Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue II, 2015 | Page 52
RECONNECT: MULTI-BRAND 50
gins were just too small.” Meanwhile, he’s
opened a second Massage Heights and
has added four The Joint chiropractic
clinics—all since 2014. An Atlanta native,
he has kept his operations close to home,
all in the Greater Atlanta area. The Solar
Dimensions Tanning salons he operates
with Royter have grown to 19 locations
between them, with 4 exclusively under
Merrill’s control.
Merrill, who spent his early years in the
military and as an athlete, is now 53 and
says he may just be on the cusp of some
substantial growth. “I’m at a place where
my experience, expertise, and money are
all coming together at this stage in my
life. I have a feeling significant growth is
imminent,” he says. “All of the brands I’m
in right now are a perfect match for my
operating style. They are clean, efficient,
streamlined models that are membershipdriven and simpler to succeed with, as
compared to a food franchise,” he says.
Even with his recent expansion, Merrill
is not content to sit still. “I’ve just signed
a deal to open four Amazing Lash Studio
units in 2015,” he says. “These should be
a perfect complement to the brands I already have.” He hopes to have the first two
open in June and the next two in October.
Merrill also has taken on a new role,
working closely with his franchisors to assist
new franchisees of Massage Heights and
The Joint. “I’ve been working as a kind
of business consultant with both brands.
So when someone new comes into the
system I can come alongside them and
help them, from the build-out process all
the way through to the grand opening,”
he says. The corporate offices love the
kind of support and dedication successful
franchisees like Merrill bring to the mix.
On the personal front, Merrill and his
wife, Mary, an executive with Coca-Cola,
have two boys, 9 and 4, and he says he is
enjoying the domestic side of life more
than ever. “That’s one of the reasons I
like keeping my businesses in my own
backyard.”
Merrill recalls growing up working in
his father’s United Rentall business (he
was just 8 years old when he started) and
how that experience helped propel him
out on his own. For more than 25 years
now, he has established and operated his
own businesses, both franchised and nonfranchised, and is, perhaps, most proud of
the fact he has been able to have a healthy
work-life balance that has allowed him to
enjoy his family and a successful career.
PERSONAL
First job: I started out helping my dad in his United Rentall store at the age
of 8.
Exercise/workout: I exercise every day. It helps keep me mentally sharp
as well as in shape.
Formative influences/events: Obviously my dad, along with my mother,
were key influencers in my early stage, and their influence continues to this
day. They were hard-working and dedicated and insisted that I be the same. In
the ensuing years, I have also had the support and partnership of my brothers,
who are big parts of my life. Along the way, o f course, all my experiences, the
good and the bad, have helped shape me.
Best advice you ever got: The basics of “Please” and “Thank you” still
count for a lot, but my guiding principle is “Never give up.”
Key accomplishments: I am most proud of being able to be successful in
business and in life, maintaining a work-life balance that lets me enjoy my family and still operate commercial entities at the highest levels.
Biggest current challenge: My current challenge/goal is to elevate the
level of operation and perception of The Joint in the public’s view. It’s a powerful concept that I believe can really take off if executed properly.
What’s your passion in business? Touching people’s lives in a meaningful way, both staff and clients—people who are involved and committed to
their organization, and who know they have the owner’s support do a better
job with customers.
How do you balance life and work? I have been fortunate enough to
find people who agree with my outlook and operate at high levels to be part of
my team. That allows me the time I need to be an involved husband and active
in my kids’ lives every day.
Guilty pleasure: I’ve given up most of those!
Next big goal: We are planning to debut a multi-unit operation of Amazing
Lash Studio in Atlanta this summer.
Favorite book: Malcolm Gladwell has a unique way of looking at things that
we can all learn from. All of his books are favorites of mine.
First turning point in your career: I started a tanning salon in my early
years and will always remember how much my friends and family supported
me. It made me realize that the character of the operator has a big influence
on the operation and on the willingness of people to help. I’ll never forget what
that meant to my first business and to all my subsequent businesses.
Favorite movie: “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Haven’t seen it? Watch it. Seriously. Great movie.
Best business decision: When I started really listening to my wife’s business counsel. She’s my best partner in life and in business. She has great
insight into both business and people.
Hardest lesson learned: Early on I trusted some people I shouldn’t have,
taking them at their word and expecting them to live up to their commitments,
which they did not do. It was an important lesson that will stay with me forever.
Work week: The nice thing about our operation is that while I’m always
“on,” I have flexibility in my work hours and great people in my operation.
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What do most people not know about you? I’m so transparent with
my friends and associates that I doubt there is anything they don’t know about
me!
Pet peeve: Excuses. ’Nuf said, I’m sure.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A major league
athlete, but not just in one sport. I wanted to be a pro in every sport and every
season!
Last vacation: Disney World with the family.
Person I’d most like to have lunch with: Jesus. How could you not
want to ask Him a few questions?!
MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISEE IS S UE II, 2015
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