fueled by passion
Merritt is the artist’s atelier. We are innovators. We plan with precision, craft with care and build boldly knowing that our work lives on for generations of tomorrow. We only work with the finest designers, builders and craftsmen, and deliver woodwork that is unparalleled in our industry.
Only the extraordinary is acceptable for the world’s finest estates and superyachts.
TIMELESS CRAFTSMANSHIP, TOMORROW’S TECHNOLOGY
Merritt is changing the definition of woodwork and joinery from the inside out. By constantly innovating, we stay steps ahead of both our competition and our clients to ensure that the future of our craft will be brighter, stronger and more powerful than ever before. As a family run company, Merritt is led by strong ideals that have remained at our core for fifty years. We believe in solid partnerships with our clients. We never miss a detail, a delivery or a deadline. We employ both cutting edge technology and age old techniques in cultivating our craft. Our approach is uncompromising and the result is the perfect alignment of beauty and precision.
A LEGACY OF ART AND VISION
As a young man, George A. Merritt honed his craft as an artisan woodworker in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. In 1967 he founded Merritt Woodwork where he went on to mentor his own team of apprentices. By building a reputation for perfectionism and artistry, Merritt honed a niche delivering the highest-quality cabinetry and woodwork in the region. Today, his sons Michael and Keith not only continue their father’s legacy of extraordinary craftsmanship, premium materials and hands-on management, but have also grown the company in unexpected directions with exceptional results.
George A. Merritt, Founder
Keith & Michael Merritt
Through constant innovation and an obsession with perfection, Merritt moves the definition of woodwork and joinery forward.
leadership team
G. Michael Merritt
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
“Because we never accept the status quo, we are constantly innovating, identifying new ways to meet old challenges. We have never been afraid of going against the grain in pursuit of perfection.”
G. Michael Merritt has a singular vision for Merritt, the company his father, George A. Merritt, founded in 1967: to be the best, most forward thinking and in-demand provider of ultra-high-end architectural millwork and joinery for residential estates and super yachts. Through his strategic leadership and a collaborative executive team, Merritt has become one of the world’s leading luxury interior solutions firms.Throughout his tenure, Michael has practiced every trade and held nearly every key position in the company from cabinetry to operations. Today Michael provides strategic and practical support of Merritt’s many teams, departments and divisions, while focusing on human capital, team results, mentoring and ensuring controlled company growth.Michael’s goals for Merritt today and in the future are clear: generate flawless results for our clients, mentor and motivate our company team and provide security and future opportunities to our employees, vendors, consultants and friends.
KEITH MERRITT
Chief Operating Officer
“Taking an architect’s dream and turning it into reality is a daily joy for my team. The challenges we face in the process become fuel driving us to exceed what we thought were limitations.”
Keith Merritt, younger son of founder George A. Merritt, has a long history within the company. Like his brother Michael, Keith has worked in nearly every position he now oversees from production, manufacturing and logistics to plant management, engineering management and project management. Today, in addition to his roles as executive vice president and treasurer, he also functions as day to day director of operations.Early on, Keith pledged himself to mastering old-world craftsmanship techniques to further Merritt’s foundation in the art of woodwork and joinery. Along with his team, he continues to research the world’s finest materials and technological advancements, fusing them together with the industry’s most advanced equipment and creative people to create exquisite monumental architectural millwork.
Gina Borovica
Director of Sales & Marketing
“I value working for a 50+ year old family owned company and take pride in promoting Merritt’s artistry and interior solutions. Being able to work alongside our team of talented artisans motivates and inspires me every day.”
As part of the Merritt team for almost 8 years now, Gina Borovica is currently Merritt’s Director of Marketing. Creating the Merritt story and educating the world on Merritt’s handcrafted woodwork and many other capabilities is her primary focus. Gina also spends time collaborating with the internal Merritt team to innovate and continuously improve processes to ensure Merritt’s clients receive bespoke interiors with flawless execution. Prior to her career at Merritt, Gina has held various positions as Chief of Staff, Director of Marketing, Product Developer and Product Manager for multiple different companies and industries. Working for entrepreneurial start-ups, corporations and family owned businesses, Gina has been exposed to a lot of diversity in her roles and is certainly willing and capable of taking on any challenge to help Merritt grow and succeed. In her free time, Gina loves spending time outdoors and on the water. Family is extremely important to her and she is the proud mother of her daughter Allison.
Jennifer Berry
SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
“It's inspiring to work with so much creativity and talent at Merritt. I am proud to be part of the team that helps shape the future of Merritt.”
Jennifer Berry brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as Merritt’s Senior Human Resources Manager, where she has led the department since June 2023. She began her career in HR in 1996 and has had the privilege of working with and leading some of the top, most dynamic human resource teams across several global companies. Jennifer is committed to operating with integrity and building a people-first culture at Merritt, and she is passionate about furthering education and development across the organization. Outside of work, you can find her cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles or playing with her three dalmations, Scout, Hunter, and Tracker. Jennifer also enjoys traveling, visiting the beach, and trying out new restaurants.
Dan Genest
General Manager, SCI-Merritt
“At Merritt, I enjoy the challenges my job entails. Overseeing a group of hardworking men and women and leading the team to provide quality customer service is a task I am proud to tackle.”
As a member of the Merritt team since 2012, Daniel Genest holds the position of General Manager of SCI-Merritt, Merritt’s Carpentry and Installation division. Daniel oversees the installation of all jobs globally, including management of schedules, budgets, quality and the customer service experience. With prior experience at International Home Improvements, Eurotech Millwork and National Cabinet & Millwork, Daniel brings an abundance of expertise in carpentry and management to the company. In his free time, Daniel enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters as well as watching NASCAR and football.
DON ALEXANDER
General Manager, Production Operations
“We work on some of the most monumental projects in the country. Collaborating with our industry’s top professionals, including our own Merritt team, is deeply rewarding.”
A veteran of Merritt since 2007, Don Alexander brings a passion for design and architecture to work every day. Prior to joining Merritt, Don owned and operated Falls Lumber and Millwork, a high-end architectural millwork firm. His personal knowledge of both the craft and business side of woodworking make him an ideal ally for both his clients and Merritt. Don oversees an exceptional team of project managers, project engineers, field installation managers and project coordinating staff. Together they provide comprehensive project direction and solutions for Merritt’s clients who include the most discerning general contractors, architects, designers and homeowners anywhere. Don sits on the Advisory Board for the University of Akron’s Interior School of Design and is also a guest lecturer for the school’s Design and Project Management courses.
Ian Agrell
Director of Classical Decoration
“The current resurgence of interest in, and respect for, carved ornamentation is inspiring. I look forward to continuing to develop this extraordinary art.”
Ian Agrell began modeling clay as a child at the encouragement of his parents. This love of working in three dimensions led him to first study woodcarving in 1961. Twenty years later, Ian was elected to the Master Carvers Association, a prestigious society of wood and stone carvers in the United Kingdom.In 1986, Ian moved to the United States to take on larger residential projects and to teach classical carving. Since then he and his team have been honored with commissions including Fulham Palace, Hampton Court, the United Kingdom Houses of Parliament, the Utah Governor’s Mansion and a throne for Pope Saint John Paul.After twenty years of partnering with Merritt on large high-end residential projects, Agrell Architectural Carving was acquired and now operates as Merritt’s in-house classical decoration team.Ian oversees all classical decoration operations for Merritt as well as staff training and program development.Ian is passionate about maintaining the art of classical woodcarving and to ensure the future of these unique skills, thirty years ago he founded the School of Classical Woodcarving where he teaches several classes each year.
Albert Peetoom
Project Principal
“At Merritt I have been able to bring my experience as a professional yacht builder to bear on both Merritt’s heritage of residential work, as well as its super yacht category. Finding new challenges in both continually drives me and my team to new levels of success. ”
Albert Peetoom has been a project principal with Merritt’s residential and super yacht divisions since 2013. He brings more than 20 years of experience as a professional yacht builder specializing in leading interior fit-out. His team leadership includes oversight of residential and yacht projects from start to finish including all aspects of engineering, budgets, communication and procurement. His deep experience in the yachting industry, particularly interior outfitting, informs his work at Merritt every day, both residential and nautical. Delivering extraordinary results to Merritt clients continually drives Albert and his team to excellence. Albert lives in Savannah, Georgia and is a member of the Historic Savannah Foundation.
Bruce Bartholomew
Project Principal
“At Merritt, I value my responsibility to deliver and own the project from start to finish.”
Serving as one of Merritt’s Project Principals, Bruce Bartholomew works with his project teams to manage, direct, and oversee projects with the goal to consistently deliver exceptional results. He ensures that deadlines are met, and all project goals are surpassed from the start to finish. Bruce has always had a passion and interest for the woodworking industry. Prior to joining Merritt, he held the position of Head of Production and Scheduling for 8 years at Rimi Woodcraft and Vice President of Production for 29 years at Mielach Woodwork. Bruce joined the Merritt family in 2018 as a Senior Project Manager, bringing his vast woodworking knowledge and experience with him. In 2022, Bruce was promoted to Project Principal. His dedication and determination to the craft inspire all of us at Merritt. Aside from woodworking, Bruce also has a passion and interest in vintage cars. He loves spending time with his family and getting some sunshine at the beach.
Kaan Duru
Project Principal
“Merritt is limitless. They let you be the best. Whether it is creating the best millwork for your dwelling or becoming the best you can be in your career!”
Kaan Duru joined the Merritt team in 2021 as a Project Principal. He works with his team to ensure that the client’s visions come to life in a way that surpasses their expectations. Prior to becoming part of the Merritt family, Kaan completed his undergraduate education in Istanbul, Turkey where he earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, specializing in construction management. He went on to receive his MBA at Florida Atlantic University. During his time in Florida, he discovered his passion for millwork and kickstarted started his career in woodworking. He now has over 25 years of experience within a variety of roles starting with engineering, then moving to project management, estimating, and sales, quickly making his way to oversee all these functions as a Director, Vice President and General Manager. For the last 12 years, he has taken his leadership abilities to the next level by guiding companies to become continuously improving partners to their client base. Outside of work, you can find Kaan swimming either in a pool or open water. He has always had a passion for the sport and still competitively competes today. He has two sons and has even taken on the role as Coach for their swim team. He says that swimming has taught him discipline and hard work and hopes to pass on the same values to his sons that the sport has endowed on him.
Peter Staedler
Project Principal
“I enjoy working side by side with the best in the business to deliver the highest quality millwork to our clients.”
Peter Staedler, one of Merritt’s Project Principals, is responsible for projects from the very beginning until the end, when the project is delivered and installed. Those responsibilities include the oversight of the project, fiscal responsibility and adhering to budgets, engineering, procurement, coordination of manufacturing, delivery and installation. After graduating from college, Peter started his career at a cabinet shop in Switzerland, where he worked as a cabinet maker and installer. A few years later and prior to working at Merritt, he traveled to the United States and worked for Wavell-Huber Wood Products for 18 years. Building years of knowledge and experience in the industry, Peter was originally a cabinet maker, progressed to an installer for 10 years, and was then promoted to production manager for 4 years. Outside of work, Peter loves spending time outdoors while camping, fishing and horseback riding.
Maurice Zeini
Project Principal
“While working at Merritt I enjoy the team spirit, take pride in our achievements and clientele relationships and value being a team player.”
As one of Merritt’s Project Principals, Maurice Zeini manages and directs projects and project teams to reach high-end results that align with each deadline and expectation. When Maurice joined Merritt’s team in 2019, he brought with him a strong background and years of valuable experience in yacht, hospitality and residential interiors. Prior to Merritt, he started his career as a master cabinet maker and quickly became promoted to a production manager and eventually an operations manager. In Maurice’s free time he loves spending time with his three daughters, cooking and playing and watching sports such as table tennis, squash, billiards and boxing.