Parry W. Merkley

From College of Fine Arts and Communications

Parry W. Merkley’s eye for design and spirit of entrepreneurship brought him much artistic success. As a graphic design student at BYU, Merkley and his partner, Adrian Pulfer, formed a graphic design company called “Two’s Company” to pay tuition and cover living expenses. The business took off, engaging them so fully it was difficult to find time to attend classes.

After graduating, the team moved to New York where Merkley began a long career in commercial design. Merkley worked as Design Director for Macy’s and then for Estee Lauder Companies. He entered the advertising industry by working for Ogilvy and Mather on brands like American Express and Nationwide Insurance.

Merkley left O&M in 1991 to join Doremus and Company as Creative Director and soon was appointed the company’s President. Within two years he formed a new advertising agency with two partners called Merkley Newman Harty. He retired from the agency in 2004, now known as Merkley and Partners and he now is the emeritus chair of the firm.

In 2009, Merkley was recognized as an Honored Alumni as part of the Brigham Young University's annual Homecoming celebration.

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