Sullivans Pays Tribute to Recently Passed Founder, Marian Sullivan
Sioux Falls, SD May 30, 2023
SULLIVANS BRANDS, (www.sullivangift.com) an industry-leading designer and marketer of home décor who incorporates timeless designs into on-trend home décor for every style, season, and occasion, announces the passing of our beloved founder, Marian Sullivan.
An innovator, visionary, philanthropist, and inductee into the 2021 South Dakota Hall of Fame, Marian Sullivan leaves behind an indelible legacy in the gift and home décor industry, as well as in her home state of South Dakota. Her unique blend of faith, business acumen, and dedication to her employees set a high standard for leadership and set the tone for the culture at Sullivans.
Born and raised in South Dakota, Marian graduated from Sioux Falls College in 1950 with a degree in Mathematics. She co-founded Sullivans with her husband Bill in 1968, overcoming multiple challenges to create a successful and respected global entity within the gift and floral industry.
Following the death of her husband Bill in 1987, Marian took the helm of Sullivans. Under her stewardship, the company grew significantly, relocating in 1994 to a state-of-the-art, 137,000 square foot complex. "Marian gave much credit to the success and growth of the business to hiring good people," said current CEO Tom Russo. "She understood that her people were her greatest asset, and she treated everyone with the utmost kindness and respect."
Renowned for her business prowess, Marian received numerous awards including being recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top entrepreneurs in the United States in 1996. In 2009, Gifts and Decorative magazine listed her as one of the top 15 women in the gift industry.
Outside of her professional life, Marian was deeply involved in her community. She served on the boards of numerous organizations, 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. Her generosity and commitment to giving back made a lasting impact on these organizations and the wider community.
Even after selling Sullivans to Fort Point Capital in 2014, Marian maintained an active presence in the community and continued to be a source of inspiration to many.
"Sullivans was honored to work with Marian as she pursued her dream of being a leader in the home décor industry," said Russo. "Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, in our thriving company, and in the seeds she planted that continue to bloom."
The company is planning a tribute to honor her extraordinary contributions and her enduring impact on Sullivans Brands and the wider community.
About Sullivans
Sullivans is a leader in the home décor and gift industry offering quality, versatile home décor for every style, season and occasion to retailers and consumers nationwide. Sullivans aims to create emotional connections with customers around the world through inspiring product design, award-winning customer service and focused consumer trend marketing and research. Headquartered in South Dakota, Sullivans also has showrooms in Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Sioux Falls; and a highly interactive virtual market to offer buyers a free, convenient way to browse and purchase products online.
For more information on Sullivans or to view their wide range of products, visit sullivangift.com or their new consumer website sullivanshomedecor.com. In addition to its Sullivans brand, Sullivans, Inc. also operates and distributes Woodstock Chimes, the Darren Gygi Home Collection, Vance Kitira Candles, Woodstock Elements, Candle Impressions and Mirage Flameless LED Candles. Combined they bring nearly 150 years of industry product and design experience and the ability to adapt to consumers’ regularly changing needs.
