Phil and Kristen Riggs never expected a temporary escape from the city to turn into a thriving business at the Lake of the Ozarks. Both originally hail from small Illinois towns—Phil from Morrisonville and Kristen from Winnebago.
Their move to the lake happened suddenly in March 2020. Phil was attending a construction trade show in Las Vegas when pandemic shutdowns began. After a couple of weeks trying to work remotely in a Chicago apartment located near a noisy train station the couple retreated to Phil’s family condo at the lake. What was meant to be a two-week stay turned into months, and they soon realized the Lake felt more like home.
The idea for Riggs Request took shape in January 2021 during a massive winter deep freeze. Out-of-town friends began calling the couple, asking them to check on docks and boat lifts as ice built up along the shoreline. Recognizing a lack of professional home watch services in the area—a concept they knew well from Phil’s parents’ property in Florida—they pursued formal training through the National Home Watch Association and launched their business.
While it began primarily as a home watch company, Riggs Request quickly evolved into a comprehensive personal home management service. Their core offering includes detailed property visits every seven to 10 days, during which they inspect the home, dock, and watercraft before sending a customized electronic report to the homeowner.
Some of those reports are uniquely personal. One client, for example, asks for a regular status update and photo of their favorite mimosa tree—affectionately named “Ruth.” Phil and Kristen also maintain detailed homeowner profiles tracking everything from water heater maintenance to appliance ages, while coordinating with local contractors when needed.
Seasonal services include winterization and “Lake Home Preparation,” ensuring owners arrive at a ready-to-enjoy property. That preparation often includes the less glamorous task of uncovering boats—something Phil jokes he has become very efficient at.
Looking back, Phil reflects on taking long boat rides with his family years ago, admiring the impressive lakefront homes along the shoreline. At the time, he never imagined that one day he would own a home at the lake—or build a business dedicated to caring for those very properties.
Today, the company—voted Missouri’s Best Home Watch Company from 2023 through 2026—continues to grow. Their clients trust them so much they have even been called in to assist with interviewing contractors for properties outside of the Lake area. Phil and Kristen remain active in the Chamber of Commerce and Young Professionals at the Lake, helping organize events like the Brew-to-Brew 5K while supporting local charities such as the Champagne Campaign.
When they are not working, they enjoy improving their own lake home, exploring the outdoors with their puppy Wrigley, and kayaking nearby Missouri rivers. Through Riggs Request, the couple has turned their love for the lake lifestyle into a trusted service that allows homeowners to focus on what matters most: making memories.