Phil always dreamed of the tropics while growing up in Michigan. He started his southerly migration in 1982 by attending Florida State University. At FSU he studied Interior Design and Housing. Prior to graduation, he started a residential design business that ultimately designed over 6,000 homes and expanded into construction and development.

In 2003, Phil saw the potential for development in Belize and purchased 115 acres for his new urbanism development community. Combining his experience with quality coastal home design and his love of classical architecture, he created an evocative new Caribbean town. In 2007, he Co-Founded Great Land Holdings, which has grown to include multiple properties throughout the northern and western part of Belize.