Honored
Leader: David Williams, President and CEO
Company Name: Merkle Inc.
Location: Lanham, Md.
Nature of Business: Database marketing agency
Founded: 1971
Revenue: $114 million
Growth Rate (2005): 46 percent
Number of Employees: 851
Average Tenure: 3.77 years
Founded in 1971, Merkle has transformed from a small data processing company to a full-service database marketing agency serving an impressive client list that includes Dell, DirecTV and Capital One. As Merkle grows, President and CEO David Williams continues to build a culture based on three core values: a desire to serve, a desire to learn and a desire to achieve. The desire to learn is fueled by Williams' commitment to employees' continuing education. Everyone at Merkle, Williams included, is required to receive a certain amount of credits annually through the Merkle Institute of Technology. The classes, which range from public speaking to investing to computer programming, are all taught by Merkle employees. Williams will often tell employees that he wants a company filled with people who want to learn. The team spirit Williams has created and the passion he exudes touch every one of his 851 employees. Williams believes that if Merkle can continue to encourage innovative thinking and create a highly engaged, passionate workforce, the company can one day become a billion dollar company.
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