Jim Phillips, a longtime veteran of The VGM Group Inc. has retired from his position as chief operating officer of the industry member service organization and buying group.
Winding down a 25-year career with the organization, Phillips has been VGM Group’s COO since 2008, and was selected as president of VGM Group in January of 2016.
“Jim has been a big part of VGM, and he will be greatly missed,” said Mike Mallaro, VGM Group’s chief executive officer. “Jim remains a VGM Group Board member, valued advisor, and friend to so many of us in the VGM extended family.”
The late VGM Group founder Van G. Miller originally recruited Phillips in 1991 to start VGM’s equipment leasing business. As that division’s sole employee, Phillips grew it into what is now known as VGM Financial Services, a business unit with more than 40 associates managing financing for the home healthcare and golf industries.
“It’s been a fantastic ride, and I’ve met a lot of wonderful people,” Phillips said. “I’m going to remain as connected as possible but will miss sharing in member success stories as well as providing guidance to the talented people that work for VGM. Retirement was certainly not an easy decision, but I need to keep moving and get healthy.”
What’s waiting for Phillips next? Prioritizing the good life. With an fondness for the Caribbean and Jimmy Buffet music, Phillips said he is looking forward to sharing adventures with his wife of 39 years, Ardith.
“This begins phase two of my life, and I am incredibly blessed with my wife and family and to have them all close,” he added. “Life is short, so I need to make sure and leave some time to enjoy it.”