Richard (Rick) Neill

In 1970 Rick went to work for an old school friend who was struggling to get a business going in the distribution of truck parts.  In 1972 they formed a partnership and began Phillips Industries, a manufacturer for wire and cable and related electrical products for the heavy duty trucking industry.

Phillips Industries grew to become a major world wide manufacturer and supplier to the trucking industry and a major contributor as the industry converted from “electrical to electronic” era.  Phillips developed and held patents on a number of products in this area as it grew to a $60 million multinational company.

During his tenure at Phillips, Rick performed a number of functions in the organization as the company grew, primarily in the sales and manufacturing area.  He was a major contributor in the purchase of two companies and folding them into the Phillips family.  In his final 10 years at Phillips he held the position of Executive Vice President until he retired in 2000.  In addition to his duties at Phillips, Rick was actively involved in Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association, Council of Fleet Specialists, and The American Trucking Association.

Rick joined Eastman Industries, a Private Investment Banker, as a Partner covering the West Coast in 2002.

In 2000 Rick was appointed to the Board of Directors of ChildNet Youth and Family Services a non profit serving at-risk children and families in Southern California.  During his 10 years on the board he served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors as well as Chairman of the Foundation Board before resigning in 2010.

Rick and his wife Lynn live in Long Beach.  They have three grown children and six grandchildren all living in Southern California.

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