Phil McNutt
The Gilded Lantern
Supported By:
Sara Holden
Small Business Center Director, Montgomery Community College
Meet the Entrepreneur
Phil McNutt combines more than two decades of military leadership with a proven track record of business success to bring The Gilded Lantern to life. After serving 23 years in the U.S. Army, Phil transitioned into the private sector, helping lead one of the nation's top-performing Ace Handyman Services locations. Guided by a people-first philosophy and a passion for building meaningful connections, he created The Gilded Lantern to offer immersive experiences that inspire teamwork, spark conversation, and bring communities together.
About the Business
The Gilded Lantern is a mobile immersive entertainment platform designed to deliver engaging, interactive experiences at community events, private functions, and special gatherings. By bringing the experience directly to customers, the business creates accessible and memorable entertainment for audiences of all ages.
About
Phil McNutt is the General Manager of Ace Handyman Services in Carthage, NC and the founder of The Gilded Lantern, a new venture dedicated to creating immersive experiences that bring people together through conversation, laughter, and teamwork.
After 23 years of Army service, Phil and his family put down roots in the Sandhills following his final assignment at Fort Bragg. Those years reinforced the leadership values that continue to guide him today: serve people first, build strong teams, and create trust through action.
In the private sector, Phil has helped lead one of the top-performing Ace Handyman Services locations in the United States, achieving consecutive months in the top 10 for gross revenue. Known for his genuine ability to connect with others, Phil believes the best businesses are built around people - employees who feel valued, customers who feel heard, and communities that feel supported. That same philosophy is at the heart of everything he builds. Beyond work, Phil values time with his wife and son, whose support has been constant throughout every chapter of his journey. Their two dogs keep life interesting.