Today we’d like to introduce you to Russ Phillips.
Hi Russ, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was forced by a tax situation to liquidate some property after the death of my Dad. Having just lost my job (in the recession that followed the events of 9/11), I decided to get my license and handle things myself. When the dust settled and that work complete, I figured I could make a run at this industry since I had a sales background.
In Real Estate classes, they’d told me that 90% of agents give up their license within five years, so I doubled down and put my nose to the grindstone to provide for my family. In my first year, I won Williamson County Rookie Realtor of the Year, and by my 3rd year I was the top agent in my firm. Eventually business was such that I needed to hire help, and so the Russ Phillips Team was born to help me keep this train running smoothly.
This has turned into more than I could have ever hoped. Approaching 1500 closings worth of experience, I can look back and see how we’ve helped change lives for the better….those of clients AND Russ Phillips Team members. That has been the most rewarding part of my career.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Anyone who has been full-time in Real Estate (for a living) long enough has found some struggles. I grew up in a real estate family and saw 2 “boom and bust” cycles in the 1980’s during my formative years. It gave me a perspective as a young man that I needed to never buy, or represent a buyer on, real estate that I would not be able to get them out of one day. Having an exit strategy was always key because I’d seen how ugly things could get. Thankfully this mindset proved very helpful as we entered into the recession of 2008. Nearly all of my clients that needed to sell during that recession did NOT lose money.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My team specializes in residential buyers and sellers. We have taken the tasks involved and divided them into systems to make our team efforts more efficient so that our negotiators can be focused on what they do best – find properties and negotiate deals that meet our clients’ goals. I am still heavily involved in the business personally and work primarily with sellers.
Through the years, our success has won me recognition within the industry that I would argue serves our clients well. Sometimes agents on the other side of the negotiating table “show their cards” a little more than they maybe they should, enabling me to “play poker” more effectively for my clients. Even so, we pride ourselves on the integrity and professionalism that the Russ Phillips Team brand has upheld. I even quote Proverbs 22:1 in my listing presentations because this standard was set for me by my grandfather.
I am proud of our Google reviews and our longstanding track record of success. Most important to us is the referrals our clients give us because that is the best testimonial we could possibly receive when someone says, “Trust these guys…I’m glad I did.”
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Russ does Real Estate to support his ranching habit. He is a 7th-generation Texan with ancestors in one of the original Texas colonies dating back to the 1820’s. What’s left of the ranch is still near and dear to Russ and he likes to spend as much time as possible on horseback for therapy from the stresses of modern living.
Contact Info:
- Email: russ@russ-phillips.com
- Website:www.Russ-Phillips.com
- Instagram: @russphillipsteam
- Twitter: russphillipsre
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgkoi5s8MfA76qDMxhgEBRw
- Other: www.Russ-Phillips.com/CowsFearRussPhillips
