image

imageDecember 9, 2020

From the CEO: Remembering Retired Chairman and CEO Thomas C. Sullivan

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that RPM’s prior chairman and CEO Thomas C. Sullivan, who was also my father and mentor, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 30. He was 83 years old.

Tom lived The Value of 168 and made the most of every moment. He was an inspiration and example for so many as a loyal son and brother, a patriotic Naval officer, a dedicated husband, a beloved father, an internationally recognized business leader, a generous philanthropist, a widely respected community leader and a man of faith. Because of the tremendous influence he had on shaping the RPM of today, I thought it would be inspiring to share details of his life with you.

Tom was born in 1937 and was the youngest of six children. He received a dinner-table education in business and entrepreneurship from his father, Frank C. Sullivan, who was growing the roof coatings business he founded in 1947. That business was called Republic Powdered Metals and would evolve into today’s RPM International Inc.

In 1961, after graduating college and serving in the U.S. Navy, Tom joined his father’s business as a division sales manager. The company’s sales were $2 million at that time. Tom was part of a team that sold shares of the company in an initial public offering. The proceeds were used to launch RPM’s acquisition program in 1966.

In 1971, at age 34 and with six young children at home, Tom was thrust into the role as RPM’s leader after his father, who was also his boss and mentor, died suddenly. At the time, the U.S. economy began to slip into a period of stagflation.

Despite these pressures, Tom plotted out a plan to aggressively grow the $11-million company. He guided RPM into international markets, instituted an annual planning process and committed to rewarding shareholders with a consistently increasing cash dividend. He also set a high bar for business ethics and corporate governance.

By 1979, RPM revenues reached $100 million, an accomplishment that gave Tom the confidence to forge ahead with his strategy. During the ensuing 30 years, Tom grew the company to more than $2 billion in sales through a combination of internal growth and acquisitions, achieving record sales every year and record net income in nearly every year as well.

Tom stepped down as CEO in 2002 and as chairman in 2008, while maintaining a leadership role with the company as a director and through continued support of the acquisition program. Following a 55-year career with RPM, Tom retired from the board in 2016 when company sales were nearly $5 billion. His leadership ingrained practices within the organization that continue to perpetuate growth and success under the current generation of management.

ATW-addedphoto-TomAndSandySullivanPublicly, most would recognize Tom’s success as a titan of industry, but privately it was his philanthropic work that gave him sustained joy in collaboration with his beloved wife Sandy. Together, they were especially motivated to promote education initiatives championing the aspirations of underprivileged youth from elementary school through college, as demonstrated by their enduring involvement with Metro Catholic and Urban Community School. Some of the other organizations they supported include Greater Cleveland Food Bank; Community Service Alliance, which helps people emerging out of homelessness; Boys Hope Girls Hope of Northeast Ohio; the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, in support of its west side food centers; the West Side Catholic Center and Malachi House. In addition to financial assistance, Tom gave of his time, connections and expertise to help these and many other organizations flourish.

Tom’s most enduring trait, and perhaps the secret to his success, was his belief in people. He had a great way of connecting with others, setting high standards for them and believing in their abilities. As a result, people would rise to the occasion to deliver on his positive expectations. Due to his leadership and drive, he leaves a lasting legacy within his family, in his community and with RPM.

ATW-HOR-i24b-201208-2
Very truly yours,

fcs-sig-blue

Frank C. Sullivan
Chairman and CEO

 

ATW-HOR-i24b-201208-6b

 

Welcome to RPM's Around the World Blog

This blog shares inspiring stories about how RPM companies are coming together, in light of the COVID-19 health crisis, to help build a better world—and the incredible impact RPM associates are having on their colleagues, families, communities, customers and suppliers around the world.

Want To Share Your Story?

We want to know how your RPM company is
helping to Build a Better World.

image
image

Congratulations to our Earth Day trivia WINNERS!

LYNN MATTOON – Stonhard Content Manager



image

Featured: RPM's Compliance Annual Meeting

RPM’s Compliance team hosted their Annual Meeting virtually on April 19-20, with over 250 attendees from many RPM businesses with attendees from Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East,...



image

The Solution Spot: Carboline’s Thought Leadership for the Digital Age

Carboline’sSolution Spot bloggrew out of the company’s longstanding belief that “there is always a solution” for the problems customers and partners face. The Solution Spot is just as its name...



image

Broadbean: Expanding Our Reach

RPM is using Broadbean to help with online job recruiting. Broadbean is a job board aggregator service. It will be used by RPM businesses across the US to expand our reach from a diversity...



image

Name Our Mascot!

Submit your mascot name for a chance to win Building A Better World swag! The person with the selected name will win. Please submit by May 31st.



image

Building a Better World Party

Save the Date! 



inspire
GET INSPIRED

I would like to receive emails with RPM’s latest Around the World blog posts.





logowhite

RPM International Inc. is a world leader in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials and related services. Learn more at www.rpminc.com.

168

Our founder’s favorite number. It’s the number of hours in the week and reminds us to use our time wisely.

Copyright © 2020 RPM International Inc.