Fireplace Conversation

It's always nice to break down professional barriers and discover more about individuals in our real estate community. We recently visited one of our industry experts, Shane Phillips, with Coldwell Banker Plaza Real Estate, at his beautiful home. Shane and his beautiful family shared a candid look into their lives and their story.  Here is what we learned...

Shane began his career in real estate agent in 2016.  In that short period of time, he has consistently earned a spot within the top 3 residential producers at Coldwell Banker Plaza Real Estate and ranked in the top 5% of all 2000 agents in RSCK.  He has graciously won numerous industry awards including the RSCK Rising Star Award, RSCK Rookie of the Year, a perennial Master’s Circle Award recipient and continues to earn more.

“Relationships are the most rewarding part of this business,” he shared. Be it buyers, sellers, contractors or other industry professionals, he says that his objective is to make sure everyone he works with and for feels the need to tell others about the incredible experience. “Sustaining successful relationships that extend beyond the closing table is truly one of the best parts of this job and the most rewarding.”

When it comes to workload, Shane rarely slows down and rarely turns his phone off. He doesn’t like the term “workaholic”, but he admits that he never stops.  Alongside real estate, Shane has spent two decades in education; both public and private as well as service on the USD385 school board.  He shared that his experience in education has translated directly to the process of buying and selling real estate.  “It’s forced countless interactions that have required navigating a variety of emotions from all involved.” Communication, personability, patience, and support are qualities required in both careers.  In fact, it was in this capacity that his career began as it was a former student’s parent, Amelia Sumerell, that ultimately turned him on to real estate.  “Could there be a better mentor than Amelia?!” Shane proclaimed. “She was the one that encouraged me to obtain my license, and she and her team have been a constant source of support and information.”

In addition to residential real estate, Shane has an incredible passion for helping buyer’s see a home’s full potential.  He continues, “I have always loved architecture and design and having bought and sold a few properties myself, I’ve tackled various remodeling projects both professionally and personally.”  Shane added, “I even convinced Sarah to take on this home a year and a half ago?” Shane and Sarah purchased a midcentury ranch in October, 2018 and have been steadily working on bringing its best features back to life.  “It’s truly amazing to couple intriguing and classic architecture with modern convenience and style.”

She is who Shane credits as his greatest contributing force.  “Without Sarah, there is little chance that I would be able to be successful. There’s no way I could do it.  She makes me better in every way.”

“When are you going to quit teaching?  That’s the question I get asked the most.”  Shane recognizes that his time in the classroom will come to an end at some point…“While it will be tough leaving a career that I have literally been doing for half my life, the silver lining is that my career in real estate provides many of the same blessings as has my career in education,” but for now, he is loving what he is doing and excited about continuing to grow his business.

1. Name?

Shane Phillips

2. Where are you from?

Born, San Antonio, TX, grew up in San Diego and then Fresno, CA before moving to Wichita, KS

3. Current Company and Position?

Coldwell Banker Plaza Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Wichita Collegiate School, Academic Dean, History Dep Chair

4. First Job?

Paper route, Fresno Bee

5. What that first job taught me?

HARD Work, sacrifice, comfort with discomfort

6. Best advice ever given?

The world belongs to the askers.  Ask questions; you don’t know what you don't know.

7. Last book you read?

“Boys Should be Boys: 7 Secrets to Raising Healthy Sons”, by Meg Meeker

and “Endless Referrals” by Bob Burg

8. Hobbies?

Hobbies? Who has time for hobbies??  But seriously, I do love to travel and pick up a round of pickleball.

9. Favorite restaurant?

Georges is definitely among my favorites, but there are so many great places to eat in Wichita.  Scotch & Sirloin, Newport, Red Rock, Yia Yia’s… all fantastic.

10. The person who has most impacted your life?

My wife Sarah.  She truly makes me a better person.

11. Biggest personal achievement?

My greatest achievement is the family & life Sarah and I have built.  

12. Biggest professional achievement?

Managing to consistently stay within the top 3 residential agents in my brokerage.

13. Biggest challenge to overcome?

Time management is definitely one of my strengths, but I wish there were more hours in the day!

14. Favorite coffee place?

I love our “home brew” coffee that we are able to share in our coffee nook that overlooks our backyard.

15. Honest work hours (do you keep it reasonable or do you work

 all hours?) Your time is not your own in this 24/7 business; it’s always changing and always exciting.  I love it!!

16. Where can you be found when you're not working?

With my family or coaching youth sports (summer and fall baseball, soccer, & basketball).  

17. I love......

Traveling, going to concerts, baseball stadiums, eating good food, …eating bad food.

18. Do you have pets?

Two; an American Golden Retriever (Henry) and an English Golden Retreiver (Bear)

19. Last thing you watched on Netflix, Hulu, etc.?

Peaky Blinders

20. Favorite travel destination?

New York City.  But Colorado in the summertime is definitely our happy place.

21. Favorite drink or cocktail? 

Red wine

22. Do you prefer stripes, solids, polka dots, or floral prints?

Plaid is rad!

23. What is the scariest thing you have ever done for fun? 

Skiing down the front face at Beavercreek in the fog and blizzard-like snow!

24. Favorite weekend activity?

Fun with family and friends!

25. If you could instantly become an expert at something, then what would it be?

I’ve always wanted to play the harmonica.

Shane Phillips

Coldwell Banker Plaza Real Estate

Phone: 316.295.0696

Email: sphillips@plazare.com

Website: http://www.coldwellbanker.com/Coldwell-Banker-Plaza-Real-Estate-3167c/Shane-Phillips-312173a