ven the slightest daily decisions shape our fragile destiny. Every day new paths develop while others expire. This causes an evolution of prospects to lead us closer and closer to what is ultimately to become our purpose, our objective and even our fate.    This very phenomenon took hold of James Sullivan back in 1953 through his decision to give a friend a ride to apply for a position at Ralph R. Reeder & Sons, Inc. Coincidentally, both men walked out with jobs. Sullivan wasn’t interested in a job at that time, but accepted it anyway and began his career as a roofer’s helper completing the first phase of Riley Hospital.    With a bee’s work ethic, a few years of experience and a handful of promotions under his belt, Sullivan led himself from the roof into the cab of a semi-truck where he delivered materials for the company warehouse for 10 years. He eventually became the warehouse manager and then stepped into the office as the roofing superintendent. Other advancements earned him the titles of general superintendent, president and eventually CEO.    Today Sullivan maintains a “semi-retired” status. He can still be found making decisions within the company walls, estimating specs on the jobsite and instilling in his employees the importance of doing their very best in satisfying the customer’s needs in a professional and timely manner.    Some employees speak of Sullivan’s course through Ralph R. Reeder & Sons, Inc. with fateful overtones while others uphold simply “being at the right place at the right time.” Either way, Sullivan started at the bottom and worked his way up; absorbing nearly everything there is to know about the roofing business.    “And it only took me 50 years!” chuckles the connoisseur.    Looking back, Sullivan feels the basic operations of the business haven’t changed much and will continue as they have for the past 100 years until an automated system transpires.    “Today, we’re using some of the same roofing systems that they did when I started,” he says.    Because of this, he doesn’t see a huge difference between most roofing companies.    However, a few key elements separate Reeder from the rest.    “A lot of people sell roofing, so the only thing to do is offer better service,” Sullivan says. “That’s really all we can do—that and be honest and courteous to customers and try to please them as much as possible.”