By: Maria Williams
Many have heard stories of entering real estate. But John Merrill’s journey into this market began unexpectedly during his tenure as a CPA. Initially considering starting his own local CPA firm, he soon discovered a passion for tangible, creative endeavors that real estate uniquely offered. His early career exposed him to various industries, solidifying his preference for dynamic, non-repetitive tasks that allowed for creativity and community impact.
Moving through roles at Duke Realty Investments, a large private developer, and subsequently contributing significantly to Duke’s public offering. John gained invaluable experience in financial underwriting, asset management, development, and strategic expansion across multiple states.
Despite success, John found himself yearning for more autonomy and a direct correlation between effort and reward. He joined CBRE, initially without sales experience but armed with a deep understanding of financial metrics – a combination that set him apart in the competitive world of investment sales. After dramatic success in investment sales, John went into leadership where he served as the Managing Director of the Indianapolis office.
He missed the transactional aspect of the investment sales role which led him to JLL Capital Markets (formerly Holiday, Fenoglio & Fowler), where he could both transact and provide leadership. John co-ran the Indianapolis office and was part of both the national, industrial, and office specialty teams. His time there underscored his entrepreneurial ambitions, which eventually culminated in the founding of the company – Merrill Property Group in 2020. John’s decision to venture out on his own was fueled by a desire to lead and innovate independently, free from the constraints of larger corporate structures. The quick success of Merrill Property Group can be attributed to the strength of the relationships that John had formed over his extensive career.
The company Merrill Property Group works with a core value deeply ingrained in John Merrill’s ethos – putting other’s interests first, fostering innovation, continuous learning, transparency, and treating employees like family. “Trust is the foundation of any lasting relationship,” John asserts, emphasizing the importance of integrity and transparency in business dealings.
The transition to a family-run business has been natural yet profound for John. While initially uncertain about his children following his footsteps, he’s been pleasantly surprised by their interest and aptitude. Morgan Metcalf, in particular, joined during the challenging times of COVID-19, bringing a fresh perspective and operational expertise that has accelerated the company’s growth.
With Morgan set to lead Merrill Property into the future, the focus remains on maintaining and enhancing the company’s reputation for client-centric service and innovative solutions. “Succession isn’t just about passing on leadership; we want to ensure continuity in values and vision,” Merrill explains. The company’s expansion plans include bolstering its team across various real estate sectors and geographic markets, continuing to leverage existing relationships and expertise for the benefit of their clients.
Looking ahead, Merrill Property Group is poised for expansion across multiple markets. “We’ve built a strong foundation in Indianapolis, and now we’re eyeing growth in surrounding markets such as Cincinnati, Columbus, and Louisville,” Morgan reveals. The firm’s diverse offerings – from office and industrial spaces to medical offices and retail – positions them uniquely to meet diverse client needs. “We’re not just expanding geographically; we’re also expanding our service offerings,” John further says, highlighting plans for new divisions and investment funds.
“We’re not just growing for growth’s sake,” Morgan emphasizes. “Each expansion and new initiative is carefully considered to ensure we continue delivering exceptional value to our clients.” Beyond real estate brokerage and investment, Merrill envisions expanding into investment funds, lending, and even exploring synergies with sports and entertainment divisions – an ambitious yet strategic approach to diversifying their service offerings for the continued growth of their clients.
As Merrill Property Group looks ahead, John Merrill’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community impact remain foundational. “We aim to create opportunities for growth – for our team, our clients, and the communities we serve,” John Merrill states with a sense of optimism and purpose.
Published by: Martin De Juan
