North End Teleservices, LLC’s Christopher Phillips named to 2021 40 under 40

Christopher (Chris) Philips is more than a cutting-edge chief operating officer – he’s a C-suite executive at one of the nation’s fastest-growing organizations of its kind: North End Teleservices, LLC (NET).

Phillips, who was recently named to Midlands Business Journal’s 20th anniversary 40 under 40 class of innovators, entrepreneurs and executives, has been part of NET since the organization’s inception, collaborating with owner, president and CEO, Carmen Tapio, in growing the six-year-old startup to hundreds of employees.

Case in point:  North End Teleservices is No. 754 on the 2021 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing U.S. private companies and is the No. 6 fastest-growing business in Nebraska. Among Black-owned businesses, NET leads Nebraska in revenue, number of employees and year-over-year growth.

As chief operating officer, Philips is a statistical unicorn, achieving the position nearly 20 years ahead of the average age of 52 years for U.S. COOs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census. He is one of the youngest chief operating officers in the nation, and is one of only 3.5 percent of African American chief operating officers in the U.S.

“I am blessed,” Phillips said. “I am empowered and supported to lead change, and I get to work with an incredible team as we grow an organization that is an absolute game-changer when it comes to exceptional service delivery in tech support and customer-care innovation – all while, also, growing a new generation of leaders. I have learned to say, ‘yes’ to every opportunity to learn and grow; and, this is something we have been able to integrate in how we do business and how we help others be the best they can be.”

Phillips, a graduate of Metropolitan Community College (MCC) with an emphasis in liberal arts, sociology and television, oversaw the inception of the industry’s first, and only, Front Line Supervisor Apprenticeship in partnership with the United States Department of Labor. Phillips is also an executive sponsor of the region’s first and only, Customer Experience Academy. The certificated program, executed in partnership with MCC, allows select North End Teleservices’ employees to complete a degree program while employed – and supported – by the organization.

“This is a rigorous, college-level program our teammates can complete as a cohort,” Phillips said, adding the outcome is an increase in professional, customer-care skills and a pathway to leadership.

Giving back by personally mentoring employees is something Phillips does every day. He also gives back by spearheading North End Teleservices’ community-engagement activities, such as Native Omaha Days.

“Chris is exceptional. He has been with North End Teleservices from the start, and his passion and integrity are just two of the qualities that make him a remarkable leader,” Tapio said. “He has a servant heart that helps drive our mission of ‘creating jobs and changing lives,’ and Chris pours himself enthusiastically into everything he does. Our people trust Chris, our clients trust Chris and I trust Chris to continue leading our business operations as we look to the future as a decade-old company. It will come quickly, and Chris has been an incredible leader as we have continued to double in size.”

“It’s humbling to be part of this year’s 40 under 40,” Phillips said. “I’m grateful to each of the award recipients for all they are doing to move our community forward. I’m equally grateful to the mentors and friends who helped me along my leadership journey, and I remain committed to doing the same for others.”