PERSONAL BACKGROUND: Phil Andrews was raised in Brooklyn and is a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School. Andrews is now a current resident of Flushing and has attended York College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He has been a certified mentor for many years and lives by the concept of paying it forward and giving back to future generations.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND CAREER: Andrews is former law enforcement with the NYC Department of Correction. In addition, he is the former owner of the Haircut Hut Barbershop Franchise. Andrews was a member of the 100 Black Men of Long Island Inc. for over 20 years and served as the organization’s president from June 2009 to September 2013. He is the current president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce Inc. (LIAACC), which serves the counties of Kings, Nassau, Queens and Suffolk.
MOTIVATION TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY: His motivation to serve the community stems from the life lessons taught by his aunt, Frances Virginia Young, who was an excellent role model during his formative years.
“It gives me great inspiration and a great feeling to know that the use of my time, talent and treasures are making a substantial difference in the lives of others. I know that the work I am doing will shape the future generation’s outlook on what they will be able to achieve and serve as a framework and model.”
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Andrews says time management is a challenge because there is always so much to do in a day. He says being in a leadership position is an ongoing process of representing the mission of the chamber, and to inspire others to take ownership of what they can contribute with their own unique skill set.
“I strive to get as much as I can humanly do in order to leave no task undone,” he said.
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS: According to Andrews, it is hard to say what his greatest achievement is because he sees miracles quite often in the work he and others are doing in laying the foundation for the LIAACC.
“I would say that my greatest achievement thus far is in using everything that I have learned in all of my prior work experiences, life experiences and leadership development positions to bring visions of excellence and greatness into reality,” Andrews said.
