Merritt

Meet Ben Prima, our Assistant Project Manager from Lodi, CA! Ben helps to keep our projects running smoothly by working closely with our engineering and shop departments. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING FOR MERRITT? I love the available opportunities at Merritt to grow and learn in every aspect of our business. I started here at Merritt West (Design Woodworking) in 2002, working part time sanding primer back in the finish shop. I literally did not know what a cabinet shop was. I came in to apply for a job, figuring I'd be selling furniture. I've been fortunate enough to make a career here by working my way through many of the different specialties (finish, fabrication, moulder lead, CNC programming and operation, engineering, and now project management). Keeping an open mind and learning as much as possible means there's always something new to sink my teeth into. I'm never bored! ... For long. 😉 WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL MOTTO OR MANTRA? Personally, I try my very best to ascribe to the "work smart" mantra. Working hard is a given, and working smart (hopefully) allows the hard work to go even further. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AT MERRIT? I recall a moment at the culmination of project 616, a sleek modern-styled penthouse apartment in San Francisco. In a lovely but rare gesture, the clients had a housewarming party for the GC and select subcontractors. As I had served as PM on that job (my first!), I attended representing Merritt, and was filled with pride to get to speak to the homeowners and hear their praise for our work. I wish all of the fabricators could have been there! WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK? I enjoy creative pastimes including cooking and brewing beers, ciders, and meads. I also play music as often as I'm able. Frequently I'm working on a home woodworking project, or several at once, since as a PM I don't have many opportunities these days to make sawdust for work. My wife, Amy, and I enjoy being outdoors and taking yoga classes together. #StaffSpotlight #MerrittFamily #Woodworking #LodiCA

Clean, bright, & white. This stunning kitchen was crafted by Merritt in New York City. Credit: GC: Livingston Builders Inc Arch: Mitchell Studio @mitchell_studio Photo Cred: Kim Sargent #LuxuryDesign #Woodworking #CustomMade #KitchenDesign #Interiors #LuxuryHomes #NYC #Traditional

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: JAZMIN ACOSTA Meet Jazmin Acosta, our Finance Project Coordinator at Merritt. Jazmin has been an invaluable part of our team, and we are excited to share a bit about her in this staff spotlight. WHAT ARE THREE CAREER LESSONS YOU'VE LEARNED THUS FAR? 1. You can’t make everyone happy. 2. Life is not all work, if it is, you will get exhausted. 3. Balance is key. WHEN YOU THINK OF MERRITT, WHAT THREE WORDS COME TO MIND? Original. Beautiful. Craftsmanship. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK? Grow spiritually. Spend time with family. Participate in local activities (libraries & parks), enjoying fun and helpful events. #StaffSpotlight #MerrittTeam #FinanceCoordinator #WorkLifeBalance

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: EVA TERRONES Meet Eva Terrones, HR Coordinator at Merritt. Eva handles the administrative side of HR, including attendance, benefits, payroll, and more. Let’s get to know Eva in this staff spotlight! WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL MOTTO OR MANTRA? The grass is greener where you water it. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK? The Fault in Our Stars THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOU: Approachable, organized, and cheerful. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING FOR MERRITT? Being part of a team that values each member and fosters a supportive environment. #StaffSpotlight #MeetTheTeam #HRExcellence #MerrittFamily

Today and every day, Merritt recognizes our team's dedication, hard work, and profound achievements. Each creation is a testament to the craftsmanship and passion embedded in every detail. We're proud to be part of the legacy of labor excellence. Happy Labor Day! #LaborDay #MerrittCraftsmanship

Stop & stare at the grand spiral staircase in this Fort Lauderdale home crafted by Merritt. Credits: GC: Troika Management LLC Arch: Robert AM Stern Architects @ramsarchitects Photo Creds: Peter Aaron/OTTO for Robert A.M. Stern Architects #LuxuryInteriors #Woodworking #CustomMade #staircase #Interiors #LuxuryHomes #InteriorInspiration #FortLauderdale #Traditional

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: DAN GENEST Meet Daniel Genest, General Manager, SCI-Merritt. He oversees and manages just about everything done in the field throughout the USA. Get to know Dan, who has been with Merritt for eleven years this month, in this staff spotlight. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE MERRITT IN 3 ADJECTIVES? Fair, honest, and never cutting corners. In the end, our work is always beautiful. I enjoy the daily challenges of being in the custom business. WHAT ARE THREE CAREER LESSONS YOU'VE LEARNED THUS FAR? First, I cross-train my staff so each person can do someone else's position as needed. Second, when I'm upset, I leave my email drafts overnight. Reading them in the morning brings a fresh perspective and helps me to make decisions. Third, I’ve learned to always have a Plan B. WHAT'S YOUR HIDDEN TALENT? I am a very good short-order cook (dinner style).

Celebrating August Work Anniversaries! This August, we honor our incredible team members for their dedication and hard work, celebrating milestones from 1 to 30 years with Merritt. Your commitment and passion are the cornerstones of our success. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. Here’s to many more years of shared achievements and growth! #Merritt #WorkAnniversaries #CheersToYears #TeamMerritt #Milestones

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: ABBY HOLLADA Meet Abby Hollada, Engineering Administrative Assistant at Merritt. Abby provides vital administrative support to the Project/Production Engineering team. Let’s get to know Abby in this staff spotlight! TELL US THREE THINGS MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU. I have double-jointed thumbs, I sang in a barbershop quartet for a while, and I’m a crack shot with a .357 revolver. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK? Honestly? Lay around on my Kindle, reading novels that are the literary equivalent of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FAMOUS FOR? Hmmmm…maybe some sort of obscure Guinness World Record, like “world’s largest glass eye collection” or “world’s most unsettling taxidermy exhibit.” IF HOLLYWOOD MADE A MOVIE ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE CAST AS YOU? Cathy Bates, in her Waterboy era. WHAT IS ON YOUR WISH OR BUCKET LIST FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS? Catch up on dishes, laundry, and yardwork all at the same time. I know, I know—with two kids, two dogs, five cats, two mice, and one duck, that sounds unrealistic. But I have faith. And if you spot me sobbing into my coffee, just mind your business. #StaffSpotlight #MeetTheTeam #EngineeringExcellence #MerrittFamily

Unwind after a long day in this breathtaking bathroom crafted by Merritt. Credits: GC: Bulgin & Associates Inc Arch: Robert AM Stern Architects @ramsarchitects Interior: Steven Gambrel @stevengambrel Photo Creds: Peter Aaron/OTTO for Robert A.M. Stern Architects #LuxuryInteriors #Woodworking #CustomMade #Bathroomdesign #Interiors #LuxuryHomes #LuxuryLifestyle #Unwind #Traditional