Recommendations / References / Biography / Connections for Seattle metro based John Merrell, a SID (Society for Information Display) and Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), and ISCRAM (Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management) member.
(Further contact information is available upon request)

Dave Arland
President, Arland Communications and former VP Marketing, Thomson Multimedia. (Managed John Merrell indirectly at Thomson, now known as Technicolor. Thomson is also the parent of RCA, Grass Valley broadcast electronics, and from 1986-2006 GE Electronics)
“John has a vast reservoir of experience that bridges the Pacific ocean, working with a variety of manufacturers and brand names to bring the best technology and sales presentations to American retailers.  He has great ideas and can spearhead the introduction of new benefits -- especially ones that require complex negotiation to bring about.” November 28, 2009

Pat Lavelle
President & CEO, Audiovox Corp (industry colleague)
“John is an accomplished and knowledgeable Consumer Electronics executive. He pays attention to the details that make a program work from government compliance to the business and customer issues. I would recommend John for a senior level position with a company operating within the CE space.” October 13, 2009
 
Adam Goldberg
Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs, Pioneer Electronics, North America.  (Industry colleague).
“John is a well-respected advocate for technology and technology manufacturers. His comments and input are insightful and always well-reasoned and helpful.”  November 12, 2009

Lee Schoenfeld
Former Best Buy executive and now President, Schoenfeld International Inc, Minneapolis. (Business partner)
“Based on his industry experience and know-how, coupled with his unique perspective, I recommend John to those not looking for a 'yes man', but instead those ready for a new vision. His product line marketing and sales preparations with Circuit City and Best Buy were always on target.” October 22, 2009

George Wilcox
Corporate Liaison, U.S. Department of Commerce
"Over the ten plus years I have known John, he has been a strong advocate for the National Weather Service and NOAA's Public Alert telecommunication system.  John headed communications and marketing surrounding the AlertGuard system and created the public use industry technical digital standard.  In either the public or private sector John will offer competency, professionalism, and enthusiasm."  January 27, 2010

Jim Birch
CEO, Embracing Media, Spokane
"I really enjoyed working with John. He's very insightful, polished, and knowledgeable. Excellent interpersonal skills and an accomplished business executive. Definitely an A-team member." May 12, 2010

Robert Boe
Manager Training Program and Content Development, Thomson (colleague)
"John was highly effective in juggling multiple priorities given short lead times and limited resources. John is a true professional that I can recommend with confidence." October 12, 2009

David Benedetti
Industrial Design Director, Thomson (colleague)
“I worked with John at Thomson for several years, traveling all over Asia developing new consumer and commercial electronics products and programs with a wide range of suppliers. He was always willing to share his tremendous past experiences and incredible knowledge of the consumer electronics industry. Because of his experiences at such high profile companies, he is a valuable asset with great insights into many product categories and industries.” October 30, 2009

Alice Watson
National Account Sales Manager, XOCECO USA (colleague; reported to John Merrell)
“I have worked with John Merrell at Thomson and XOCECO. John is one of the most knowledgeable colleagues that I have had the pleasure to work with. John is not only well versed technically; he is an industry expert in governmental regulations and possesses the expertise needed to manufacture and launch quality products. John has been involved in the marketing and selling of new product lines from start to finish. John would be a major asset to any company.” October 19, 2009

Tony Chir
Senior Manager, Environment Canada (business partner) on government project for both U.S. and Canadian governments in conjunction with John Merrell’s $40 million-dollar project oversight leadership at Thomson and XOCECO.
“I had the pleasure of working with John on two significant projects that spanned several years. John was adept at creating a ‘team’ atmosphere where all participants were encouraged to contribute. In addition, he was quick to share his knowledge, accept new suggestions while keeping his eye firmly on the goal. He also demonstrated leadership, persistence and tact as one project required many meetings before contentious issues were resolved and a consensus achieved. He was instrumental in ensuing a successful initiation of the project to modernize the Environment Canada network. John possesses excellent communication skills.” November 3, 2009

Mike Shultz
General Manager- Product Planning, Thomson Multimedia (Direct Supervisor of John Merrell for first two years of his employment)
“John has a keen ability to see needs in the market place and create marketable solutions to create business opportunities. He was able to leverage all resources in the organization and with outside vendors to make sure his products came to market in a cost effective and timely manner. I would recommend him highly for any position.” October 27, 2009

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