My name is Tom Gillihan. My wife, Sue, and I were raised in Newport Arkansas (Sue 10 miles north in Tuckerman) and we were married February 26th, 1965. I acquired a small sawmill and operated it until it was destroyed by fire in the summer of 1966. I then went to work for Missouri Pacific Rail Road until I retired in 1995, and Sue worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone until we had our two children. Our daughter, Susan, was born in 1972 and our son, Todd, followed in 1974. Susan is married now and we have a wonderful grandson, Sam, to spoil.

We bought and sold timber for several years and had an opportunity to buy a kiln and lumber business in 1999. I also began to supply customers in the archery industry with the specific hardwoods that their trade requires. We did very well until my son and I were in a car wreck and I ended up in and out of the hospital for about two years with complications from staph infection. Over that time the business suffered and we had to declare bankruptcy.

We love the area in Central Arkansas where we live. Not only has it been our home for over forty years, but our children also live here and we love being close to them. Our home is also an excellent area for Sue’s Garden to thrive because of the vibrant Farmers Markets and the demand for our produce at the grocery stores and restaurants.

Sue and I are extremely happy to have our home, our children and grandson close to home, and a very fulfilling business in Sue’s Garden.