Sullivan Celebrates At 2023 Rockland Fall Festival

Sullivan Tire and Auto Service has been a proud sponsor of the Rockland Fall Festival for five years, and been a member of the community in Rockland, MA since 1955! The event is a street festival calling for the closure of Union Street that celebrates community, the arts, producers, and small businesses. 2023 was no exception, marking the fifth year of collaboration!

In 1955, Sullivan Tire’s founder Bob Sullivan opened the doors to our FIRST location in Rockland, Massachusetts. Sullivan Tire continues to honor this piece of history by sponsoring the Rockland Annual Fall Festival, an event centered on the community that the participating vendors serve.

From the beginning, Sullivan Tire and Auto Service has been dedicated to being good neighbors in the communities and businesses the company serves. From supporting high school and college sport programs to supporting organizations helping those in need. Here at Sullivan Tire, we believe that a successful business has a responsibility to give back to their communities and Rockland, Massachusetts holds a particular special place in our heart.

Despite a last-minute rain date pivot from September 30^th to October 1^st, vendors and participants showed up with fervor to support the town effort. Hundreds of fair participants enjoyed a selection of goods and experiences all orchestrated by Rockland Recreation and Mass Cultural Council.

A Little History: Humble Beginnings

In 1955, Bob Sullivan was faced with a tough career decision to either stay employed by a big corporation with a guaranteed paycheck and be forced to lay off half his employees, or to go out on his own and become an independent businessperson. Overshadowing this decision was the fact that there was a need to provide for the 10 children at home. This was a big family with a lot of pressure for the ambitious 38-year-old.

That evening, Bob Sullivan and his lifelong partner, his wife Mary, discussed the risks at length. Could he work for a company that was treating his employees this way, or should he take the enormous risk of venturing out on his own and form a company he thought he could be proud of and one that would support his large family?

The decision became easier the longer they talked. The next day Bob Sullivan made his stand and gave his notice. Bob Sullivan and Sons Tire was founded on a dead-end street in Rockland, Massachusetts, along with his trademark phrase, "Treat everyone, customers and fellow employees, as you would a member of your family."

Over 65 years later, Sullivan Tire and Auto Service was honored to sponsor the Rockland Annual Fall Festival and we look forward to continuing the tradition in 2024!