KEY Magazine Fort Worth

GUEST SERVICES

Taking Charge in the Stockyards

Bill Phillips turned a successful career as a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot into an equally successful civilian profession. Upon retiring from the military ranks, Bill and his wife signed on as volunteers in Fort Worth and Dallas area guest services. Bill felt right at home greeting the tourists and business people choosing the area as a vacation destination or meeting place.

“At first we worked at special museum exhibitions, serving as hosts, and helping to train volunteers,” Bill explained. “Then, in 1992 we served with the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau at the Stockyards Visitors Center. I liked introducing guests to the history and western lore that makes the Stockyards National Historic district such a memorable place to visit,” Bill said.

In 1994 Bill transitioned from volunteer to full time employee, serving first as Visitors Center assistant manager and two years later as manager. “I’ve been there ever since,” Bill said, “and I enjoy every day of it. I particularly like recruiting and training our volunteers. Without them we couldn’t begin to serve the many thousands that come to enjoy the stockyards.”Bill put his military experience to work in his role as manager. “I spent a considerable time in the Marine Corps as a training instructor. It was there that I developed my people skills and learned how to manage a training program. That experience has helped me recruit and train our volunteers and help schedule training for the other two Fort Worth area visitors centers.”

Managing the Stockyards Visitors Center also requires familiarity with other local attractions and events. “Our visitors not only want to know about the stockyards but ask us about activities all over the metroplex. We publish a list of attractions but our best local guide is Fort Worth Key magazine. We use it as a handy tool to give our guests directions and show them all the things there are to see and do in the area,” Bill said.

Bill Phillips’ military background and managerial experience has paid dividends at the Stockyards. His friendly professional approach along with that of his corps of well trained volunteers lets every visitor know that whatever their situation, they are in the best of hands.

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