In November, Sullivan International turned ten years old. That’s right; it was ten years ago when our CEO, Steve Sullivan, started what was then called Sullivan Environmental Solutions, LLC out of his home. Since then Sullivan has experienced, as most companies do, the trials and tribulations that all small businesses experience as they navigate the turbulent and competitive small business market. During this time frame, Sullivan has enjoyed the honor of being named Best Company to Work For in San Diego not once but twice, received multiple awards from the San Diego Chamber of Commerce and the San Diego Business Journal for our commitment to the community and a diverse multi-cultural workplace. The firm was also recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the country (#7 on the Inc 500) in 2004 and in 2004, 05 and 06 the company was also named one of San Diego’s fastest growing privately held businesses in San Diego.

Over the past ten years, Sullivan has maintained it headquarters in San Diego but much of its business is now in other areas in California and across the United States. With major offices in San Francisco and Chicago and many project offices, the firm has diversified its client base and service offering to ensure continued healthy growth can be achieved. During this time, there have been several instances when the firm almost did not survive for one reason or another and Sullivan’s CEO recently commented on their success “there is no magic bullet, just hard work, good employees and perseverance – this and a lot of tenacity…”

2009 looks especially positive for the firm with a new management team, a new President, COO and Senior VP of Client Development; the company is well poised to continue to provide the highest quality products and services to existing and new clients as we move into the New Year.

The lessons learned in the past will be used to support careful growth moving forward and a focus on client care, employee development and constantly encourage innovation and creativity in everything we do to make our company better.