Jason and Mark Phillips on the next era of growth for Phillips Collection
When Jason Phillips starts his first calendar year as CEO for Phillips Collection in January, the 41-year-old will be at the helm of a furniture and décor company defined by a four-decade legacy of success.
HIGH POINT – When Jason Phillips starts his first calendar year as CEO for Phillips Collection in January, the 41-year-old will be at the helm of a furniture and décor company defined by a four-decade legacy of success.
On Dec. 1, Jason Phillips assumed the role of CEO at the furniture and décor company, replacing his father, Mark Phillips, who is transitioning into the role of chairman.
Noting that he joined the family business in 2005, Phillips said that his on-the-job training has been more of a “lifelong apprenticeship” with his father, Mark Phillips, leading the way.
“Over the years, I’ve learned the ropes by watching him balance creative vision with business savvy — often from a front-row seat at the dinner table or sourcing trips halfway around the world,” Phillips said. “He’s taught me everything, from how to find beauty in unexpected places to the importance of remembering everyone’s name. Let’s just say I’ve absorbed a lot through ‘creative osmosis’ – and maybe a few well-timed lectures. Now every decision I make is grounded in those years of hands-on learning from one of the best.”
Mark Phillips noted that his son possesses an “incredible mix of creativity and business acumen” and explained that Jason’s design skills complement his understanding as a leader of the importance of both vision and execution.
“Jason listens carefully, values input from the team and knows how to turn ideas into reality,” said Mark. “He has a dedication to sustainability and an eye for innovation, making him perfectly suited to lead Phillips Collection — now.”
Future product development
With the tagline “every piece a conversation,” Phillips Collection was one of the first companies in the home furnishings arena to embrace storytelling as a key product message for customers seeking items outside of the normal aesthetic. The eclectic offering and subsequent marketing approach built a loyal base of buyers over the past 40 years, and both father and son stand behind the strategy.
“I’ll lead our staff and play an active role in shaping product development,” said Jason. “I’m excited to guide our design vision, collaborating closely with our teams to ensure each new piece reflects our values of craftsmanship, sustainability, and bold innovation. This approach allows us to honor our legacy while adapting to the evolving needs of our clients.”
The company’s growth goals include new product categories like the recent debut of the holiday collection. Additionally, the concept of “whole home” will be top of mind for furniture and décor introductions in 2025.
“Phillips Collection remains committed to the values that have always defined us — innovation, sustainability, and an element of surprise — no tired products!” said Mark. “This transition marks an exciting new chapter where we’re building a platform to continue to soar.”
Trend forecasting, sustainability and transparency are on the checklist for 2025, as well as more of the storytelling focus that has guided the company’s marketing effort to date. Jason explained that advanced technology and customer data insights will be deeply integrated into operations.
“Today’s consumers seek more than just a product; they want a story, a sustainable choice and pieces that make a statement,” he said. “The growing demand for transparency, unique design, and eco-friendly options aligns seamlessly with our values. We’re leveraging AI and technology to help us ideate at unprecedented speeds, allowing us to stay ahead of trends and deliver fresh, thoughtful designs that resonate.”
Looking ahead & life lessons
Father and son recognize that companies are now charged with meeting their customers where and how they shop — whether through immersive online platforms, social media or virtual showrooms — while also “staying true” to the direct relationships and showroom experiences that have been, and remain, successful. Those relationships include both retailers and designers, each with specific strategies and goals.
“We have a history of great designer business and have worked hard to develop retail supporting repeatable products and pricing,” Jason said. “We are dedicating ourselves to data, which allows us to anticipate trends better and deliver collections that resonate across different sectors.
“Our client base spans beyond residential into commercial and hospitality spaces, each with its own demands and opportunities,” he continued. “Our approach ensures that we stay relevant, accessible and aligned with the unique goals of each client segment.”
As the company transitions into its next stage of leadership, both father and son are certain that dinner table conversations will still include shop talk in the future.
“We’ve been a family business since Jason and [his sister] Jessica were born,” Mark said. “They very willingly skipped school for a week in Bangkok, Bali or Barcelona. How lucky am I to have kids excited to be in the furniture business and groomed to make it fly.
“It’s inevitable that Phillips Collection will be a topic at our dinner table — it’s in our DNA,” he continued. “With Jason and Jessica both stepping up, our family’s involvement isn’t going anywhere. We bring different perspectives to the table (preferably live-edge golden acacia), and those conversations keep the company grounded in its roots while encouraging fresh ideas. I look forward to learning about design, strategy and where we’re headed next … from them.”
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