Colleen Merman

Colleen Merman was just eleven years old when she began helping her grandfather, Ed Cranley—then president of Willis Music—by hand-stitching music method books, likely including classics by John Thompson and Edna Mae Burnam. From an early age, Colleen was immersed in the family business, gaining hands-on experience in nearly every aspect of the operation and learning from both family members and loyal, long-term employees. Her well-rounded education included time in retail, particularly at the Florence, Kentucky location, where she developed a deep appreciation for customer service and its vital role in the music industry. After managing the store’s robust lesson program for five years, she was mentored by Vice President Paul Finke in key areas of store operations, including shipping and purchasing—an invaluable experience. Growing up amid a generational transition of leadership, from her grandfather to her father Kevin, Colleen gained unique insight and preparation for her own leadership role at Willis Music.