Cast Iron Crew – Phil Ribbs

Meet Your Cast Iron Crew – Phil Ribbs

California-based Phil Ribbs has been with the Institute since March 2013. His territory includes northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Utah and Alaska, Prior to joining CISPI, Phil was the Chief Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Inspector / Division Manager for the City of San Jose, where he supervised a staff of 188 and a budget of $23 million/year. He holds a Journeyman license.

A self-described adventurer, Phil is a worldwide scuba diver, having explored waters in Central and South America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Among his favorite encounters have been with hammerheads and great white sharks (in nature) and King Tut (in an Egyptian museum).

“I love meeting with my professional plumbing friends one on one – contractors, union officials, and all the municipal head inspectors.”

Another passion, auto racing, is in his blood: His brother, Willy T. Ribbs, was the first Black person to have qualified for the Indianapolis 500. To relax, Phil enjoys restoring his vintage race cars and motorcycles, listening to Miles Davis’ “Kinda Blue” and “Sketches of Spain,” and watching Smithsonian Channel documentary programs.