We are pleased to announce that R.D. Merrill Company Chairman Charlie Wright has been named the Family Business Executive of the Year by the Puget Sound Business Journal and we could not be prouder! Charlie is a fourth generation Merrill Family member and he has been our company chairman since the inception of Merrill Gardens in 1993. The R.D. Merrill Company is the parent company of Merrill Gardens and our sister company Pillar Properties.
Charlie was honored at a recent event in downtown Seattle and featured in an article in the Puget Sound Business Journal where he talked about keeping a family business alive for many generations.
"Maintaining a family business long term can be challenging, and we are proud of our history that dates to the 1890s. It is easy to see how family companies could dismantle after a few generations or be purchased by larger public companies. It is a testament to the generations that came before me and those who will follow me that we are able to maintain and grow as a family enterprise," he said.
Members of the R.D. Merrill team (including above Scott Haines, Senior V.P. Pillar Properties, Cole Wright, Senior V.P. China Operations and Barbara Nopen, COO, China Operations) attended the event where Charlie's son Cole accepted the award on his father's behalf. Charlie was out of the country and unable to attend in person but he did provide a heartfelt acceptance via video.
Charlie was among a handful of local executives honored for their commitment to excellence in leading their companies.
In addition to Charlie's award, Merrill Gardens was recognized as one of the 50 Fastest Growing Middle Market companies in the Pacific Northwest.
You can read the entire article HERE.