G. Phillip (Phil) Wick, president of Les Schwab Tire Centers for 22 years, passed away on Aug. 17 in Oregon. He was 66 years old.
Born in Puyallup, Wash., Wick began his career with Les Schwab in 1965 as a 21-year-old hourly sales and service employee. Within three years, he became manager of the Les Schwab location in Walla Walla, Wash. Wick was one of the youngest store managers in the company’s history; in 1983, he became president.
Wick retired in December 2005 and continued to serve as chairman of the company’s board of directors until December 2008, and thereafter as an active member of the Board.
Working closely with company founder Les Schwab, Wick helped establish many employee programs and focused on exceptional customer service. He also acted as a mentor and friend to Les Schwab employees, recruiting and training them for success.
Wick is survived by his wife Lesley, children Jeff and Heather and their families.