1954
Born to Hiram N. and Wilma Phillips in Muncy, PA.
1972
Graduates from Hughesville High School in Hughesville, PA.
1974
Earns a two-year electrical degree at Williamsport Area Community College, now known as Pennsylvania College of Technology.
1976
Works for GTE Sylvania and is named Suggester of the Year for improving flash bulb technology.
1982
Is awarded GTE Sylvania’s Suggester of the Year Award for enhancing the liquid nitrogen storage and use containment system.
1984
Begins working at Chef BoyArdee, now known as Con Agra, in Milton, PA as a maintenance electrician.
2013
Incorporates Upper Desk, Inc., an innovative startup company that “places technology where you need it.”
2013
Receives a New Product Development Award from Bucknell University’s Small Business Development Center in Lewisburg, PA.
2014
Receives an International Home and Houseware New Innovation Finalist Award in Chicago, IL.
2014
Pitches to QVC and wins an opportunity to participate in QVC’s Sprouts Program.
2014
Receives a GOLD Award for Innovation at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, NV.
2015
Is awarded two U.S. Utility and two design patents for Upper Desk Inc.’s product line.
2015
Advances to the third stage of interviewing for ABC’s show “Shark Tank.”
2015
Exhibits at CES, where he was approached by Sam’s Club buyers to participate in Sam’s Club 30 Minutes to Win it program.
2015
Has a product featured on a National Fox News Segment from CES Las Vegas.
2015
Wins Sam’s Club 30 Minutes to Win it program in Bentonville, AR.
2015
Secures Upper Desk Inc.’s own vendor ID number.
2015
Is awarded the Pennsylvania Governor’s Small Business Impact Award.
2015
Upper Desk’s signature product rolls out to more than 200 clubs nationwide.
2021
Ends his 37-year career as a maintenance electrician at ConAgra Milton, PA.