Best Day Wilmington: McKenna Phillips

If a genie appeared and offered you a free day in Wilmington – one without a budget, time constraints, obligations, or dietary considerations – how would you spend it? 

That’s what we asked McKENNA PHILLIPS, who is president of third-party logistics company Precision3PL, for the November installment of WILMA’s Best Day Wilmington. 

The Southport native began her career in e-commerce logistics at the age of twenty-one at Outdoor Equipped in downtown Wilmington. “They are currently the largest third-party Amazon seller in the footwear and apparel space,” she says. “When I went to work for them, I was just in the warehouse as an associate. I moved up to supervisor, manager, all the way through V.P. director of logistics. Cut to COVID, which rocked everyone’s world.” 

She says the labeling of footwear and apparel as nonessential made online retail difficult during that time, but that she persevered with her team to significantly grow business year over year.  

I decided after COVID, we would diversify business, and Precision3PL was born,” she says. “We help brands on the distribution front. The most important part of any business is logistics – I’m biased, but it’s true.” 

The company has two facilities in Wilmington and one in Utah, and it works with any brand selling on e-commerce platforms and also with wholesale brands. 

“We are primed – pun is absolutely intended – so we can support your brand operations. We’ve built around Amazon standards, which are incredibly strict,” Phillips says. “We’re offering not only service providership, but it’s also a partnership, and that’s what differentiates us.” 

Phillips also started the Give Back Shift, in which employees tackle a local community service project together once a month. She says she’s always looking for new organizations to partner with.  

Connecting with the community, she says, is important, and for her, Wilmington is home. 

“This area is just a melting pot of so many amazing people and businesses,” Phillips says. “There’s so much life and character, and I love it so much.” 

Here’s how she’d spend an ideal day in the Port City: 

How are you starting your day? 

“I’m kicking off the morning at Eggs Up Grill in Leland. I know, I know, it’s not technically Wilmington, but it’s close enough and so worth the drive! I’m grabbing their blueberry muffin and a plate of eggs over easy, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on that menu. Then it’s off to a Give Back Shift! The Give Back Shift is a monthly volunteer initiative I founded to connect people with local nonprofits here in Wilmington. Every month, we pick a different organization and show up together to lend a hand wherever they need it most. There’s nothing like rolling up your sleeves with a group of people who all want to make this city better. It fills your cup before most people have finished their first coffee!” 

Where would you go next? 

“Next, I’m heading to the Wrightsville Beach Loop to keep that good energy going. If you’ve never walked it, put it at the top of your list! You start out under this gorgeous canopy of live oak trees with the sunlight filtering through the branches, and then the path opens up right alongside the sound, with the water sparkling next to you the whole way. It’s one of those places that reminds you how lucky we are to live here.” 

Who are you bringing with you? 

“My son, hands down! He loves getting out and soaking up life as much as I do, and he’s the best adventure buddy there is. If he’s busy, I’m calling my friend TORI DEVINEY, because Tori has never once said no to an adventure. Either way, it’s going to be a good day.” 

What’s for lunch? 

“Lunch is at Dockside, and it has to be on the patio. There’s something about eating right on the water with the boats cruising by that makes everything taste better. I’m starting with the crab dip and following it up with the shrimp tacos. Pro tip: Don’t share the crab dip. You’ll regret it!” 

How are you spending your afternoon? 

“Next stop is Outdoor Equipped downtown, and I’ll warn you now, it’s impossible to leave empty-handed. They always have something new and exciting on the shelves. It’s also an extra special place for me since it’s where my career started. And One Tree Hill fans, listen up! That storefront used to be Karen’s Café. Go stand out front and tell me you don’t get chills.” 

Where are you stopping for a drink? 

“By now it’s time for a toast, so I’m heading to Wine Knot for a glass of prosecco from their tap. Yes, prosecco on tap, and yes, it’s as good as it sounds! The views of Wilmington are absolutely stunning, and the bartenders are phenomenal. Tell them what you like and trust them, because they’ll never steer you wrong.” 

How about dinner? 

“Dinner is Kipos Hellenic Cuisine, no question. They usually have a stuffed-fish special that I think about several times a week. I’m not even exaggerating; it’s divine. Snag a table out in their garden if you can, and whatever you do, save room for an espresso martini. Kipos makes the best in town, and I’ll stand by that forever.” 

How are you spending the evening out? 

“To end on a high note, it’s Satellite Bar and Lounge, my favorite by far. In my perfect day, it’s a Sunday so we can catch their Sunday Bluegrass Jam. Local musicians show up with their fiddles and banjos and just play, and before you know it, the whole place is dancing. You don’t need to know a single step. Grab a drink, get out there, and let the music do the rest. There’s no better way to close out a Wilmington day!” 

Editor’s note: Responses were edited for clarity.  

Nominate yourself or other women to share their version of a perfect day in the Port City! Send an email to lpodraza@wilmingtonbiz.com with the subject line, “Best Day Wilmington.” 

To view more of photographer Aris Harding’s work, go to arisharding.com.

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