ST. LOUIS - Scott Phillips, founder of Blue Chip Pest Services, St. Louis, Mo., passed away on July 28. He was 77.
A second-generation PCO, Phillips founded Blue Chip Pest Services in 1971, and grew it to a $5.8 million business, ranking #97 on the PCT Top 100. The business is currently run by his two children, Kim and Jeff.
Phillips was trained as a doctor of chiropractic medicine, but soon after his graduation was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam war, where he served as combat medic stationed at an air evacuation hospital near the frontlines in 1967-1968.
After the war Phillips, who had worked with at father's pest control business (Phillips Termite Control), decided that he did not want to practice as a chiropractor. Instead, in 1971 he founded Blue Chip Pest Services with Pat, his wife of 45 years.
Jeff Phillips recalled that one his dad's trademark sayings was, “Those who work the hardest get the luckiest.” He said this phrase "signifies how hard he and my mom work to establish the business."
An active member of the pest control community, Phillips served as president of local and state pest control associations, as well as on the NPMA Board of Direcotors. He was also a founding member of the U Group, a pest control roundtable, and has been an active member for over 20 years.
Phillips also was an active member of the community with an emphasis on helping veterans through such groups as the American Legion and VFW. He was also an active member of the Rotary, and was a Jaycee Senator.
Donations in Phillips's memory can be made to the Fishher House Foundation, which helps the families of veterans who are staying at VA hospitals.