As many of you know, we’re featuring Sullivan Supply on the blog this month. A few weeks ago, we shared a post from Callyn Hahn, Dean of Stock Show University. Today, we’re featuring Luke Bolin, Communications and Advertising Director for Sullivan Supply.
Thanks again to our friends at Sullivan Supply for agreeing to be our guest bloggers. Be sure to check out their website and The Pulse!
Welcome Luke to our FMG guest blogger family. If you see Luke around be sure to say hello!
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1. Please share a little bit of your background in the livestock industry.
I grew up in Northern Arkansas showing primarily Shorthorn cattle! My family and I exhibited cattle all over the country with our favorite shows being junior nationals. In 2011 I was elected to the American Junior Shorthorn Association Board of Directors, and in 2013 I served as the Junior Activities Intern for the American Hereford Association!
2. Why did you want work for Sullivan Supply?
In college everyone has anxieties of finding the dream job after graduation. I knew that I somehow wanted to be in the livestock show industry but I had no idea where that would lead me. As time went on and as I gained more experiences I found a love for youth activities and I really thought that is where I would end up. One call from John Sullivan changed all of that. Never in a million years did I think I would have the opportunity to work for Sullivan Supply especially doing what I am doing now. It is a company with a such a huge presence in the livestock show industry and it was an honor to have been offered a job from there!
3. Stock Show U and The Pulse are both fairly new undertakings for Sullivan Supply ? why did the Sullivan crew want to start these endeavors?
John Sullivan had a vision of a website that could provide a source of industry news and show results from an neutral perspective, one that could also provide a place for people to advertise at no cost. From that The Pulse was born. It is going places that we never thought it could go, and are excited about the future of The Pulse in this industry.
4. These are both youth-centered projects. How does Sullivan Supply give back to youth livestock events?
Sullivan Supply knows without a doubt that juniors are a vital part to the industry. This is why it is a goal of Sullivan Supply to always promote and support youth livestock events! Sponsorships at junior shows are just the tip of the iceberg at Sullivan Supply. Stock Show University is a 100% complimentary educational clinic that utilizes the people and resources of the industry and Sullivan Supply to encourage growth in the knowledge of juniors. The Pulse is another service that provides a quick and easy platform for juniors of the industry to promote their cattle and receive instant show results. The other thing that we are proud of is the Distinguished $20,000 Sullivan Supply Scholarship programthat annually awards 20, $1000 scholarships to industry leading juniors!
5. What is your favorite part your job?
I love getting to travel and meet new people. This summer I will have been on the road for a total of 60 days, and I look at each day as another chance to learn from someone or something. I also love getting to stay connected to the industry.
6. At a show, where can we find you?
You can usually find me around the show ring or in the barns. With The Pulse we want to give everyone a glimpse into each show, and that means from the barns to the backdrop!
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| Luke helping at a Stock Show U clinic. |
7. What advice do you have for someone interested in working for Sullivan Supply in the future?
At Sullivan Supply we all wear a lot of different hats. While my primary job is The Pulse, I have also ran Stock Show University clinics, and sold supplies! Likewise a lot of the staff members have found themselves being a Stock Show U professor and taking pictures for The Pulse! My advice to anyone interested in working at Sullivan Supply is be prepared to work hard and have fun! It is a fast-paced work environment that keeps everyone on their toes!!
8. What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I would say the most rewarding part of my job would be the reactions I get from people about The Pulse! It is always great when I hear that people love looking at The Pulse, or to know that we made someones day by posting their photosynthesis!! At the Illinois State Fair I had a Mom tell me that her son was more excited that he would be on The Pulse than he was to have won with his heifer. If that isn?t rewarding I don?t know what is!!
9. Who is your role model?
I think everyone that comes out of the stock show industry owes a lot to their parents, and I am no different. But besides my parents I have had several people along the way that have and continue to make huge impacts on my life! Gwen Crawford, Amy Cowan, and Arin Strasburg are all influential people not only in their specific industries, but also in the lives of the people they work with. Each one of them has taught me something that I use every day. Last but not least would be John Sullivan, working closely with him on The Pulse I learn things every day about business and what it takes to be successful in life!!
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| Luke showing in Denver. |
10. If you could go back to your junior exhibitor days and tell yourself one thing ? what would it be?
Don?t grow up!! I love my job and where I am at in my life right now, but looking back my time as a junior exhibitor was something special! I never won any major titles but I created a foundation for myself that I hope to build on for the rest of my life! I know with quite a bit of certainty that I am not the only one that wishes they could go back into a junior show ring, but I have no regrets and am very thankful for the time I had as a junior!
11. Where do you get inspiration for new projects?
I think inspiration for the innovations from Sullivan Supply comes directly from the people within this industry. Sullivan Supply is truly a company by the people for the people.
As for The Pulse, we are always looking for different, unique ways to bring the stock show industry to people. There is a great team of people constantly working on The Pulse and it is from their creative minds that we put things together.
12. Anything else you think our readers would like to know?
I just want to thank everyone for choosing Sullivan Supply and for taking time to look at The Pulse! I also want to encourage everyone to submit their pictures and information so you can see yourself on The Pulse!
Another exciting opportunity is an internship for The Pulse! This summer we had a great intern and we are excited for more opportunities to work with a the next generation of industry leaders! If anyone is interested in interning with The Pulse and Sullivan Supply keep your eyes out for some exciting opportunities coming soon!
Thanks to Focus Marketing Group for featuring Sullivan Supply this month!
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Luke and the rest of the Sullivan Supply crew have been great to work with all summer long on the show road. Thanks again for guest blogging, and we hope to see you all soon.