Timothy U. Boulden Awarded the Marvin S. Gilman Bowl

In a surprise announcement at the 24th Annual Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business awards luncheon, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce awarded the esteemed Marvin S. Gilman Bowl to Timothy U. Boulden, president of Boulden Brothers Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric.

“Tim’s commitment to Delaware small businesses, particularly one that is family-owned, makes my family and the selection committee excited to have chosen him as this year’s recipient in honor of my grandfather, Marvin S. Gilman,” said Brett Gilman Smith.

Named in memory of Marvin S. Gilman—who served as an exemplary leader and a paragon of small business in Delaware—the Gilman Bowl was established as a tribute to small business leadership. The identity of the recipient of the Gilman Bowl was held confidential until its presentation at the awards ceremony.

The company has been a fixture in Delaware’s business community since 1946, ensuring the delivery of quality plumbing, heating, air, and electrical services. A family-owned business, Tim has been working for Boulden Brothers for 34 years. In 2007, his father transitioned ownership to both him and his brother, Mike.

A servant leader, the company’s vision statement—Making Lives Better—comes from Tim’s belief that one should always strive to help others. Tim’s involvement in the community is extensive for this reason. He has served on the boards of the Business Bureau of Delaware, Delaware Business Roundtable, New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, NFIB of Delaware, Mid-Atlantic Ballet, Delaware Council on Economic Education, Newark Charter School, and Saint Mark’s High School, to name a few. He also encourages his employees to give back through the Boulden Brothers Cares program, which Tim personally funds. The program has allowed the company and its employees to support local groups like Little League teams, donating adaptive bikes to children through Preston’s March for Energy, and providing Christmas gifts to children staying at the Sunday Breakfast Mission.

As a small business owner, Tim knows and understands the challenges small businesses experience every day. In 1994, Tim was elected to the Delaware House of Representatives where he served five terms until retiring from politics in 2004. During his tenure, Tim used his experience and passion for small business to help shape legislation that helped businesses grow and thrive in Delaware.

“This award is very meaningful to me,” said Boulden upon accepting the award. “Thank you to the State Chamber, the Gilman family, and the community for recognizing my passion to ensure the smallest of businesses in Delaware still have a voice.”

“Tim is the definition of a small business leader,” said Michael Quaranta, president of the State Chamber. “He has worked tirelessly over the years to promote and lift up small businesses in the First State through his public policy and community efforts.”

“We are pleased that Tim is being recognized with this year’s Gilman Bowl,” said Martha Gilman. “His efforts in business and the community certainly embody my father’s legacy.”

The awards event also honored eight outstanding companies as Superstars in Business and Award of Excellence winners. Winner videos and event information can be found at www.DSCC.com/SuperstarsinBusiness. The program included remarks from Katey Jo Evans, co-found and owner of The Frozen Farmer.