DuncanManor.org - Meet the Owners

Who are Bud and Diane Sullivan?

Bud started his career in New England as a General Contractor in 1981. In New England, he gained extensive experience with historical property renovation and restoration as well as all other aspects of the construction industry. During this period in Bud’s career, his company became the largest framing company in New England employing over fifty men. While working in New England, he also renovated a 100,000 square foot historical tenement building into single family units and restored a 1760’s historical property to its original condition.

During this time, Diane was busy managing property in Florida, for investors, from 1984-1996. She quickly found out that she had a knack for real estate and was soon managing 50 rental units as well as 8 luxury beachfront condos. Diane handled all facets of the business from assessing properties for purchase and marketability, to supervising contractors during remodeling, accounting, decorating, furnishing, and maintaining the properties, as well as marketing properties once completed. In 1990 Diane took on another career, in addition to real estate, when she accepted a position as the general manager of a large home furnishings and interior design store. Somehow, she found time to manage 9 departments and 125 employees in addition to her real estate business.

Bud moved to Naples, Fl. in 1989, when the bank crisis hit the New England states. He is a class-A State Certified General Contractor, which is the most difficult license to obtain in the state of Florida. Florida is also considered the second most difficult state in which to obtain any type of builder’s license, California being the first. With this license, Bud can build any size building in the state.

The following list contains some of Bud's accomplishments while in Florida:

Built the largest set of circular stairs in the state.
Developed Vista Del Mar, a beachfront community consisting of four luxury homes, located on Gulf Shore Blvd., in Naples, Fl. The price range of these homes was from 1 to 5 Million Dollars.
Built approximately 800 homes.
Started a concrete company in 1997.
Bud was the General Contractor for the largest house built in Naples, Florida at that time (19,000 sq. ft.).
Recognized as a top builder in Naples.

Bud and Diane met in 1990, fell in love and were married in 1998. Diane became an integral part of the construction company, while simultaneously maintaining her other jobs. At this time, Bud and Diane were also raising 5 children, 3 dogs, and 2 cats.

In 2000, Diane’s father was diagnosed with a terminal illness and desperately needed someone to help care for him, as well as Diane’s younger brother. Bud and Diane were the only ones in the family who were able to relocate to the Midwest. Subsequently, they relocated to the Bloomington area — a decision they have been VERY pleased with. They now own and operate a construction company specializing in historical restoration. Diane also accepted a position with Coldwell Banker Real Estate, at which she has done very well by specializing in older homes, and the "first time home buyer" market. She is ranked in the top 7% of realtors with Coldwell Banker, worldwide. Bud and Diane have worked on numerous projects, which have included homes listed on the National Register. While in Bloomington, they have also purchased, renovated, and sold many homes which enabled them to establish an excellent reputation for providing superior quality, as well as paying close attention to detail. Bud and Diane are also very involved with the Bloomington Old House Society, and in February, Diane accepted the Presidency. Diane is also a commissioner on the city of Bloomington Preservation Commission.

Bud and Diane wish to thank Mr. Dan Greer for allowing them to purchase Duncan Manor, and they look forward to the challenges and opportunities presented by restoring this magnificent home to it’s original grandeur. They would also like to thank the many members of the local community for the outpouring of support for this project, as well as the contractors who are donating their time, materials, and effort to make this dream a reality.

Thank you for taking the time to find out a little about the Sullivans!