Michael Phillips

A SELF-MADE MAN MADE IN SELFLESS WAYS

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Dawn Townsend Photography & Design

When Michael Phillips was 25 years old, he would study real estate by day and park cars by night. At the time, he owned a small valet parking business to support his family while he also worked toward establishing his real estate career. He and his wife, Anita, were raising their 4-year-old son and were as determined as ever to build a solid future for their family that would benefit them for years to come. “I would go between both commitments every day knowing that my hard work and enthusiasm would lead me to a substantial career in the real estate field,” Michael recalled.

As a native from the south end of Dearborn, Michael grew up among a tight-knit community of people who positively influenced him. “My mom and dad didn’t have much, but they gave everything they had — not only to me and my siblings but also to the entire community. They were second parents to so many,” Michael shared. “Although they struggled financially, they thrived through the love they gave and received. Their generosity was something I admired tremendously at a very young age.”

Michael was also taught to take pride in his community and to give back in ways that showed love and support. The values his parents instilled in him had a lasting impact, which initially led Michael to coaching little league football, travel baseball and, ultimately, high school varsity football at Dearborn High School for seven years. “Those experiences prepped and groomed me for what I do inside my market center today,” he said. “I would say it ignited a fire within me to help others achieve their dreams.”

Because he and his wife had their son when they were 21, which forced them to grow up quickly, college was not an option for Michael. “As the oldest of four siblings, I understood the responsibilities that came with raising a family,” Michael said. “My parents did what needed to be done to take care of our family, and that example was what pushed me to also be a provider for my family and for those whom I love.”

For 22 years, Michael has built up his business and is consistently ranked in the top 1% of all real estate agents in the state of Michigan. He worked at RE/MAX for 19 years, and in 2018, Michael was approached with an opportunity to launch a Keller Williams brokerage in Dearborn — an endeavor he had long been preparing for. In 2019, KW Legacy opened its doors with roaring success, explosive agent growth and an outpouring of support from the community. Currently, Michael is the operating principal and broker at KW Legacy and owner of the Michael Phillips Group (MPG) real estate team. In two short years, KW Legacy has quickly become the market share leader in sales volume, units and agent count in the Dearborn community. With a career volume of more than $250 million, Michael is a true top-producing leader in the area.

It’s critical to develop and execute a game plan that will get my buyers and sellers where they need to be with the highest level of service possible.

Following the Keller Williams business model, Michael is most passionate about growing his market center and using his years of experience to help other well-deserving individuals live an amazing life through real estate. In addition to the market center growth, Michael is focused on growing his sales team using the KW model. “My team has been up and running since January 2021,” Michael said. “We have two support staff admins and six buyer’s agent team members. Our team relationships are filled with trust, love and loyalty for each other. We are genuinely happy for each other’s success, and it’s a true celebration of joy among every team member when goals are achieved.”

As an operating principal, Michael is seeing rapid growth in the agents who have recently joined KW Legacy. “The business education I have received from KW has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” he said. “And nothing makes me happier than to share that knowledge with others.”

Adding to Michael’s enjoyment for seeing others succeed is his insatiable appetite for delivering a seamless client experience. “It is my number one priority to understand the needs of my clients,” he explained. “It’s critical to develop and execute a game plan that will get my buyers and sellers where they need to be with the highest level of service possible.”

Michael and his wife, Anita, have been together since high school, and as a couple, they love traveling, boating, exercising and meditating.

“We both have a passion for self-improvement,” he said. “I give my wife tremendous credit for guiding me into reading, prioritizing my health through exercise and healthy eating, and meditation to grow my mind, which helps to control my thoughts. Not only is my wife incredibly beautiful, but, in my opinion, she is also the greatest cook in the world.” The couple has three boys — Steven, 24, Michael Jr., 22, and Adam, 6. Steven and Michael Jr. are both licensed real estate agents and a part of the MPG team.

Michael loves to read and is a huge advocate for it, taking great pride in being a self-educated man. He enjoys reading books on self-improvement, leadership and financial well-being. Michael is an avid real estate investor and has a passion for learning about the future of finance, which includes cryptocurrencies. “I’m a big believer in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies,” he said. “I believe it has the ability to bring financial freedom to many around the world for the first time in human existence. It is a really big deal.”

Michael knows firsthand that it takes time to not only build a real estate brand but to also establish a trustworthy reputation within the community as a proven leader. “No matter what industry you’re in, there needs to be an understanding that if you’re opening a business, there’s an obligation to serve your community — along with the mindset that you’re going to be doing this for life,” he said. “Then, it’s critical to deliver on your promises and to honor your word. I believe there is a civic duty to deliver on every agreement.”

Looking ahead, Michael said he can’t imagine life where there isn’t some aspect of real estate involved. “Whether it’s real estate investing, buying and managing properties, or developing residential and commercial buildings, my passion for this business is unyielding and never-ending,” he said. Furthermore, Michael wants to continue coaching, teaching and mentoring new and existing agents. “I am also very passionate and excited about growing a teaching/coaching business in the future,” he added.

Michael’s professionalism, leadership and ability to successfully develop his agents make him a great businessman. Doing it with honesty, integrity and care makes him a great person.

Photo provided by Michael Phillips

Michael Phillips - Top Producer -- COVER