Marian Sullivan

INNOVATION IN THE GIFT INDUSTRY

1928 • CATEGORY

BUSINESS • HOMETOWN

SIOUX FALLS, SD • NOMINATED BY

BRETT BRADFIELD Raised by her widowed mother, Marian Sullivan learned at an early age the value of hard work, dedication to a goal, and a lifestyle of giving back.

After graduating in 1950 from Sioux Falls College with a math major, she met, at that same institution, and married her life-long partner, Bill. Together they raised five children and in 1968 started the Sullivan Import Company. The fledgling company encountered many challenges including funding for their visionary company. Twice rejected by the SBA for funding, they finally found financial support from a bank along with money lent from family and friends. They combined Bill’s expert selling skills with Marian’s math background and created the start of a highly successful enterprise.

Saddened by Bill’s death in 1987, Marian now faced new challenges as sole owner.

The company continued to grow as a viable business in the gift industry. Marian gave much credit to the success and growth of the business to hiring good people. The growth of her business necessitated a move to a new facility. As with all aspects of the business, Marian relied heavily on the input of her employees in designing and organizing the new facility. In 1994, Sullivans moved from two warehouses to a 137,000 square foot state of the art complex. The business continued to expand and was a highly respected global entity within the gift and floral industry.

Marian traveled extensively on overseas buying trips for her business and was respected and admired for her integrity and business acumen by colleagues both nationally and overseas. This respect was unique within the Asian culture as she was a woman at the head of a large successful

corporation. Over her 45 years in business she worked with over 150 factories, bought in foreign currency and employed over 100 local employees and 45 national sale associates.

Within the business. Marian allowed her faith to lead. Against the better judgment of her Human Resource Director, Marian offered Bible studies to her in-house employees. Convicted by a Christian radio broadcast, Marian implemented a bonus pay structure for her employees. The implementation of the bonuses was just another way that Marian acknowledged the importance of her employees’ contributions.

In 1996, Marian’s business savvy was recognized and she was honored by Entrepreneur Magazine as being one of the top entrepreneurs in the United States and also received the Governor’s Outstanding Philanthropist award for the State of South Dakota in donating to over 160 organizations,

Gifts and Decorative magazine listed Marian as one of the top 15 women in the gift industry in 2009. many awards and accolades for her business prowess, she always kept God and family as her life priorities. She shared her life philosophy, business expertise and generosity with her community threefold - time, talent, and financial resources. Marian’s philosophy was always more about God and less about her. She also lent her talents to many boards including Volunteers of America Foundation, Children’s Home Society, Children’s Inn, Central Church, South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and the University of Sioux Falls. In 2005, The Faith and Living Center at USF was named for Bill and Marian Sullivan in honor of their overwhelming support of many projects focused on advancing Christian doctrine and education. A feature of the center was the hosting of Bible studies to all students attending that University.

Marian sold her multi-million dollar business in 2014 but has continued to maintain an active presence in the community.

While in her life, Marian’s business expertise was highly visible, her greatest achievement may be the development of the abilities and talents of the fortunate individuals who worked with her. Every step she took, both in business and life, was based on following God’s plan, her eyes were first and foremost focused on Him.

One of her favorite verses from John15:5 says I am the vine. You are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.

Remaining steadfast in Him, Marian’s life branched out in countless directions and bore much fruit- some in full bloom and others still in the seed stage. Marian walked her journey with God as her leader, provider, and inspiration with the future being His to cultivate.