Employee Spotlight: Kip Phillips, National Integration Manager

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!