Paul (left) and Jim Sullivan (right) review blueprints with Emerson Swan’s Dino Malespini. be in good shape. The 20-yearold, cast iron Weil-Mclain boiler seemed to be in good shape as well, but not as much could be said for the original circulators. Two of the three pumps were leaking and were the likely cause of the air issues the garage had experienced. “It took me about an hour to exchange the circulators,” said J.P. “The flanges are the same, and the 007e doesn’t require a ground wire.” The circulator features “BIO Barrier,” a technology that prevents the strong magnets in the ECM motor from collecting the ferrous sludge inside an old hydronic system from building up within the circulator. Given the age of most homes in Connecticut, it’s a valid concern when putting ECM circulators in existing systems, especially where cast iron boilers and radiators are present. “This circulator allows customers who don’t need a variable-speed pump to capitalize on the $100 rebate that Energize Connecticut is offering for ECM circulators,” explained J.P. Commitment to community Just as Sullivan actively seeks ways to help customers, they do the same for their community. In 2016, Connecticut State Representative Sean Scanlon was invited on a propane delivery ride-along, to see the impact of the tax that the state had recently placed on propane for customers whose property included a backup generator. Sullivan’s goal was to work with Scanlon to lift the tax. “It was an unfair tax,” said Jim. “If you had one LP-fired generator on the property, all your gas was subject to a tax, despite the majority of it being used to heat your home.” Later in the year, the tax was removed with much credit due to Scanlon. Sullivan’s community outreach efforts don’t generally include political activism though. They’re best known throughout the Guilford area for the annual J. F. Sullivan Annual Sideliners Golf Tournament, which is in its 13th year. The June event commemorates John Sullivan, J.P.’s grandfather. Proceeds from the event support Guilford High School’s athletic program, and draws a crowd. One frequent attendee is Dino Malespini. “As the fourth generation in the family business, I’ve come to appreciate what it takes to have a family-owned operation last as long as it has,” said JP. “It feels very similar to what we’ve seen and experienced at Taco.” “And, thinking locally,” added JP, “we’ve grown with our community, not apart from them. Just knowing this has sharpened our awareness that building long-term relationships and a solid reputation for quality work are among the keys to success in staying local. It’s a privilege.” ICM 14 ICM/January/February 2017
ICM January-February 2017
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