G. Phillip (Phil) Wick, former chairman of Les Schwab Tire Centers, died in Oregon on Aug. 17, 2010. He was 66.
Born in Puyallup, Wash., Wick spent his entire 40-year employment career with Les Schwab. Beginning in the tire-changing bays in 1965, he became a store manager at age 24.
Over the next three decades, he held several management positions and was selected by Les Schwab to be president in 1983. He was named chairman of the board in 2006.
Wick retired as chairman in December 2008, although he remained an "active" board member, according to the company. For an interim period following his retirement, Wick also served as an advisor on various projects related to the company's customer service programs -- programs he, working closely with company founder Les Schwab, helped establish.
"Since I joined Les Schwab, it has always been more than a job, it's a way of life," said Wick to Modern Tire Dealer prior to his retirement. "Our employees and customers make this company a great place to work, and I am proud of our accomplishments."
In an official statement, Les Schwab praised Wick for his commitment helping not only the company grow, but also its people. "(He) was a great mentor and friend to countless Les Schwab employees. He enjoyed recruiting and training employees and helping them to be successful. His enthusiasm and personal warmth was infectious and he will be deeply missed."
A devoted family man, Wick is survived by his wife, Lesley, and their two children, Jeff and Heather. Information about his memorial service is not available at this time.
