Hi I’m Jack Merwin. I have lived in Big Lake since 1993 and graduated from Big Lake High School in 2001. I have been a home owner here since 2003 and now, my wife and I, are raising our family here. I have worked locally since 1998 and obtained my degree in Accounting in 2013. I enjoy being very involved in the community. I am an Executive Board Member for The Wave Youth Center where they focus on fostering and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for our youth. I am also the Executive Secretary for the BLSPC – Big Lake Substance Prevention Coalition which works with local leaders to build a new narrative, through state funding, to promote positive peer-pressure and reduce unhealthy stereotypes about substance abuse within our younger population. Additionally, I am on the Big Lake Parks Advisory Committee where we work with residents, city boards/staff, and potential builders to determine how to keep our park and trail system the best in the area.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to my lovely, and extremely supportive wife, Andrea. We have been married for 18 years. We have two boys, Elliot – 8 and Ethan – 3.5. My parents, Sheryl and John, still live in Big Lake. I also have two older brothers who no longer live in the area.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants/businesses in Big Lake?
There are so many fantastic places, it’s hard to choose. I would say Ember Coffee because of the grit it took to open a coffee shop across from two other Caribou shops. Russell’s was important to me personally. The owners were like second parents to me and I worked there from 1998 – 2015. We really enjoy El Loro and think Lorenzo is great. I also really like the 3 Sons Hardware. The customer service has continued to be fantastic. Another favorite of mine is Voodoo Tattoo. I’ve have work done there with more planned.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past or future career plan. What do you/did you love most about it?
I have worked at Lupulin since 2016. Currently I am the Sales Manager and my team goes out and meets with various establishments to sell our beer. One of the great aspects of my job is how often I get to connect with the community, not to mention how exciting it is to work for such an outstanding brewery. Lupulin now sells all over the country, as well as, several countries in Europe. We won the Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Fest.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived here since 1993. Prior to that we lived in Rockford. When we first moved to Big Lake there were about 3,000 residents and our house was the 3rd in the neighborhood.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
I have a lot of people who I can name but here are a few – Lorenzo from El Loro, Michelle Jorgensen – co-owner of Voodoo Tattoo, Chief Kaczmarek, Seth Hanson on the fire department, Nick Christianson on the fire department, and Teresa Smock-Potter, who I’m working with on a Big Lake Homeless Coalition.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?
Yes, we have a tabby cat named Hunter. Our son, Elliot, wanted a pet and he thought a dog might run away so he got a cat instead.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV Shows?
Good Fellas, All the Batman movies, Breaking Bad, and Better Call Saul
Q: What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season?
Halloween is my favorite holiday and fall is my favorite season. I’m a cold weather guy.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Be an example of what you want in this town – be the change.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Go to Alaska to explore
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Everyone cares and many are passionate. They may come off as tough but I think it’s because they care – as long as they stay respectful.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I will be a business owner and an even better father and husband.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Ha! I can pick up almost any instrument and play it without practice. I used to play with Menace for a bit. I also can write forward and backward with both hands at the same time.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies?
Music, Outdoor Exercise, Camping, and Volunteering
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and one drink the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza and coke
Q: Do you have any nicknames? What are they?
My kids just say daddy. That’s about it.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I would want to fly!
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
I’m most proud of being a father
Q: What would you do/buy if you won the lottery?
I would pay off our debt, start a business and take care of my parents.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Definitely my wife.
