Mr. Merriman has been a business consultant for Product Launch Ventures, LLC (a company which he founded in 2004 to pursue consumer product opportunities and provide business advisory services) since November 2007. From November 2006 until its sale in November 2007, Mr. Merriman served as Chief Executive Officer of The Lamson & Sessions Co. (a manufacturer of thermoplastic conduit, fittings and electrical switch and outlet boxes). Prior to joining Lamson & Sessions, Mr. Merriman served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of American Greetings from September 2005 until November 2006. He served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. (a publicly-held manufacturer and marketer of Dirt Devil vacuum cleaners), from 1995 until April 2004 and was its Chief Financial Officer from 1992 to 1995. Mr. Merriman is a director of RC2 Corporation (a manufacturer of pre-school toys and infant products) and OMNOVA Solutions Inc. (an innovator of emulsion polymers, specialty chemicals, and decorative and functional surfaces). Mr. Merriman is also a director of Students in Free Enterprise.