Wildwood Resident Daniel Claypool Named New Owner/CEO of Merric Millwork and Seating

After a successful career in corporate America and with aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur, Daniel Claypool, 44, purchased Merric Millwork and Seating when its previous owners decided to retire and sell the company after 24 years.

"Assuming ownership of Merric was a nice fit for me after having worked in supply chain management, sales and customer service for Furniture Brands International and Whirlpool Corporation for almost 25 years," Claypool said. "While there, I learned the ins and outs of the furniture manufacturing industry and how to develop a world class sales and operations plan for a $1.5 billion company. When the opportunity to purchase Merric presented itself, I had the experience and was excited to make the move."

Founded in 1989, Merric specializes in the design, manufacture, installation and repair of tables, booth seating, countertops, point-of-sale fixtures, podiums, woodwork, toilet partitions, vanities, cabinetry and custom millwork for a variety of industries. Some of Merric's current clients include IHOP, Marriott Hotels and Denny's Restaurants. Merric occupies a 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and employs 40 people, which includes four project managers/estimators and four full-time design engineers.  

As Merric's new owner/CEO, Claypool said he plans to broaden his client base in the healthcare, education, cosmetology and casino industries, and upgrade the company's design software and technology to further streamline the manufacturing process. Since taking over as owner in December, Merric's revenue has increased by 20% over the prior year.

Prior to Merric, Claypool was Vice-President of  Supply Chain at Furniture Brands International, St. Louis, MO; Director of Business Operations, Sales and Trade Marketing at Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI ; and Director of Sales Planning at Maytag Corporation, Newton, IA. Claypool  has a BBA in finance from University of Iowa. Claypool is married to wife Mindy and resides in Wildwood, MO with his three daughters.

About Merric

Merric Millwork and Seating is a leading custom woodwork and seating manufacturer based in St. Louis, MO.  With 24+ years of experience, Merric  specializes in the design, manufacture and installation of custom architectural woodwork, millwork, upholstered booth seating, custom cabinetry, tables, podiums, POS fixtures and deco walls for the restaurant, hospitality, healthcare and education industries. Merric also fabricates all solid surface and plastic laminate countertops, toilet partitions and vanities from its  50,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, complete with two specialized finishing booths for superior finishes on all types of wood and metal. For more information about Merric, visit www.merric.com or call 314-378-8968. Finish with the Best!