Murphy – Jackie Sullivan’s love for his job makes him a valuable employee, and he was recently honored for his longtime efforts.
Twenty-five-years of faithful service to the Murphy Wendy’s restaurant earned the local resident a gift dinner at LongHorn Steakhouse in Blairsville, Ga., as well as a monetary gift, a plaque and a medal that reads, “Wendy’s All-Stars 2023.”
Sullivan was born in Greenville, S.C., in 1962, where grew up and graduated from high school. His employment as a young man involved working in a grocery store, and he also attended a job corp center.
Sullivan is an artist who also enjoys sports. He has coached elementary school-age children in football, basketball, baseball and boxing in the Cherokee County Recreation League. He achieved the title of Golden Glove Champion in Knoxville, Tenn., in 1981.
Sullivan is somewhat of a fixture at Wendy’s since his employment began in 1999. In 2000, he was celebrated as “Employee of the Year.” In 2018, Sullivan hit the 20-year mark at Wendy’s, and he continued working at the restaurant even through the COVID pandemic.
When asked what he likes about his job and what continues to keep him there, Sullivan said, “The job consistency. It’s the same everyday.”
However, he doesn’t really like the task of counting back change. His current position is shift manager, but he’s not too proud to wash the restaurant’s windows.
“Calhoun Management expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Jackie Sullivan for his 25 years of devoted service at Wendy’s,” Gilliam said. “Jackie’s consistent dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction has been a true motivation for us all. We appreciate his unwavering commitment and are honored to have him as a part of the team for so long.”
General Manager Jamie Criswell said of Sullivan, “He’s an awesome example of hard work and dedication and sticking through and not quitting whenever things get tough. Whenever we need him, he’s there willing to work whatever position we need him to do.”
When asked what she liked the best about her employee, Criswell added, “His fun attitude; he jokes around and walks around singing. He’s also very knowledgeable about a lot of different things.”
Along with working at the restaurant, Sullivan is also a minister and singer. Customers have come to him for advice or asked him for prayers. In 10 years, he’ll consider leaving the restaurant business and focusing primarily on the ministry.
Sullivan has built bonds that were put to the test in 2006, when his house burnt down. Many of the people he established relationships with were there for him in his time of need.
He and his wife, Vickie, have been married for 41 years. They have three children and two dogs.
“I love my job, I love my customers, I love this town and my family,” Sullivan said.