- From Southwest Minnesota.
- Obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in organ performance from Southwest Minnesota State University.
- Substitutes as an organist for various churches.
- Merlin started out in the insurance industry in 1981, worked for four carriers, earned the certificate in General Insurance in 1992, and joined NSA in 2001.
- He enjoys latch hook and cross-stitch projects, and even makes hand-stitched nametags as gifts for co-workers.