Dan Phillips is nominated for Warehouse Wizard as part of The Flex Awards. The Flex Awards celebrate the professionals behind the scenes who keep warehouses organized, systems reliable, and live events ready to execute. To learn more about the program and this year’s finalists, visit FlexRentalSolutions.com/Flex-Awards
At 3G Productions, Dan Phillips operates at the intersection of planning, preparation, and execution. As Director of Purchasing and Inventory, his work begins long before gear is pulled or trucks are loaded. He helps ensure the right equipment is available, accounted for, and aligned with real operational needs so warehouse teams can move with clarity and confidence.
Dan’s role bridges purchasing decisions and inventory reality. By overseeing both together, he brings structure to what is available, what is needed, and how resources are allocated across overlapping projects. In a fast-moving production environment where timing and accuracy matter, that coordination reduces uncertainty and helps teams plan proactively rather than reactively.
When asked to describe a perfect pull list, Dan compares it to an engineering marvel. It takes time, precision, and clear communication to distill an event’s needs into a clean, well-planned list of gear. That philosophy shapes how he approaches inventory management. Every detail matters because every detail supports the people executing the show.
Dan believes the true warehouse superpower is creative problem-solving. In his view, the industry is at its best when talented people can accomplish miracles, even when they are working with all the wrong pieces. That mindset drives how he approaches challenges and supports his team when plans shift or unexpected constraints arise.
Staying calm in the storm comes down to trust. Dan credits the strength of the team around him and the perspective that they have been through much worse and survived. That confidence allows him to stay focused, make clear decisions, and keep operations moving forward under pressure.
One Flex feature Dan believes more teams should fully understand is the Availability Engine. Clear visibility into what is truly available helps teams plan accurately, make smarter purchasing decisions, and avoid conflicts as productions scale and overlap. For Dan, accurate data is not just helpful. It is foundational to strong warehouse operations.
What keeps Dan loving the business after all these years is the passion and teamwork behind every event. There is something uniquely rewarding about pouring time, effort, and expertise into something that exists only for a moment. The collaboration, problem-solving, and shared commitment required to make that moment successful continue to fuel his dedication to the work.
The Warehouse Wizard category celebrates professionals who bring consistency, trust, and intention to warehouse operations. Dan Phillips embodies that spirit through thoughtful leadership, disciplined systems, and a deep respect for the people and processes behind every show. His work strengthens the foundation that allows crews to execute with confidence and clients to experience smooth, reliable productions.