Person of the Week: Tipp City Councilman Phil Cox

Getting to know Tipp City Council member Phil Cox

The Gazette asked Tipp City Council member Phil Cox about his priorities for the community, his background and the experiences that have shaped his approach to public service. A former Monroe Township trustee, Cox is also president of Royal Crest Agency, a family-owned, independent insurance agency and brokerage founded in Tipp City by Philip and Lois Cox in 1993. His responses below have been lightly edited for clarity and flow.

Why did you decide to become a council member? Has the experience been what you expected?

Prior to being elected to council, I served as a Monroe Township trustee for 18 years. When the dynamics of the decision-making process changed, I decided my experience in governance, relationship building and decision-making could be better utilized as a member of council.

This is a pivotal time for Tipp City, and I wanted to be part of its long-range development. As a new council member, I am learning the culture of council, and I value the depth of knowledge that city staff brings to the work. Conversations with former council members have also helped me understand the history behind issues and previous decisions.

Being on council has been a positive and enriching experience.

What is the most difficult part of being on council?

It has not been a difficult transition. I like to make decisions after understanding an issue’s history and researching the factors involved. Learning where to find information and whom to ask can take time, but it is an important part of the process.

I love to learn, so that effort has helped me develop valuable knowledge about the city and its operations.

Is Tipp City headed in the right direction?

Tipp City has strong community pride, knowledgeable staff, solid infrastructure, a stable tax base and balanced growth. I believe it is headed in the right direction.

The ongoing challenge will be maintaining the positive momentum that makes people want to live, work and raise families here.

As a council member, I value the collaboration that exists with Tipp City Schools and organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Partnership, Tipp-Monroe Community Services, senior citizens organizations, the public library and many others. Each plays an important role in supporting education, recreation, social services and the business community. Together, they help create the positive environment that makes Tipp City special.

Are there specific goals you hope to accomplish while on council?

When I decided to run for council, I had several priorities that were important to me.

First, maintaining strong infrastructure, staffing, public safety and municipal services is vital to future development. I will continue to stress the importance of investing in those foundations.

Second, controlled growth is important to maintaining the small-town culture that makes Tipp City unique. This can be challenging because we often want things to stay the same while also becoming restless for change. Our future depends on managing that change thoughtfully.

Third, I want to pursue efficient use of resources through consolidation of services where appropriate and continued collaboration with other communities. I believe a joint fire and EMS district with neighboring communities would allow Tipp City to share equipment, personnel and knowledge while spreading the cost of this important service across a larger base.

Fourth, we need to monitor land use through revisions to building and land-use guidelines. Those guidelines matter because when a developer complies with the codes, it has a right to proceed, whether or not the project is popular with the community.

Finally, I would like to develop a cultural identity that promotes Tipp City as vibrant, safe, friendly and historic — a great place to live, work and invest. I consider it the “Gateway to the Upper Miami Valley.”

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?

I was born in Greenville and grew up on a farm near the western edge of Darke County, approximately five miles from Indiana. New Madison was the closest village.

Where did you attend high school and college?

I attended a rural township elementary school. The district did not have a high school, so I had a choice of several area schools. I graduated from Arcanum High School.

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University, majoring in journalism and public relations, with concentrations in business and political science.

After college, I spent two years traveling for a large company doing public relations work. I then enrolled in the University of Dayton School of Law. After one year, I realized business was my passion and transferred to the School of Business, where I earned an MBA.

Where do you work?

I am president of Royal Crest Marketing Inc., doing business as Royal Crest Agency. Royal Crest is a family-owned, independent insurance agency and brokerage. My wife and sons work with me in our businesses, making it very much a family enterprise.

How long have you lived in Tipp City?

I have lived in Tipp City since 2018. Before that, I lived in Monroe Township for more than 30 years.

Tell us about your family.

I have been married for 45 years to a wonderful wife whom I met at the University of Dayton. She also works with me in our business.

We have two sons of whom I am very proud. They are also my business partners. I have two grandchildren whom I enjoy spending time with and who continually entertain me.

Has anything in particular affected your perspective on life?

I come from a long line of farmers and entrepreneurial businesspeople. Through that family legacy, I witnessed the importance of work, persistence and the freedom that comes with relying on oneself.

My faith is conservative Christian, and I try to practice the stoic virtues of courage, justice, temperance and wisdom. I enjoy reading history and philosophy, along with running, biking and kayaking.

My life experiences have taught me to listen before speaking, write with simplicity and focus on serving others.