D. Bruce Merrifield

Biography

Bruce Merrifield, Jr. started his management consulting and business speaking practice in 1980. Since then he has given countless presentations, which include many repeat assignments, for over 100 trade associations and many of the United States largest corporations. Since early '94, Bruce has focused full-time on how electronic commerce is and will continue to change traditional distribution channels. His "digital distribution channel column" series (see articles/Section 8) reflects his latest thinking on the subject, and the articles have been widely published in trade magazines and associate publications. His book, "Electronic Commerce for Distribution Channels," is in its second printing. He has been a strategic advisor to many manufacturers regarding their new e-channel strategy, and he is a "strategic advisory" to over 15 dotcom startup firms - many of which have targeted specific vertical channels as technology solution providers. On the side, Bruce is an honorary Chairman and a significant shareholder of a West Coast distribution firm, which has: 350 employees, 13 locations, and current sales over $120 million. He bought the business in 1983; turned it around; and continues to learn operational lessons from it. Bruce is a graduate of Princeton University (BA - 1972) and Harvard University Graduate School of business (MBA - 1974).