Founder/CEO/Principal Environmental Scientist
Phil has had an extensive and distinguished career with more than 35 years of experience in the environmental consulting field. Prior to launching Brilliant Environmental Services, LLC (Brilliant), he was owner of the Toms River, NJ-based Environmental Evaluation Group (EEG) from 1993 to 2003 and became president in 2002.
During his decade-long tenure at EEG, Phil helped grow the company from one office, four employees, and gross sales of $425,000 to two offices, 38 professionals, and $7+ million in sales. In addition, he transformed the firm into one of the most reputable underground storage tank remediation firms in NJ, providing consulting services for a number of Fortune 100 companies.
His well-rounded expertise also includes
- project management;
- field supervision;
- quality control of field data and data-acquisition techniques;
- development and implementation of site-specific sampling methodologies for air, soil, and water contaminants;
- environmental permitting for development and site compliance;
- soil boring;
- child care licensing environmental assessments in NJ;
- and well-installation supervision.
In October 2009, Phil was approved as one of the first Licensed Site Remediation Professionals (LSRP) in NJ in accordance with the Site Remediation Reform Act.
In May 2010, Phil was nominated by NJ Governor Christie to serve on the State’s Site Remediation Professional Licensing Board (SRPLB) as one of the thirteen members. In June 2010, Phil’s nomination was confirmed by the NJ State Senate. In 2015, Phil was re-confirmed by the NJ State Senate for another term on the SRPLB as the LSRP who represents a Statewide Environmental Organization (GreenFaith). Phil is the Chairperson of the Professional Conduct Committee and the Independence Professional Judgment Committee.
Phil has managed numerous environmental due diligence portfolios and is frequently tapped for expert environmental litigation testimony. He also provides testimony at planning and zoning board meetings throughout NJ, NY, and PA.
A graduate of Cook College at Rutgers University, Phil earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international environmental studies/law and institutions and has since been awarded numerous registrations and certifications from State and national organizations. In 2021, Phil was appointed as regular member of the Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority by the Mayor and Council of Toms River. He is past President of the Ocean County Business Association (OCBA), Immediate Past Chairman of the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce and currently the Chairman of the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Treasurer and member of the Executive Committee of GreenFaith and Past President of Congregation B’nai Israel, Toms River, NJ.
Phil resides in Toms River with his fiancé Debbie, their 2 dogs Leonard and Louis, Phil has 3 beautiful daughters, Andrea of Honolulu, HI, Jessica of Brick NJ along with his 2 grandsons Sami and Dean and Sara Louise who is a graduate student at Columbia University in NY. In Phil’s spare time he is all Rutgers Football and Basketball, time with friends and family, and working hard to preserve the landscape and community of Toms River, NJ.
Q: What year did you join Brilliant Environmental Services and what made you join Brilliant?
- A: Started Brilliant, actually Brilliant Lewis, in my apartment closet (was my office at the time) in November 2005 and just need it was time for a fresh start.
Q: What has been the highlight of your career at Brilliant?
- A: Rebuilding after our Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filing and making of bankruptcy following COVID and social unrest in America.
Q: What has been your biggest mistake at Brilliant?
- A: Not starting in 2006 as a sole owner; my partnership set me back 4 years, but with good people we rebuilt after that “divorce.”
Q: What would be your goal for the 20th year of Brilliant?
- A: 20 more! Seriously, continue to grow our staff and client base!