Wade Phillips was born in Greensboro, North Carolina where he has spent most of his life. Phillips describes his childhood in the city, noting the difficulties caused by the Great Depression. He also discusses his father's career with Woman's College (now UNCG) and his terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives. After graduation from UNC-Chapel Hill, Phillips entered the Navy. He recounts his time as a postal worker for the Navy during World War II and the Korean War, highlighting the necessity of mail for both personal and military reasons. After leaving the Navy, Phillips returned to Greensboro and began working in the savings and loan business. He discusses the growth of the city and addresses some of the issues it's facing in the future. Phillips also talks about his involvement in the civic life of the city, particularly with the Boy Scouts and the Rotary Club of Greensboro. He describes the connections he forged with Rotarians across the world, particularly his assistance in founding one of the first rotary clubs in Russia in the 1990s.
