Denise Merritt

Merritt Business Solutions

CEO

Merritt Business Solutions Capability Statement

 

For over 30 years Denise has helped business owners with their employee administration solutions. Since founding Merritt Business Solutions in 2017, Denise has realized her true professional calling. Working in the role of Business Consultant for multiple leading PEOs and HRO’s, Denise learned first-hand the art and skills for fitting clients’ business circumstances with the solution most suited to their immediate and long-term needs. She began her career in customer service/human resources where she acquired certifications including Health and Life license, PHR (Professional of Human Resources) certification, and OSHA 501(c) certification for General Industries. Denise is an active community volunteer, and she is the current Chair of the local Central Florida Pride Chamber. 

With experience and savvy, Merritt Business Solutions navigates the complex world of human resource services. We help you find the employee administration (payroll, HR, Employee Benefits, Safety and Risk Management, Co-employment, and Alternative Lending) you need to build your business. We understand the issues faced by small-to-medium size and minority businesses and provide solutions for hard-to-place clients.  

Why did you start your business? 

Wow, there are multiple reasons. I saw opportunities for improvement within the organization I was currently working for, challenging me to rethink my career path. I took about 6 months off and did some hiking in the mountains and truly thought about how I could make a difference.  I landed on starting my own business, a brokerage of employee administration services and human resource services. One of the things I did not like was being limited with the options and solutions I was able to offer a client; by being a broker I rarely have to tell a client that we are not able to help them.  Also, I wanted the ability to consult and educate and not be pressured to sell. I am a big believer that there is plenty of business out there for everyone. Lastly, I have a passion to help minority businesses achieve economic equality.  I am a NGLCC- Certified LGBTBE as well as a WBENC-Certified WBE and I have personally seen how hard it is for minority businesses to get ahead.   

What advice do you have for other LGBTQ+ business owners? 

My biggest advice here is get involved with your local LGBTQ+ community.  If there is a local LGBTQ+ chamber get involved with that. It is so important that we support and help one another be successful. But also get involved with your local community in general, helping those who live and work where you do. Get involved in networking opportunities and build relationships that will challenge you and help you grow.  Get a mentor.  The NGLCC has a mentorship program that has been invaluable to my success.  And now with WBENC’s Women & Pride initiative there will be even more opportunities to get involved. 

What advice would you give your adolescent self? 

I would tell myself to never give up, to believe in your dreams, and to be and to love your authentic self. Life will always give you challenges and there will be times when you fail, but every failure leads to your successes. Figure out what you really want, what gets you excited about life (what is your dream) and then believe you will get there no matter what.  And most importantly love who you are, fall in love with yourself and be authentic to who you are while respecting others.