About Phil
Phil Baker brings diverse experiences to Reverb Consulting. Among this experience run common threads. Phil draws on his analytical and objective nature. He is vigilant and astute. Above all else, Phil sees success as the product of hard work and learning. He embraces change and considers it a constant. Open minded to new and different solutions, Phil is a collaborator. He is convinced that there is exponential power in combining with the strengths of others. Phil enjoys peeling back layers to reveal root issues. He likes to think and solve problems. He seeks a challenge.
Together with his wife, Phil designed and founded Memphis’ first boutique hotel, Talbot Heirs. Critically acclaimed, Talbot Heirs quickly filled a niche and became the lodging choice for creative types traveling to Memphis. Drawing on his understanding of and prior experience in finance, this project allowed Phil to pursue his dream of being an entrepreneur. Initially criticized for lacking hospitality experience, Phil was able to see connections between seemingly unrelated subjects and provide a different perspective. He developed an understanding of niche marketing, quality customer service, cost control, and employee management. Still a successful business today, Talbot Heirs was sold after ten years of operation. Phil has bought and redeveloped several mixed-use real estate properties in historic districts of Memphis. Working on these properties helped Phil realize how much he liked project work and the opportunity to apply his skills and experience to unfamiliar problems.
In the ten years immediately after college, Phil was employed in the investment business. Licensed as a series 7 registered representative, he worked as a trader of mortgage backed securities. He came to have an understanding of financial markets, market psychology, asset valuation, negotiation, and trading skills. His competitive nature and fondness for the mental hum and strategizing in trading proved invaluable. He learned to identify, assess, and reduce risks. Trading taught Phil to constantly reassess a situation in light of change. He considers making no decision as actually a decision to take no action.
Phil earned a BSBA from Georgetown University. While completing a twelve-year competitive swimming career, he double majored in Finance and International Management. A student of many subjects, Phil values the fact that the requirements for his degree included a liberal arts core curriculum. Fascinated by ideas and concepts and always a learner, Phil is an avid reader. Interested in personal health including stress reduction and maintaining balance in life, Phil swims several miles a week.
Phil and Jamie live with their three children in a wonderfully offbeat loft in downtown Memphis, enjoying family time (especially meals) together.