The history of The Sullivan Co. began in the early 1980' s with Jerry Sullivan, after whom the Company is still named. Jerry was retired from a restaurant linen company and began selling tablecloths, linen, and restaurant supplies from his home. It was a part time endeavor but Jerry was able to attract and maintain many solid accounts. From this humble beginning, Jerry built many solid business relationships – all focused on excellent customer care. And excellent care remains the hallmark of what is now The Sullivan Company.

A Company Takes Shape

The passing of Jerry in 1997 brought his daughter Susan and her husband John into the restaurant apparel business. Also operating out of their home and on a part time basis, a small company began to take shape.

Originally the focus was on commercial restaurant aprons and related chef apparel. This accounted for the bulk of the company's business. In response to customer needs, screen-printing and embroidery were soon required. Although the need was originally filled by various suppliers on a contract basis, it soon became apparent that these services could best be performed by The Sullivan Company’s own staff.

Expanded Capabilities

In 1999 a screen-printing company was purchased to bring the screen-printing business "in house". Embroidery equipment was purchased in 2000 and again in 2001. The Company moved from Sue and John’s home to the location of the acquired screen printing company. Eight months later, the Company moved again. What was once a part-time business had quickly become a full- featured apparel company.

Sales grew. Staff grew. And soon The Sullivan Company was out of space – again.

A Real Production Plant. A Real Company.

In November 2001 a building was purchased at 130 Graphic Way in Westerville. Renovation began quickly and was completed in April. This building now serves as the primary office and production facility for The Sullivan Company.

Major improvements in space and infrastructure allowed the Company to expand and offer complementary products and services.

Still More Capabilities Added

September 2002 brought another addition to the company with the acquisition of The Corporate Gifters. This promotional products company enabled The Sullivan Company to jump-start entry into the promotional products business and offer a wider product base to its customers.

And the Growth Continues...

In January 2007, automated screen printed equipment was added to expand our screen printing capabilities. In April, The Sullivan Company launched its new brand standards, eliminated the Corporate Gifters company name by operating under a single corporate identity of The Sullivan Company. At the same time, we introduced our new sales mark --- Wear. Brand. Matters.^(TM) In June, our new line of chef apparel was introduced under the "Culinary Threads ™" label.

The company is quite different than it was just a handful of years earlier, in terms of capabilities, products offered and services but the importance of serving the customer in a manner above "the norm" continues. During all this growth and change the original basis for Jerry's success remains constant: service above what the customer expects.

Let us show you what a tradition of excellent service means to you. Give us a call today!