The Merchant Strategy Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

June 2025

A Note From the President

By Sharon Merchant, CEO & President

Can it really already be this hot? Was it always this hot in June? I grew up here barefoot and breeze-chasing on my 10 speed. Now I retreat into air conditioning or flee to higher elevations. I long for cooler weather and find a week or two at a time to go hike in a cooler climate. Thank God I am no longer tied to Tallahassee summers! No place is hotter.

The Legislature finally passed a budget and everyone is back home. This year, I am going to Bannf where we will hike from lodge to lodge through cool forests, alpine lakes, and that sense of wild peace only the mountains can give. It’s the perfect antidote to Florida’s sticky, relentless summer grip if only for a couple weeks. Once I return, summer will be at its full zenith. I may have to escape to Colorado for at least a short respite. Here's to mountain breezes, shaded trails, and the sweet, sweet relief of elevation.

Pirates in Paradise: Remembering Dr. Dave Cano

I had the pleasure of attending the 2nd Annual David Cano’s Pirates in Paradise 2025 at Isla Bella with the Executives Association of the Palm Beaches members. From swashbuckling sunsets to poolside laughter, it was a weekend full of pirate-worthy memories and relationship building. In honor of our late friend, Dr. Dave Cano, we dressed as pirates one evening celebrating his adventurous spirit. TMS has been a proud member of the Execs since 2017? During this time, I have experienced firsthand the incredible value of being part of a distinguished group of business leaders. Members actively exchange leads and referrals, creating real opportunities to grow each other’s businesses in meaningful ways.

Meet Hope!

Hi everyone! My name is Hope — I am a 3-year-old bundle of love, weighing in at 42 pounds. I'm a joyful, affectionate girl with a zest for life and a serious case of the zoomies! I absolutely adore people and get along great with other dogs too. I'm looking for my forever home — a place where we can play, cuddle, and love each other endlessly. Come meet me and see if we're the perfect match. Ask about Hope using my ID: #A2229757.

Did you know? There is an important difference between an animal shelter and an animal rescue. Municipal shelters, like Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, are government-run and must accept every animal that comes through their doors, regardless of space or resources. Private rescues, on the other hand, can choose which animals they take in and often have more flexibility. Because shelters are often overcrowded, loving pets like Hope may not get the time they need to find a forever home. Tragically, this can lead to euthanasia due to lack of space. You can make a difference. Visit and adopt from Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control — you’ll find amazing animals just like Hope waiting to fill your life with love.

On a final note, kitten season runs from March to October, If you come across a litter of young kittens – Don’t Kit-Nap! Scooping them up and taking them into their local shelter is not the best option for the kittens as, in most cases, the mother cat was nearby. Their best chance of survival is with their mom. It is a common misconception that a mother cat will not care for her kittens if they are touched, but don’t worry, she doesn’t mind. However, don’t be surprised if they’re moved the next time someone checks on them!

A few ways to know if mom has been caring for them are:

Full bellies-they have eaten recently if their bellies are slightly firm and round
The nest is clean- mother cats don’t allow their nests to be overly soiled
The kittens are warm and content, sleeping but responsive when disturbed

If the kittens are cold or don’t respond to touch, they are not healthy and need help. If you are unsure if the mother is returning, place a ring of flour around the nest and check it after a few hours for paw prints or for other signs of being disturbed. When they are 8 weeks old and can be trapped, spayed or neutered, and returned. If the mother cat hasn’t returned for 24 hours, the kittens are likely orphans and becoming their foster parent is the next best thing! PBCACC is here for fosters that need assistance with supplies or have questions regarding their care. Contact PBCACC Foster Program at 561-233-1281 or accfoster@pbc.gov.

Cam Approved

Cam’s 2 Cents, by Cameron Merchant

I know my mom loves me—like, not just "feeds me and picks up my poop" love, but real love—because she woke me up early on Memorial Day and took me to the beach. Yes, the beach. That big sandbox with built-in bathwater.

Now, my mom is not what you’d call a beach person. She doesn’t like sand (too gritty), salt (not margarita-related), or heat (melts like a marshmallow). So, when she willingly sacrificed her comfort to watch me sprint in circles and roll in questionable things? That’s love, people.

At the beach, I played with little humans, old humans, and even some grumpy big dogs. One of them got all up in my grill and growled at me. I was about to throw paws—okay, maybe not throw paws, but at least wave them around threateningly—when Mom swooped in and hit us both with her “NO” voice. You know the one. We both backed off. Problem solved.

If anyone—or any dog—ever hurt me, my mom would totally kick their butt. Later, we had an epic hose fight and chilled out by the pool. Mom keeps trying to get me to go in the water, but I’m not so sure yet. I mean, I am an amazing swimmer… I just haven’t figured out how to get out of the pool once I’m in. Anyway, break’s over. I’ve got naps to take and mailmen to monitor. Come visit me sometime—I accept treats, compliments, and belly rubs.

That’s all for now.

Cam 🐶💦☀️