They met while sharing the stage in a Peoria Players production of Cabaret. She was a dancer and chorus member, and he was an extra. Teaming up once again while working at the River Station, Dan and Kim Philips were struck by Cupid, fell in love and have been married for 29 years.
Enjoying working side by side, the couple decided to start their own business together and opened the Illinois Antique Center in downtown Peoria 25 years ago. Read on for more about a couple who has enjoyed their partnership in business—and in life—for the last quarter century.
1} What’s your idea of perfect happiness? Having a loving, healthy family. 
2} What are you most proud of? Our family, and helping to develop and establish the Riverfront.
3} What’s your biggest regret? Dan: Not finishing school and getting financial guidance for our business…learning how to make the right choices and how to make money.
4} What do you do to relax? Right now, unfortunately, we do not have time to relax much.
5} Which famous person, dead or alive, would you like to meet, and why? Dan: God—I want to ask him what he wants me to do with my life. Kim: Lincoln—I would just let him do all the talking.
6} What’s the best part of working with your spouse? Having a loving partner you can count on.
7} Are there any negatives to working together every day? Dan: Kim told me to say no, or else.
8} Is your home full of antiques, or is this just a job? Our home is a blend of contemporary and old items. We like to mix it up, and now that’s accepted. But about five years after we got married, Dan’s aunt said, “Don’t worry, kids. Someday you’ll find your style.”
9} What’s the oldest antique in your store? Right now, we have a fossilized jawbone that’s supposed to be from a mastodon from northern Africa. It’s a gigantic, heavy thing, and it’s got big dinosaur teeth.
10} What’s your favorite antique? Reddy Kilowatt. He’s a trademark logo that was developed by the Alabama Power Company in the 1930s and is still used today. We really appreciate the graphics and good design. a&s
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