Former public school teacher Merrilee Kick has now joined the ranks of America’s richest self-made women after selling her popular ready-to-drink cocktail business, BuzzBallz, to spirits conglomerate Sazerac. In a deal estimated to be worth at least $500 million, Kick, who founded the brand in 2010, has walked away with a substantial sum, earning her the No. 84 spot on Forbes’ annual list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women.
Kick’s journey from teacher to alcohol industry powerhouse began with the idea for BuzzBallz, which offers brightly colored, pre-mixed cocktails in plastic spheres with tongue-in-cheek names like “Cran Blaster” and “Forbidden Apple.” What started as a side hustle quickly grew into a formidable brand that saw Kick navigating the competitive spirits industry and building a strong presence both in the U.S. and internationally.
Despite facing challenges in a male-dominated industry, Kick’s perseverance and drive propelled BuzzBallz to success, with the brand consistently growing in revenue year after year. As one of the few female founders in the alcohol industry, Kick’s achievement of building a thriving business without external funding is a rare accomplishment, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the industry.
With the acquisition by Sazerac, Kick sees a bright future for BuzzBallz, with plans to continue expanding the brand’s reach and increasing its sales. With her family by her side, including her husband serving as CFO, Kick is confident that BuzzBallz is built to last and aims to double the business’s growth in the coming years.
Growing up in a family that experienced multiple bankruptcies, Kick learned the value of resilience and hard work from a young age. Her determination and resourcefulness were evident in the early days of BuzzBallz, as she bootstrapped the business and poured all her savings and resources into making her vision a reality. Despite facing rejection and financial struggles, Kick never gave up on her dream of creating a successful business.
As BuzzBallz continues to flourish under the ownership of Sazerac, Kick remains optimistic about the brand’s future and the opportunities for growth. With the support of a large spirits conglomerate and a dedicated team behind her, Kick believes that BuzzBallz has the potential to become even more successful and reach new heights in the coming years.
The acquisition of BuzzBallz by Sazerac marks a significant milestone in Kick’s entrepreneurial journey, showcasing the extraordinary success she has achieved through hard work, determination, and a relentless pursuit of her goals. With plans for continued growth and expansion, Kick’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and women in business, illustrating the possibilities that can be achieved through passion, perseverance, and a strong belief in one’s abilities.
