Our Inspiration

James “Sully” Sullivan (1934 - 2008)

Sometimes even minor decisions shape our fragile destiny. New paths develop while others expire. Evolving circumstances lead us closer and closer to our fate; just as it did James “Sully” Sullivan back in 1953 when he simply gave a friend a ride to Reeder Roofing. Sully wasn’t looking for employment at the time, but coincidentally, both men walked out with jobs. Sully spent his earliest days as a roofer’s helper completing the first phase of Riley Hospital.

After gaining a few year’s experience a handful of promotions, Sully 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. With a bee’s work ethic, Sully never really retired, but instead maintained a self-described “semi-retired” status until his passing in the fall of 2008.

Some employees speak of Sully’s legacy at Reeder Roofing with fateful overtones while others grin and uphold simply being at the right place at the right time. Either way, he started at the bottom and finished at the top.
“And it only took me 50 years!” chuckled the connoisseur.
Sully absorbed nearly everything there was to know about the roofing business and instilled the importance of satisfying customers in a professional and timely manner.
“A lot of people sell roofing, so the only thing to do is offer better service,” Sullivan said. “That’s really all we can do—that and be honest and courteous to customers and try to please them as much as possible.”

Sully left a lasting impression on everyone at Reeder Roofing. His legacy lives on as we uphold his dedication to serving our customers to the very best of our ability.