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. 50 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 muf2_c_merrill(48,50,52).indd 50 3/16/15 12:48 PM