> R.C. Merchant & Company, Inc. Names Mallerie Merchant as President
Mallerie and Brook Merchant
Farmington Hills, Mich., – May 12, 2025 — R.C. Merchant & Company, Inc., a family-owned and operated manufacturers’ representative firm headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich. proudly announces that Mallerie Merchant has been appointed as company president, marking the fourth generation of family leadership. Her father, Brook Merchant, who has served as president since taking the reins from his father, John Merchant, will assume the role of Chairman.
Founded in 1924 by Roscoe (Ross) Merchant during the early days of the electronic components industry, R.C. Merchant is one of the longest continuously operating manufacturers’ rep firms in North America and has played a key role in shaping the independent sales representative model for nearly a century. The company has grown over four generations through deep product expertise, customer loyalty, and a commitment to enduring partnerships.
“Passing the torch to Mallerie is both a proud and natural transition,” said Brook Merchant, incoming Chairman. “Since joining the company in 2016, Mallerie has consistently demonstrated strategic vision, deep knowledge of our product lines, and a passion for building relationships that echo the legacy established by our founder. Her leadership reflects both the strength of our past and the promise of our future.”
Mallerie joined the firm after earning her degree in Management and Entrepreneurship from DePaul University in Chicago. She began her career in sales at a major industry distributor, cutting her teeth on small, overlooked accounts and building them into success stories. She returned to Michigan in 2016 to join R.C. Merchant with a strong foundation in field sales and a clear-eyed vision for the future of the business.
“To lead a company with a 100-year legacy is an extraordinary honor,” said Mallerie Merchant, newly named president. “I’m deeply grateful to follow in the footsteps of my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. As technology continues transforming the electrical and electronics industries, I look forward to expanding our team, growing our regional footprint, and leading with the same integrity and resilience that have defined R.C. Merchant for a century.”
With regional operations across the Great Lakes—including Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky—the company maintains two focused divisions: one representing electrical manufacturers, and the other specializing in electronic components.
The succession marks the latest step in a well-defined, long-term transition plan that has guided leadership changes across each generation of the Merchant family.
Media Contacts: Adrienne Lenhoff – Buzzphoria Public Relations
Cell: 313-580-5349 – alenhoff@buzzphoria.com
Julie Hennessey – Buzzphoria Public Relations
Cell: 248.891.7804 – julie@buzzphoria.com