Sharon J. MerchantBusiness Development & Government Relations
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, Vice President of the family equipment rental business, and President of her own business, The Merchant Strategy, Inc. (TMS). TMS President, she is responsible for contract management, government relations, project management, strategic planning, development of new clients, firm management, insurance and legal matters, certifications, business correspondence, and all financial decisions.
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, 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. 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”, minimized inconveniences.
Commitment to community is expressed in Merchant’s service on the board of the South Florida Fair, as Chair of Grassy Waters Preserve, and past 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.