G. Phillip “Phil” Wick, who served as president of Les Schwab Tire Centers for 22 years, has died in Oregon. He was 66.
Retiring from the Schwab presidency in 2005, Wick continued on as chairman of the company’s board of directors until 2008. He remained active as board member until his death.
Wick began his career with Schwab in 1965 and played an important role in the company’s growth and success, according to spokeswoman Jodie Hueske. He signed on as a 21 year-old hourly sales and service employee and within three years rose to manager of the Walla Walla, Wash. outlet.
He was one of the youngest store managers in the company’s history, and in 1983 he became the company’s president.
Working closely with the firm’s founder, Les Schwab, Wick helped establish many of the company’s innovative employee programs, maintaining “a steadfast focus on exceptional customer service,” says Hueske.
“Phil was also committed to building people and was a great mentor and friend to countless Les Schwab employees,” she says. “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.”
Survivors include his wife Lesley, children Jeff and Heather and their families. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
For more information, visit www.lesschwab.com.
