Josh Phillips will assist anyone with anything — colleague, client or complete stranger. As a promising REALTORⓇ at Excel Realty Group, it’s little surprise Josh received the brokerage’s Selfless Contribution Award last year.

“’I’m just a country kid from a small town and truly love to help people,” Josh explains. “In order to succeed for myself, I have to help others succeed as well.”

Josh grew up in Central City, a small Nebraska town that fostered his love for the outdoors and a simple, genuine approach to life. He attended college for computer programming but eventually realized that sitting in front of a computer all day wasn’t for him — he needed human interaction.

 

Josh switched gears and went into the restaurant business, managing a local Brewsky’s and also worked as a video production coordinator for Miss USA, demanding roles that kept him busy but left him yearning for more family time.

 

As a single dad of four, Josh knew he had to make a change. He loved the family that owned the beauty pageants and still does five shows a year because of his bond with them, but he couldn’t continue the demanding travel schedule full-time.

 

It was this relentless desire to be more present in his children’s lives that led Josh to consider real estate.

 

“I wanted a flexible schedule to spend more time with my kids. I also liked the possibility of earning money by working hard. I was on a salary before, so no matter how much I put into it, it wasn’t ever going to equate to more money in my pocket,” he notes.

 

Josh’s entry into real estate started with a Facebook post from a Realtor. Intrigued yet nervous, he picked up the phone and called that Realtor’s broker, the legendary Craig Larabee, founder of the revered Larabee Real Estate School.

 

“I called and I was so scared ... I had had no interactions with agents before, other than buying my first house at 22,” Josh laughs. “But I talked to Craig, and we just chopped it up for over an hour and a half, not even mentioning business. And then, at the very end of the call, he invited me in,” Josh reminisces. “I just had to meet this guy.”

 

Josh went to meet Craig shortly after making that call. Craig soon became Josh’s mentor while he studied for his real estate license.

 

“I sat in Craig’s office every day while I was working on my real estate studies, and he would take all the time in the world to explain things to me,” Josh shares.

 

Unfortunately, Craig passed away just before Josh got his license in September of 2021, but his legacy lives on through his daughter, Jacque, who continues to be a great friend and supporter for Josh, who notes “the apple certainly didn’t fall far from the tree.”

 

Despite not tracking his stats, Josh's success is evident in his refreshing approach to the business.

 

 “I honestly do not care to look at numbers; I don’t want to be fixated on money and stressed about reaching goals. I just do my best and strive to do better every year,” he emphasizes. “I can tell you with certainty I helped 41 buyers all together, but that’s all I know.”

 

Josh’s humble and helpful attitude sets him apart in what can often be a “dog eats dog” industry, as he puts it. Thankfully, he found the perfect match for his altruistic approach where he landed.

 

“We are truly a helpful family at Excel Realty Group,” Josh beams. “We like to build each other’s business up and support each other in any way we can.”

 

His connection to the motorcycle community has also been a unique avenue for repeat business.

 

“I have ridden a Harley most of my life and have been a part of the motorcycle community for a long time. Much of my business has come from my biker friends,” Josh shares. “Bikers get a bad rap, but I’m proud to say our motorcycle club is the number three donor to the Shriners; we do so much good giving back to the local community, it’s incredible.”

 

Outside of work, Josh is a proud father of four wonderful children: Bryce (23), Drake (19), Collin (15), and Brooklyn (14). Bryce and his wife Taylor have given Josh a granddaughter and are expecting a son in September. Josh values family time above all else, and his active clan enjoy outdoor activities together like deer hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, and playing disc golf.

 

“We also like to play family games like Magic the Gathering, Catan, and Mancala,” Josh shares.

 

His beloved pets, Pig and Oakley, bring additional entertainment to the Phillips’ home. Pig, a short-haired cat rescued from a barn, prefers Josh over anyone else. Oakley, a gray Maine Coon, “acts more like a dog,” chewing on things and enjoying human interaction. Josh also has a flying gecko, a tropical lizard that adds an exotic flair to the household.

 

In addition to family time, Josh’s charitable efforts are extensive. He’s actively involved with Negril Pup Rescue, the American Red Cross, and through his motorcycle club, the Sesostris Shrine.

 

Looking to the future, Josh's vision is to continue building momentum in real estate to one day leave behind a legacy for his loved ones.

 

“Success to me is having a balanced life filled with things that bring you joy and happiness,” he concludes. “Family, career, friends — providing for those that depend on you while also bringing a smile to those around you.”