware catalogs, old hand tools, old “how to books” and old math books. I’ve had tools in my hands since a very early age!”

When asked about the three most influential people that have helped him become the man he is today, he mentions his dad, his wife, and his friend Herb Farnsworth.

“My dad taught me so many skills my whole life from an early age. My wife has been my rock. She has taught me how to enjoy life, encouraged me through my career and is always there to listen. Herb Farnsworth is a unique person and has presented opportunities for many young people. He is responsible for getting me in to the low voltage systems field right out of college. He provided me an opportunity for a career, taught me about the KC market and how wheels of business turn.”

We’re thankful to have Kip on our team and love his enthusiasm for all things technical!

By Gina Stuelke, CEO of Kenton Brothers

Soaking up all of the knowledge from her team and being a good human

We welcome Danielle Hoover to Team KB! We love the dedication she has brought to the position in the 6 short months she has been on our team. Based on her experience and attention to detail in similar roles, we are confident she will continue to impress us and inspire our KB family. She epitomizes many of our core values such as service quality, continuous learning, integrity and employee focus and brings them into human form every day.

Danielle’s extensive knowledge in the technical field has prepared her for excellence as a Project Administrator in our Field Services department. Her primary responsibility is as a liaison between our installation team and our external customers. She knows that exceptional communication and organization are key components to her success as Project Admin. Danielle’s skills for multitasking and balancing many projects have led to her success.

“I have learned just how many areas and people my job impacts. I help facilitate so everything runs smoothly, therefore I feel empowered. I feel like I have a voice here at Kenton Brothers and that I make a difference.”

Danielle’s primary responsibilities are to work hands on with KB’s Project Managers and our Operations Manager, Kip Phillips. She credits Kip’s attention to detail and approachability as beneficial in advancing her transition and training at Kenton Brothers.

“I work with Kip the most and our positions overlap. I know that Kip has a wealth of experience and knowledge from all of his years in the industry and I want to absorb as much of it as I can… I know that when I am ready, Kenton Brothers will support my ambitions of continuous learning.”

Danielle is happily committed to her boyfriend of two years, Jeff. The two enjoy anything horror and spooky themed. Whether it’s decorating the home with classic horror memorabilia or dressing up for Worlds of Fun’s Halloween Haunt every Halloween season.

Danielle is incredibly close with her teenage daughter, Vanessa. The two enjoy working out together and share their love of the strange and unusual. Danielle is preparing for Vanessa’s high school graduation in the Spring and is confident that she has equipped her daughter for the adult world and is excited to watch Vanessa go far. According to Danielle, the most important KB Way Trait is to be a good human.

“I think ‘be a good human’ resonates the most with me. I want to be a team player and approachable. I want my coworkers to see me as a positive influence in the workplace and a dependable resource. I try to model these same behaviors for my daughter everyday at home so she is better prepared for the work field.”

We appreciate you Danielle!