15 Gifted Women: Marian Sullivan
by Meredith Schwartz -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 11/9/2009
Marian Sullivan
Shonnie Bilin
Frances Gravely
Isadora Frost
Jenny Hammons
Anne McGilvray
Maxine Burton
Susan Roghani
Joan Ulrich
Wendy Rosen
Anna Griffin
Barbara Baekgaard
Andrea Grossman
Andres Sadek
Ande Rooney
CEO
Sullivans
Floral and gift vendor Sullivans was a dream of William (Bill) Sullivan, a sales manager for a Fortune 500 company. He and his wife Marian Sullivan put his salesmanship and her business skills to work in their basement. In 1972, the Sullivan Company moved to a warehouse where Marian not only drove the product direction, but worked in the warehouse, while Bill traveled and built their account base. Bill passed away in 1987, but though the loss was devastating, Marian never thought of walking away from the company. Under her leadership the company grew and in 1994 moved to its present location — a 137,000 sq. ft. complex. Today, Marian has handed over the presidency to her son, William, but remains an active CEO. William travels searching for new product lines and maintains day-to-day operations, enabling Marian to volunteer for her church, University of Sioux Falls, the Volunteers of America Foundation, Children’s Home Society, KSCB and more.
Gifts & Decorative Accessories: What have your biggest challenges been?
Marian Sullivan: It was especially challenging for me when my husband died over 20 years ago. While I was versed in all areas of the business, I missed the interaction we had as partners who would problem-solve and together envision the future for our company. It was now my total responsibility. Some of the other challenges were in the areas of sourcing new product at affordable prices for the end consumer. Certainly the interplay of world economics has created challenges in the area of price increases both in product and oil which has also brought obstacles in timely shipping. Most recently, challenges have appeared through our government’s leadership direction. The path of deficit spending is now challenging us with inflation, a weak dollar, potential increase in taxes for business communities, and overall economic strain with foreign countries.
G&DA: What have been your great successes?
MS: Our business was one of the first in the gift industry to introduce silk candle rings. We were highly successful in this venue and it led us to establishing many other products in permanent florals and foliages. Our gift line was expanded to the area of holiday and has continued to grow. The continual growth of our diversified product lines led us to become a nationwide company with showrooms over the entire United States.
G&DA: Do you think that as a woman you approached doing business differently?
MS: My educational background is in the area of math, which is a good fit for a business owner; therefore my business acumen may be more similar to a male. I do believe, as a woman, that I add more of an aesthetic touch to my product selection, which incorporates a woman’s view point. I also feel that I have a great deal of sensitivity for the overall well-being of my employees.
G&DA: How has being an executive affected your personal life and relationships, and how do you deal with it?
MS: My personal relationships have expanded to a more global level. Because of the nature of my business, I have been fortunate to make friends in many parts of our country as well as overseas. Because of the visibility of my position, I have been actively involved in many organizations within the local community. Certainly time is always a factor in a busy lifestyle, but it has always been a priority for me to maintain an active involvement in my children and grandchildren’s lives.
G&DA: How and why did you get into business?
MS: The impetus behind our business origin was my husband. He came from a sales background and through his travels found a niche for decorative gift product.
G&DA: What advice would you give a woman starting out in business?
MS: Maintain a professional status at all times, watch your financials, know your competition, respect your customers, and above all search for highly motivated and skilled employees to add to your team.
G&DA: What is the best or most memorable gift you have ever received?
MS: Many years ago my husband and I received a Bible from our employees as a Christmas gift. I read this often and am reminded that God has provided not only direction for my company, but also is my source of inspiration in both good and bad times. I am also continually overwhelmed with the gift of being privileged to watch persons, whom I care about, grow both personally and professionally.
For more interviews with the Gifted Women, please click on each woman's image at right.
Talkback
Related Content
Related Content
