The Merchant Strategy Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

January 2026 aa . .

A Note From the President

By Sharon Merchant, CEO & President

So much to be thankful for as we kick off 2026! We are beginning a new Tallahassee lobbying contract with BOMA Florida, working with Arden residents to prevent an enormous hyperscale data center from being built near homes and an elementary school, and launching new projects with several of our public involvement clients here and in South Carolina. I am deeply grateful for our loyal staff and for our collective health. Best wishes to all for the best year yet!

BOMA Florida

Together with Alison Dudley and AB Dudley and Associates, TMS is thrilled to represent BOMA Florida in Tallahassee during the 2026 Legislative Session and throughout the year. The session begins on January 13, 2026. Our team will closely monitor legislation impacting the commercial real estate industry, including high profile property tax reform proposals, sustainability initiatives, and building code updates. We will also assist BOMA Florida members in planning a visit to the Capitol to gain insight into the legislative process and effectively advocate on issues important to their businesses. BOMA Florida remains committed to advancing a dynamic, competitive, and prosperous commercial real estate industry across the state.

Rocky – Head Supervisor at TMS

Hi all, I’ve been sitting quietly by (not!) while Cameron and Tiffin – the dogs - get all the praise for being office security in West Palm Beach and Ocala. I am the real hero at TMS. I am the Head Supervisor at the TMS Ocala office. I run Tiffin and telepathically direct all of Cameron’s actions, too. I oversee the company COO (aka my mom, Cheryl) while she answers all those hotlines and works on her laptop. I help her move the mouse so her hand doesn’t get tired and occasionally walk across the keyboard to assist with typing. I also like to kick her pen off the desk. She needs more exercise anyway, so I make her walk across the room to retrieve it. I ensure her exercise and make sure she is not goofing off. I am the star of virtual meetings and enjoy introducing parts of myself on camera, usually just the tip of an ear or my tail. If you’re really lucky, I’ll lean in for a full head bump and a kiss from Mom so you can see me in all my glory. I regret nothing. Tiffin is getting a treat in the other room, so I obviously need to go direct the humans to give me one too. You are welcome! Paws out.

Rocky

Cam’s 2 Cents

Mom gave me lots of new toys for Christmas—and some extra-long walks! When no one is around, I get to walk and sniff off-leash. There are squirrel smells and rabbit smells everywhere. I don’t know what a deer is, but I can smell them. Mom says not to chase them. Walking on leash is okay too. I like being connected to Mom—it feels safe. There was a small dead bird on the golf course. I thought it tasted pretty good, but Mom said, “Gross! Leave it alone!” We had visitors at our office, and one of them was a dog! Don and Sally Chester came by and brought Finn. He is a working dog, and his job is to take care of Mr. Chester. We sniffed and said hello, but he was on duty—so we took a rain check on playing. Someday I’ll go visit, and maybe we can sneak into Mr. Chester’s pool for a swim! That is all for now.

Cam 🐾