Louisville's Jewelry Team of Jewelry Experts
Brian S. Merkley President/Owner
Given the family tradition, Brian Merkley and his three siblings spent many of their younger years involved with the jewelry business. Brian began working full time in the family's fine jewelry business in 1996. He quickly took over the day-to-day operations and earned the role of Vice-President. In 2006 his father, Bill Merkley, turned ownership of the family business to Brian.
Brian is a 1991 graduate of Trinity High School and earned his Bachelors degree in 1995 at Loyola University of New Orleans.
Bill Merkley Vice President/Certified Gemologist (retired)
Bill Merkley has spent his entire life in the jewelry business. His father was one of the original owners of Merkley Kendrick Jewelers. He began working as a ‘general gofer' while in high school. Upon graduation he joined the United States Army and served for three years. In 1963 he joined the family business full time and began his extended education in the industry attaining certifications as a Registered Jeweler, Graduate Gemologist and Gemologist Appraiser.
In 1992 Bill became the sole owner of Merkley Kendrick Jewelers and recently passed the business to his son, Brian.
In November 2011, Bill Merkley officially retired, leaving the company in son Brian's capable hands
Nanette Merkley Vale Accounting Director
Nanette Merkley Vale was born into the jewelry business and began working odd jobs at the family's retail store at a young age. She attended Sacred Heart Academy and University of Louisville.
At the age of 20 Nanette took full-time responsibilities in the jewelry business as a Sales Associate and Inventory Manager. She currently serves in the capacity of Accounting Director.
Tracy Merkley Buyer
Tracy (Bosemer) Merkley joined the Merkley family in 1997 when she wed Brian Merkley. She is involved daily in the family business in areas of administration and merchandise buying.
She graduated from Assumption High School, obtained her degree in Biomedical Engineering from Tulane, and recently achieved her Masters in Science from the University of Louisville.
Mark Redmon Sales Consultant/Certified Gemologist
Mark Redmon has served the jewelry industry for most of his professional life. He started his career in 1978 with Lemon and Son Jewelers and has spent a total of fifteen years with Merkley Kendrick Jewelers. He has a keen interest and high level of knowledge of estate and antique jewelry.
He has received certifications as a Registered Jeweler, Gemologist, Gemologist Appraiser, Diamond and Color Stone Grading and Evaluation and Certified Insurance Appraiser.
Mark is a Louisville native, attended Westport High School and graduated from University of Kentucky.
Matt Parrish Director of Sales
A native of Louisville, Matt Parrish recently returned to the Bluegrass state from Michigan, assuming the position as Director of Sales at Merkley Kendrick Jewelers.
Matt began his jewelry career in Kentucky and relocated to Michigan as a newlywed. In total he has more than 19 years experience in jewelry sales and service working for Michigan's well known jewelers.
He is a graduate of the original Louisville Male Traditional High School, and completed his GIA studies as an Accredited Jewelry Professional in Essentials, Gemstones and Diamond.
Markeeta Burgin Brand Director
Markeeta Burgin has more than 25 years in retail marketing and advertising with both national and local brands. She has been in the retail jewelry industry in brand development and advertising initiatives since 2001.
She is a native of Louisville and attended Jefferson Community College, Denver University and University of Louisville.
Wesley Martin Sales Consultant
Wes Martin is a Louisville native. He is a Seneca graduate and obtained his sociology degree from the University of Louisville.
He joined the Merkley Kendrick Jewelers team in 2008. Wes has vast interest in watches and astute knowledge of the varied workings and levels of service required.
Wes is involved with several watch collecting communities and follows this area of the Jewelry industry.
Selby Barker Bench Jeweler/Stone Setter
With a total of 25 years experience as a Jeweler, Selby Barker manages our Design and Repair shop.
Selby was raised outside of New Orleans and graduated from the Texas Institute of Jewelry Arts and Technology. He is GIA certified in Diamonds and Diamond Grading.
Hanna Benjamin Executive Assistant
A recent relocation from Nashville, TN brings Hanna Benjamin to Merkley Kendrick Jewelers as Executive Assistant. She attended the University of Tennessee and has worked office administration in Nashville since 2004.
