Merrilee Kick

Merrilee Kick is the CEO and Founder of BuzzBallz, LLC / Southern Champion, a company that specializes in ready-to-drink cocktails and premium spirits.12 Here are some key details about her:

Career Background

Merrilee's journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur is quite interesting:

• She was previously a high school business teacher at Plano West Senior High from 2004 to 2011.2
• Before that, she worked as a news anchor for CBS Radio and ran her own marketing company called Big Sky Entertainment.2

Founding BuzzBallz

Merrilee founded BuzzBallz in 2009 after coming up with the idea while grading papers by her pool.1 She wanted a cocktail in a plastic container rather than a fragile glass. The company's mission is to "create fun, innovative cocktails for the world".1

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Economics & Computer Science from The University of Montana2
• MBA from Texas Woman's University (Magna Cum Laude)2
• Attended Harvard Business School's OPM (Owner/President Management) Executive Education program2

Achievements and Recognition

Merrilee has received numerous awards and accolades for her entrepreneurial success:

• EY Entrepreneur of the Year Winner Southwest, 20182
• Named one of D-CEO's "Most Inspirational CEOs"2
• Recipient of the Enterprising Woman's Award in 20182
• BuzzBallz was ranked as one of the top 50 fastest-growing women-owned businesses in the USA2

Company Growth

Under Merrilee's leadership, BuzzBallz/Southern Champion has experienced significant growth:

• The company sells products in all 50 US states and 21 countries.2
• It has expanded from a single employee in 2008 to over 250 employees currently.3
• BuzzBallz is the only woman-owned Distillery/Winery/Brewery combination in the United States.3

Recent Philanthropy

In 2024, Merrilee donated $30 million to her alma mater, Texas Woman's University in Denton. This is the largest donation in the university's nearly 125-year history and will go towards the College of Business.4