From the time he was a child, Phillip Shook watched his father work in the utility vegetation management industry. His father, a dedicated employee of a large utility contractor, instilled in Phillip a deep respect for the profession. Yet, as a young boy, Phillip never imagined he would follow in his father’s footsteps. He saw the hard work and thought, That’s not for me. But over time, he came to appreciate the critical role his father played in restoring power during storms and supporting the nation’s electrical infrastructure. When Phillip turned 18, he made the choice to enter the industry himself, launching a career that would eventually lead him to Lewis Services. Para leer este artículo en español, haga clic aquí.
Phillip Shook’s #LewisChoice – Stepping Back to Leap Forward
Phillip Shook, Lewis Supervisor
I love coming to work, and that enthusiasm spreads. When new people join our team, they see it and feel it too.
Phillip’s journey to his Lewis Choice has taken him through multiple companies in the industry. While he gained valuable experience, he also witnessed firsthand how company cultures could shift. “At one point, I returned to a former employer, hoping to find the same environment I had once loved. But the culture had changed, and I quickly realized it wasn’t where I wanted to build my future,” he recalls.
His transition to Lewis wasn’t driven by a search for another job - it was about finding a company that aligned with his values. “I wasn’t even actively looking when a manager from Lewis that I had met previously reached out. He told me, ‘I’ve had you in mind for a long time,’ and when the right position opened up, he called me. That meant a lot.” Phillip trusted his instincts about Lewis and accepted a position even though it meant a temporary step back in pay. But he believed in what he saw. “Money isn’t everything,” he says. “What mattered more was being part of a company that invests in its employees. Lewis did everything they could to bring me in at the best possible rate, but they also emphasized growth, stability, and long-term success.”
The difference was immediately clear. “At previous companies, mistakes could mean getting fired. At Lewis, mistakes and incidents are opportunities for coaching and development. They invest in people, helping them improve rather than just replacing them. That’s rare in this industry.”
Another major draw for Phillip was Lewis’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Having previously worked at an employee-owned company where workers had to buy into ownership, he was skeptical at first. But Lewis’s ESOP is different - it’s truly a benefit, given to employees without additional cost. “It’s free money,” he says with a smile. “The company genuinely wants us to succeed, not just as workers, but as owners.”
Since joining Lewis, Phillip has advanced rapidly, moving from General Foreperson to Supervisor in under two years. He credits this not just to his own work ethic, but to the support and trust of his leadership team. “I feel valued here. When I have questions or need help, I can go to my manager, and I know he’s there. That trust extends through every level of leadership, from the crews in the field to the corporate office.” Phillip’s passion for Lewis is evident in how he speaks about the company, and it’s something he passes on to his teams. “People can tell when you really believe in something. I love coming to work, and that enthusiasm spreads. When new people join our team, they see it and feel it too.”
For those considering making the move to Lewis, Phillip has a clear message: “There’s a difference between having a job and building a career. At Lewis, you’re not just another number - you’re part of something bigger. Leadership listens. They care. And this is a place where you can grow for the long haul.” Check out other #LewisChoice videos here and subscribe to our #LewisChoice channel!
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At Lewis, you’re not just another number - you’re part of something bigger.
Leadership listens. They care. And this is a place where you can grow for the long haul.