Before starting CoreMax, I worked as an accountant and then in banking. I have 2 undergraduate degrees from Kansas State University, one in Finance and one in Accounting. I also have an MBA from Kansas State University where I graduated cum laude. I am also a Certified Public Accountant. I initially worked in the accounting industry, as an accountant for a regional military contractor, then as a controller for a regional construction firm. After gaining my MBA, I took and passed the CPA exam and joined the regional office of Kennedy & Coe in Wichita. I then switched to banking and worked in the commercial loan divisions of both Intrust Bank and Bank IV.

In 2004 I started a property management company with just 30 units. That company was eventually sold and in 2014 I started CoreMax Leasing and Management Services with myself and one other partner, Jeff Bennett. I am not from the Wichita area, but Jeff's family has been in this area for a long time and are respected members of the community. Jeff's brother is Marc Bennett, the current Sedgwick County DA. In 2018, Jeff left the company to pursue another business opportunity but is still very active with the company. My background in accounting and commercial banking has obviously benefited me tremendously with managing the operations of the company. My background and education are also invaluable when working with my Owner clients with their investment decisions and maximizing the value of their property investments.

Technology was one of the first major hurdles. It was providential that about the time I wanted to start my new company that a number of new property management software vendors were just getting noticed. I had been looking for a new property management software program and had spent about 6 months researching different property management software tools. After I settled on the right program, it took me about a year just to become proficient with this software because it has so many features. Another difficult area is finding good contracting help.

BS in Accounting and Finance, Kansas State University
Masters in Business Administration, MBA Kansas State University
Certified Public Accountant
2019 Best of Wichita Awards, Property Management Company

Having my oldest daughter, Ashley Phillips, who is a Realtor in Wichita, join me in the company.

We use top-rated property management software that handles just about all of our needs.

Getting online reviews is definitely important, and something we are striving to do more of.

I do not think that at this point a lot of Owner clients, who are older and not as tech-savvy, utilize online reviews as much as the younger generation, who are our Tenant prospects.

Trust. One of the most important factors we want our Owner clients to feel is to trust in us to manage their properties and make daily decisions regarding those properties just like they would make.
Commitment. CoreMax is not interested in sacrificing long-term relationships for short-term gain. We will oftentimes roll up our sleeves and go to work to help Owners with repairs or remodels, many times charging the Owners nothing for that work. We feel that by helping the Owner become successful, CoreMax will also be successful.
Communication. Communication is extremely important. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to contact your property manager and hearing nothing but their voicemail message. CoreMax is proactive in communicating with our Owners, and our Tenants. When issues arise, we do not wait until the Owner receives their monthly statement to see a large expense but will give them a call when the issue arises and discuss with their alternatives and cost.