- What is your name, and what is the name of your business?
John Phillips, founder of Outstation
- What does the business do and who are your customers?
Outstation helps B2B sales teams scale outbound by combining lead generation with deep CRM enrichment. We build systems that clean and segment data, surface high-fit accounts, and deliver sales-ready insights straight to the tools teams already use. Our customers are typically sales leaders who want more conversations, not just more data — and a repeatable way to generate them.
- What’s the history of the business & what’s your role within the business?
I founded Outstation just over a year ago after seeing the potential of AI to transform how sales teams work. What started as a solo venture has grown into a tight-knit team of skilled contractors who help deliver high-quality lead generation and CRM enrichment for clients across industries. I still lead the business day-to-day — from strategy to delivery — but now with a talented team alongside me as we scale.
- How long have you had an office here at Freshmill and why were you looking for a space like this?
I’ve been based at Freshmill for a couple of years now — first on a dedicated desk, and now in a private office as the business has grown. For me, it’s about routine, movement, and energy. The 20-minute walk each way gives me a built-in reset, and being part of a community adds a layer of connection you just don’t get working from home.
- Why does Freshmill work well for you and your business?
Freshmill has grown with me. When I needed a desk, it had one. When I needed an office, it was there. The space strikes a perfect balance: professional but relaxed, social without being distracting. It’s a place where I can focus, meet great people, and keep the business moving forward.
- What is the most important lesson you have gained from your career so far?
Adapt fast. Especially in tech, everything changes quickly — tools, tactics, entire ways of working. Every few months, something new reshapes the landscape, and you need to be ready to adjust. It can feel like you’re always behind, but if you’re even paying attention, you’re already ahead of most.
- Where do you hope to be in 5 years’ time?
Still building Outstation — but on a bigger scale. I’d like to grow the team further, refine our systems, and continue being the go-to partner for companies that want to get serious about lead generation and CRM strategy. The goal is steady, sustainable growth — and to keep loving the work along the way.
- What advice would you give your younger self just starting out?
Start sooner and trust your instincts. Don’t wait for the perfect plan — it rarely shows up. The earlier you start building something of your own, the faster you’ll learn what matters, what doesn’t, and what kind of work actually lights you up. And don’t be afraid to back yourself, even if no one else quite gets it yet.
9. What is your favourite quote/mantra?
“Done is better than perfect.” – Because momentum matters more than tinkering with version 27 of a draft. You learn more by shipping, and speed wins in fast-moving industries like mine.
10. If you could, who would you switch places with for the day, and why?
A day as my future self, five years ahead — just to check in, tweak the plan if needed, and see how it all pans out.