Early on in Phillips? history, the company?s founder, Frank Phillips, would remark that, “I?m tough and I know it.” The company has maintained Frank?s tough spirit and competitive attitude, remaining independent during trying times in the energy business. An integrated oil company, the Phillips of today has worldwide operations. The company?s core activities are: Petroleum exploration and production on a worldwide scale. Natural gas gathering, processing and marketing in the United States. Petroleum refining, marketing and transportation, primarily in the United States. Chemicals and plastics production and distribution worldwide.