The Merchant Strategy

Ms. Merchant’s career of more than 20 years of both public and private sector experiences enables her to provide clients with a unique perspective. Her career includes service as a Member of the Florida House of Representatives, Manager for the family equipment rental business, and President of her own business, The Merchant Strategy, Inc. (TMS)

As TMS President, she is responsible for strategic planning, development of new clients, management, insurance and legal matters, certifications, business correspondence, and all financial decisions. She writes all press releases and public involvement plans to FDOT standards.

TMS provides government relation and business development services to corporate clients such as Greenhorne and O’Mara, Suffolk Construction, Source Corp, Rinker Materials, Barnard Construction Company, GFA, Hypower, CDM, the Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority, RedSpeed, Swearengen and Associates, Leanbreakthru, The Weitz Company and many more. We provide public involvement for clients such as Calvin, Giordano and Associates, the City of West Palm Beach, and Stanley Consultants.

As a Legislative Assistant and then Member, she learned the process of state and local government from the bottom up. In her award-winning legislative career, Merchant served as Chair of the Appropriations Committee on Transportation and Economic Development, the Juvenile Justice Committee and the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation. Additionally, she was Vice Chair of the Utilities and Telecommunication Committee and the Republican Caucus.

In 2003, WPB Mayor Lois Frankel asked Merchant to help solve transportation related challenges. With construction underway in both downtown north/south corridors, Merchant delivered a variety of public involvement processes and activities comprising the blueprint to ensure awareness of all new construction. Early proactive communication with neighbors, local businesses, and commuters on project scopes, schedules and MOTs before “any dirt is turned”, minimizes inconveniences.

During a two year association with the Mitchell Group, Merchant was responsible for new business development, bringing in clients such as WCI and Unicco. Her efforts before the County Commission gained authorization for Costco to build in Boynton Beach. Other work included issues relating to life insurance, cameras at red lights, janitorial services and new residential developments.

Sharon’s in-depth knowledge of Florida’s budget, transportation infrastructure, growth and related water issues, telecommunications and business regulations helped lead efforts with colleagues and local residents to ensure more than $40 million was appropriated for Palm Beach County’s eastern portion of SR 80. With Commissioner Marcus and Congressman Foley she traveled to Washington to work with United Technologies and government to keep high wage jobs in Palm Beach County.

Commitment to community is expressed in Merchant’s service on the boards of the South Florida Fair, Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Pine Jog and the Association for Retarded Citizens. She Chairs Grassy Waters Preserve, and is Regent of the Palm Beach DAR Chapter.

She has been given awards and recognitions by many diverse groups such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce, 6 time winner of the Roll Call Award, given to the Top 40 Legislators, Nature Conservancy Legislator of the Year, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries Award for Dedication (1st ever given), Association of General Contractors of America for Outstanding Service and numerous others.

Merchant earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, with minors in Spanish and Business at The Florida State University.