Derek Smith: Fearless leader and Founder of Vashon Island Books.

 
Phillip has 20 years of experience in the book trade as editor, printer, publisher, and bookseller. 

Although it may seem strange for a man once and best described as "frumpy, tweedy, and bibulous", books are more than merely a life for Phil, they are a passion. Unusual for a one-time publisher of avant-garde poetry, Phil is unafraid to admit that he still reads books "with space-ships on the cover". A fervent alumnus of UCLA, it was Phil who instituted our ban on hiring graduates of USC. Phil now suffers from the delusion that he is the official ambassador of downtown Seattle, and in this self- appointed role is best known for his claim to visitors that the "weather is nice here year-round".