Our Incredible Journey – 15 Amazing Years!

May 13, 2011 | Posted by: Ben Merritt

15 years! Wow that is incredible! Last night we had a wonderful celebration at Chef Geoff's in Tysons Corner. It was great to see lots of old and new friends, clients from the past and present, partners, all of our amazing staff, who all came together to celebrate the 15th anniversary of our firm.

And what a journey it has been! From our humble beginnings at a little town house office complex in Herndon Virginia, to now a nationally recognized firm with offices on both coasts, an impressive client list, and some of the best and smartest staff in the industry. We are truly the "Little Engine that Could," and I marveled last night at how the dream of building a great firm has come true.

Merritt Group, more than anything, is a company that cares, about each other, about our clients, about trying to make a difference each and every day. We have a certain magical spirit at our firm that is uncommon. But more than anything, I think it has to do with being a part of one big family, where we are all partners in the process, where we share in the challenges and successes, where we all share the same passion for shaping the world with great ideas and innovations.

For me, it really is the thrill of the hunt. And I pinch myself because I get to go to work every day, working alongside the great people in this firm who get to work hand-in-hand with our clients -- some of the best and brightest minds across multiple industries – in technology, government, healthcare and cleantech. When I was a journalist, I got to write and tell stories. And I have seen so many stories unfold with so many amazing clients and so many amazing people.

And while it may come down to telling stories, building mindshare and awareness and brand and image, what all this really comes down to is one word - accountability. We are a company that more than anything is accountable. We are accountable first and foremost to building a great culture that continues to attract and keep the best and brightest people in our company. We have created a culture here that empowers people to be the best at what they do. Where people are encouraged to push the envelope, to try new things, to not be afraid of failure, because in trying new things, that may or may not work, we find success and focus.

And in return, we feel so very fortunate to work with some of the best and smartest companies, accountable to us to deliver innovations and ideas that continue to change the world and profoundly impact how our society moves forward. And the idea that we can be a part of that, to be in the thick of that, to help shape the ideas and innovations, and the messages and the strategies and tactics behind that, is just an incredible and rewarding experience for us all.

So I thank everyone for making this dream come true. And especially my two incredibly valued partners who, if it were not for them, this company would not be the company it is today.

I feel very humbled and overjoyed to be a part of what is truly this wonderful family called Merritt Group.