Q&A with Gary Sullivan

Meet Gary Sullivan at the EverDry Waterproofing of Cincinnati booth (899) on Saturday, February 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gary Sullivan has dedicated his entire adult life to the home improvement industry. He has 45 years of experience selling, using, and talking about home improvement products. At the age of 16, Gary began his career working in a hardware store as a stock boy. After attending the University of Cincinnati, he went to work for Cincinnati’s most well-known hardware store chain, Hader Hardware. Gary managed stores in the beginning but quickly moved to the main office in 1980. In 1983, Gary became a limited partner and by 1993 became majority owner and president of this 18-store chain of hardware stores. Gary sold the company in 1997 and remained president until 2001.

Gary started his media career in 1986 with WCKY radio. In 1996, he created and hosted a TV show called Hardware Store which aired on HGTV for four years. The TV show changed its name to Homeworx in 2000 and continued until 2014. In 2001 Clear Channel, now iheartmedia, syndicated Gary nationally. He is presently heard in 260 markets on both Saturdays and Sundays.

Gary is married with three kids and seven grandchildren. He resides in Liberty Township, Ohio.

He served on the Board of Directors at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati from 2011 to 2017 and as Chairman for three years. He also served as a member of the executive committee at Habitat for Humanity and has been teaching home repair to partner families since 1997. Gary has been named Habitat for Humanity Volunteer of the Year for the state of Ohio in 2013. He has also been recognized several times as one of the top 250 talk show hosts in America.

What are home improvement trends for the coming year? Some of the trends in home improvement are to create a home with minimal maintenance, which includes flooring products like LVT flooring and ceramic and laminate flooring. Outdoor living is huge. Fire pits, decks, and grill options make this a huge focus. Paver stones, decorative concrete, and high-end decks make outdoor living very inviting. Smart homes are becoming a big change for people when remodeling.

How should homeowners begin planning their next project? When people are getting ready to take on a spring or summer project, it’s important to start now. It takes several months of planning before any major project can start in your home. You will need to find a contractor, have a plan for the project, a budget, and selection of materials. This all takes time. It is a great time to do small projects around the home while the weather is dreary. Start projects now like painting, adding insulation, and cleaning out the garage.

What are some of the biggest mistakes homeowners make on home improvement projects? The biggest mistake homeowners make when taking on a home improvement project is over-estimating their ability to complete the task. Many projects around the home should be left to a professional. If you are not well versed in electric and plumbing, a pro could save you money.

What are some ideas to utilize unused space in the home, like the basement? Utilizing the basement can add up to 25 percent more living space. Make sure the area is dry and does not leak. Once the project is done and you have a sump pump in the area make sure it has a backup sump pump for protection. Another idea is to turn your dining room into an office.