Ben Merrell may not have been born in Fort Walton Beach, but after moving here as a child following Hurricane Andrew, this community became home.

• Today, his work touches nearly every corner of the waterfront — from Power Up Watersports and Soundside Waterfront Bar to tour boats and the redevelopment of the former Playground Inn property.

As a business owner and elected Fort Walton Beach City Councilman, Ben’s days are anything but predictable. Whether he’s handling high-level decisions or jumping in to clean bathrooms to keep things running smoothly, his approach stays the same: do what needs to be done, work hard, and keep moving forward.

Are you a life-long local, if not, where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?

Although I wasn’t born here I am definitely from FWB. I was born in Miami and moved here when I was 9 after Hurricane Andrew wiped out Homestead AFB.

What’s your current job title and where do you work?

I have many job titles but I’ll go with project manager. My wife and I own Power Up Watersports as well as a couple tour boats. We also run Soundside Waterfront Bar and are redeveloping the old Playground Inn property. I recently was elected as a FWB councilman as well.

What’s your morning routine?

I’m a night owl so my morning routine might be judged. Up around 8 and if the schedules align I have breakfast with the family and then I’m usually off to whatever business needs attention.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

I usually bounce between Power Up Watersports or Soundside. Those two businesses have the most traffic and require hands on more frequently. I just do whatever needs to be done, sometimes it’s high level but you will also catch me cleaning up the bathrooms or running errands just to keep things running smoothly.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?

I’m usually straight to the task. It varies so much day to day I don’t really have a routine, I just like to start checking off boxes of things that need to get done.

What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?

Tiny Scanner App, this is my wife Amber’s submission as I don’t use anything cool. I get made fun of for streaming all my music through YouTube…

Apple or Android?

Apple

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

Red Bull

What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?

I’ve been going to Burrito Del Sol a lot lately.

What’s one local business you love supporting?

Loaded question, I love supporting local but I can say Sura is probably my favorite restaurant of all time.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Your attitude and reactions affect and often mirror every outcome so lock it up and play to win.

How do you unwind after a long day?

I really love games. We play with friends and family, anything to get some people together and have a good time.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

In 2016, I won the World Hydroflight Championship in Las Vegas.

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

Bowlegs, we recently joined the Krewe and stormed the landing this year. It was a lot of fun being a part of something I’ve watched for so many years.

What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?

It really is the people around me. I’ll leave it at that because if I start naming them I will leave someone out and feel terrible about it.

Early bird or night owl?

Night Owl

Most used emoji?

😂

Music while working — yes or no? (and if yes, what’s on your playlist?)

Yes or an Audio Book but only when I’m by myself.

Favorite motivational quote?

Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts- Churchill

I use this on Amber when I’m down at the Roulette table.

Standing desk or sitting? Mix?

I reject any sort of desk or cubicle or office.

If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?

Build the right team to have around you

Anything we missed that you want to add?

You did a great job covering absolutely everything!