Today we’d like to introduce you to Phil Glass.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was raised up the road in Tipton County but have always considered myself a Memphian and have a true love for the 901 and what it brings to the world. I was raised to always give my best and my full self in everything I do. I was fortunate to have two special grandmothers in my life who taught me to love unconditionally and strive to make the world a better place.
With my love of this city, I have always had a love for the University of Memphis and its athletics programs. I have always tried to figure out how to bring the game day atmosphere into the streets. When you sit back on game day, you realize that our community has come together for a united cause. We are not separated by race, political affiliation, religion, or anything else. We are all there to root for the Tigers to victory.
What an amazing city this would be if we could figure this out in everyday life. As a fan, most know me as “The Ultimate Tiger” dressed in my Scottish warrior outfit that represents the true grit and grind spirit of our city. I am honored to be able to take pictures and sign autographs on game day with all fans, but especially the kids. I don’t put my fandom above other fans but use it to make a difference on game day and in the community.
Being the Ultimate Tiger has brought recognition that allows me to give back even beyond the game. I currently serve as president of the Highland Hundred, the official booster club for the University of Memphis Football team. I have been invited for the past 3 years to serve as an ambassador for the Men Wear Pink of Memphis campaign and to participate in the Battle of the Bras at Horseshoe Casino to raise awareness for breast cancer.
I have had the opportunity to use the character to work with families that face challenges with sick children such as Hope for Hadley. Recently, I was invited to serve on the Board of Directors for the Chris Hope Foundation which raises above and beyond support for families at St. Jude and LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. I enjoy just being the guy behind the mask and being just an average guy who wants to make a difference. It is never about me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Outside of my grandmothers, I was fortunate to have a baby sister who was adopted when I was 10 years old. She had been a part of my family since she was 5 months old. Unfortunately, she passed away unexpectedly at the beginning of this year at the age of 37. She was known as a loving and caring person which she learned from my grandmothers like me. She would always use the term “Big Love” in the way she loved those around her.
While it was difficult losing her, I now strive harder in everything I do to honor her in showing “Big Love” to those around me as I work to make a difference in the 901. She was always one of my biggest cheerleaders in the different charities I have worked with over the years. She always let me know how proud she was of my work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently work as a general manager for ABM Industries and have been in operations management for most of my career. I am known as someone who works every day as a means to be able to give back more. I am most proud of the opportunity that I have had to mentor individuals under me in order to grow in their career paths and be more than they ever thought they could be in life.
Being able to watch others succeed and know you played a part in that brings a sense of pride that cannot be described. I also serve as a church administrator and teacher at Riverdeep church in the Edge district of Memphis.
We are a small congregation that works to make a difference in our neighborhood through love and service to all. Being at Riverdeep has afforded me the opportunity to do some work with Adult Teen Challenge as I mentor men who are working to overcome addiction and get back into life.
It is amazing to watch people who thought their life was over in many ways to be able to truly start over and become productive individuals in their communities, homes, and workplaces. Again, knowing that I am able to help influence and mentor these men is a humbling experience that I am to learn from personally because none of us are perfect.
Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For me, I have found when I am willing to put myself out there as a mentor and help others that people are willing to see I care and will come along beside me to help me out in most things of life.
When you are real and true, people want to help. I have also found that those I help become my mentors in life without knowing it. I learn from those I help by watching them go through the struggles of life and overcome them.
Contact Info:
- Website: theultimatetiger.com
- Instagram: @theultimatetiger901
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/phillip-glass-mba-74a9b779
- Twitter: @pglass8
