He's been at the helm for more than 18-years, but John Phillips is ready to jump over the net and join the ranks of the retired at the end of the year. Phillips, who has held the role of General Manager for South Shore Health & Racquet Club since 1998, says he will retire in late December to enjoy the retired life.
Tony & Jackie Monte are local club owners at the popular health club on Tennis Court in St. Joseph Township. They sing John's praises, saying, "John has brought immeasurable value to the club and its members." They add, "He has developed professional relationships in the community through his active involvement with Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce, Business Network International and other organizations. His loyalty and dedication to South Shore's ownership group and members will go unparalleled. He's going to be missed."
Phillips joined the management team at South Shore in 1998, and he embodies more than 30 years of experience in sports club management as well as his role as a United States Professional Tennis Association Level 1 Tennis Professional. That depth and breadth of experience led South Shore Health & Record Club to become one of the premier health and racquet facilities in the Midwest. During his tenure, the club was named 16 times as the "Favorite Health Club" in Southwest Michigan's Readers Choice Awards sponsored by the Herald-Palladium newspaper.
John directed several major upgrades and expansions at South Shore which earned him the title of United States Professional Tennis Association Facility Manager of the Year in both 2008 and 2015.
For his part, John tells us, "I have been fortunate to work with an outstanding ownership group, fantastic staff, and very supportive membership." He adds, "We've come together as a team to make South Shore the premier club in Southwest Michigan." John says he was honored this year to celebrate the club's 40th Anniversary and is confident that the club he has worked so hard to build will continue to encourage healthier lifestyles. John says, "But what really makes me proud is how our staff has helped numerous high school students receive college scholarships. That's made a life-long difference for those kids, their families, and our communities."
John reports that the South Shore ownership group has tabbed Sarah Monte as his replacement beginning in January 2017. She is a long time member who joined the club's staff in 2014. She currently oversees the club's marketing and assists with daily operations. John tells us, "Sarah has worked for South Shore over the last several years and has done an outstanding job. I have all the confidence she will be a great future leader of South Shore."
Upon retirement, John and his wife Lesa look forward to enjoying Michigan's Great Southwest.
