Merrill graduated from Springbrook High School in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track. Merrill received his undergraduate degree from Murray State University, in Murray, Kentucky, in Business Administration and Business Education. He earned his Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Nova Southeastern University in Boca Raton, Florida.

After retiring from his 20-year career in education as a high school teacher and coach, Merrill went into the fitness industry. Merrill and the Brick family owned and operated Orlando’s largest full-service health and racquet club, The Orlando Fitness and Racquet club where he served as the General Manager for 21 years. Merrill is currently on the executive team of Planet Fitness Growth Partners/Brick Group (PFGP). The group is the largest privately-held Planet Fitness franchise in the Planet Fitness enterprise with currently 66 fitness clubs in Maryland, Washington, DC, Tennessee, Florida, the state of Washington, and soon to be California, with plans to continue growing in the United States and to expand into countries outside the United States.

A USPTA Certified Tennis Professional, Merrill was a professional tennis instructor at City Island Tennis Center, Indigo Lakes Tennis Club, and the Ocean’s Racquet Club in Daytona Beach, FL, as well as at The Orlando Fitness and Racquet Club in Orlando.

During Merrill’s lifetime, his brother John suffered from depression, anxiety, loneliness, unhappiness, and isolation his entire life. His brother’s plight drives his commitment to help people avoid the suffering that Merrill and his family dealt with during John’s life. He cannot put into words the burden of sadness and helplessness that this caused him and his family. Merrill truly believes that through the JWB Foundation, he can help people live happier, healthier lives.