Meet the Team: Phil Kellen

Phil Kellen joined Corporate Floors in April 2022 as general manager of the San Antonio and Houston locations. Phil grew up in the flooring business and has more than three decades of professional experience in the industry. In his new role, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the two locations and lead their overall growth strategy.

“Phil isn’t just an expert in flooring; he’s passionate about it,” said Jim Burns, president of Corporate Floors. “He knows the business inside and out, and I am delighted that he is bringing his skills and expertise to Corporate Floors.”

We sat down with Phil to welcome him to the Corporate Floors team and learn more about him, both personally and professionally.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m proud to be a Texan, and I got here as fast as I could! I was born in Storm Lake, Iowa, and my family moved to Dallas when I was 2. My dad, Stan Kellen, was in the commercial flooring business for many years. His work brought our family to San Antonio and eventually to Cut and Shoot, where I attended Conroe High School. I come from a large and close family and have four brothers and two sisters (a family of Aggies). Two of my brothers and I have spent our career like our dad in the commercial flooring business.

I have always loved the outdoors, horses and ranching and have spent many years as a part-time wrangler on a ranch in Montana. My wife, Marie, and I were married in 2014—it turned out we also went to the same high school, so we had a lot in common, including our love of horses and the outdoors. I have two children. My son, Christopher, was recently married, and we are excitedly awaiting the arrival of our first grandchild this August. My daughter, Hailey, and her fiancé just got engaged this year and are planning their wedding and future together. Marie and I recently moved from Houston to our dream location in the Texas Hill Country and live in Bandera. My wife owns an executive recruiting and leadership consultancy, which keeps her busy. We have a lot to be thankful for!

2. Why did you decide to join the Corporate Floors team?

I’m looking forward to being part of the Corporate Floors team and helping the company grow. After reading the company’s core values, I realized each value fit my personality exactly, and the positive culture was evident right from the start. I also called some of my friends in the business and heard nothing but good things. Working for a company with a great reputation will only help me in my new role. 

3. How has your past experience prepared you for your new role?

I have been in the commercial flooring business for over 30 years. I grew up around my dad’s business in flooring and followed in his footsteps. I first joined Carpet Services, working in estimation and sales. I later joined McCoy and eventually ran the commercial flooring division company in my 20 years there. In January 2015, I left McCoy to start my own company, Kellen Contract Flooring Design. I am thrilled to use all of those years of expertise to grow Corporate Floors in San Antonio and the surrounding markets.

4. What are your hobbies?

In our free time, Marie and I participate in large trail rides and parades throughout the year. We also volunteer at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where I serve as vice chairman of the Breeders Greeters, and we plan on volunteering at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. We ride on Wagon 7 of the Salt Grass Trail Ride and are members of the Rancher’s Ride, an organization that donates all its proceeds to various charities. I was recently selected to join the Tejas Vaqueros, and I have a cookoff team, the Texas Chowboys. When we are not riding horses, we love to travel to tropical and beach locations. I also snow ski, and I even tried surfing last year in Costa Rica! We love live music, which is a big part of our lives. I play golf as often as I can, and I like hosting events and being surrounded by family, friends and music.

5. What’s the most interesting article or book you’ve read lately?

I love to read real-life stories about people. I recently read One Ranger: A Memoir, which is about the life of a legendary Texas Ranger, Joaquin Jackson. 

6. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Anyone who knows me knows great Mexican food is always my first choice! That said, I love a variety of foods and enjoy trying new restaurants. I really like everything; other favorites are sushi and seafood.

7. What’s on your bucket list?

On my bucket list is being a new grandpa, enjoying our home in the Hill Country, and continuing to make memories with my wife, our kids, our grandkids and our friends.