Sarah Merrill
MERCHANDISE DIRECTOR
Mercury Promotions & Fulfillment
Merrill, 34, loves the fact that she can use her education (a degree in business with a dual major in fashion marketing and merchandising management) and her work experience to craft creative solutions for her clients—and no two days are ever the same. “Each day I’m presented with new challenges and situations, which keeps me excited and focused,” she says. “I am encouraged to think outside of the box and am trusted to get things done. I am able to do what I love, for a company I love, and I am building amazing relationships in the process. It doesn’t get much better than that!”
While Merrill manages a pretty full plate most days, she makes time to serve the industry through her regional association, Michigan Promotional Professionals Association (MiPPA) where she is board secretary, serves on the executive committee and is chair of MiPPA’s TOM Show and co-chair of the spring tabletop show, Ideas in Bloom. Her effervescence and energy as a volunteer caught the eye of MiPPA Executive Director Paul A. Kiewiet, MAS+, who nominated her as a Rising Star.
“Sarah demonstrates an uncommon level of both leadership and organizational skills,” says the former PPAI Board chair and PPAI Hall of Fame inductee. “She is able to grasp the big picture, focus on the end objective and keep all of the details, pieces and people moving in the right direction.”
He also says Merrill has an energy level that matches her high level of commitment to the association. “The result is that she gets things done, and her attention to detail ensures that she gets things done right. Amazingly, she is able to balance this with a sense of humor and a sense of perspective, never acting as if she is overwhelmed. She commands respect and is a capable and inspirational leader.”
A former distributor himself, Kiewiet admires Merrill’s solid reputation for working nimbly and skillfully with industry partners. “Sarah is widely respected for her treatment of suppliers and reps,” he notes. “She develops partnerships that help her company grow and gets the best work from suppliers.” He calls her a consummate professional who also serves as a mentor to new employees at Mercury and adds that she is always willing to share her knowledge and her network with others.
Always on the go, Merrill says her most difficult challenge is learning to delegate and say “No.”
“I have the tendency to try to be everything to everyone,” she admits. “Juggling everything becomes exhausting over time but building a team with the right people and learning to trust them and delegate tasks is essential. The bigger the dream, the more important the team.”
In just a little over a decade in business, she’s also learned an important lesson: “Respect your time and talents; both are invaluable. Always surround yourself with people who agree with this.” She adds that it’s okay to say “No.”
Her advice to others looking to find balance and full satisfaction in their lives and careers is to get involved. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to learn a new way of doing something. To be successful, know what you are doing, love what you are doing and believe in what you are doing. Finally, take care of your relationships and the rest will take care of itself.”
When it’s time to relax, Merrill favors long weekends, especially during the summer and spends time boating, entertaining friends and family, and reading magazines (everything from InStyle to Forbes).
HER INSPIRATION
“My dad always encouraged me to follow my dreams, try my hardest and be the best I can be. His work ethic inspired me to become a hard-working person and his positive outlook on life is contagious. He taught me to always look on the bright side and face any challenges in life with a positive attitude.”
THE INDUSTRY IN FIVE YEARS
She believes in a need for increased awareness of the industry in colleges and among young workers. “Attracting, engaging, developing and retaining the next generation is vital right now. I would love to see our industry develop an ongoing strategy for college outreach and recruitment. Recruiting students to volunteer at industry events and shows would be a great way to introduce our world to the next generation.”
ON HER TO-DO LIST NOW
Format e-mail campaign, update showroom with new apparel samples, book Pensacola flight, get ice for BBQ.
