Merlo America has appointed Jacob Sherman as territory business manager, expanding its regional leadership team and strengthening dealer support across the Southeast. Based near Atlanta, Georgia, Sherman will oversee dealer development and market expansion throughout the region.
Originally from Tennessee, Sherman brings a combination of business knowledge, agricultural experience and industry expertise to his new role. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, he holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in business and aerospace administration, along with a minor in entrepreneurship. While he began his career in aerospace, Sherman quickly transitioned to agriculture.
Sherman’s career includes roles at WinField Solutions, part of Land O’Lakes, where he gained experience in crop inputs and agricultural distribution. He then joined CNH, supporting Case IH products in the Northeast U.S. and Eastern Canada, focusing on lower-horsepower tractors and hay and forage equipment. At Kubota, he served as product manager and later led a team of product specialists, developing technical expertise and customer engagement skills. Most recently, Sherman advanced marketing capabilities at LS Tractor, leading digital advertising and CRM initiatives to strengthen dealer engagement.
“From day one, I’ve been impressed by the team’s collaborative spirit. Merlo has that rare combination of premium product quality and a ‘can-do’ attitude across the organization. Everyone is focused on helping customers stay productive and supported, and that’s exactly the kind of environment I want to be part of,” Sherman said.
Sherman aims to grow Merlo America’s dealer network in the Southeast, filling market gaps while supporting existing partners. “My top priority is to strengthen our dealer network — filling key market gaps while supporting existing partners. For me, success means long-term relationships with dealers who can deliver lasting confidence to customers in both the brand and the machines,” he explained.
Sherman also highlighted Merlo’s engineering focus. “The quality and design from Italy are truly exceptional. When you start from a place of engineering excellence, it allows the team to focus on brand development and customer experience rather than making up for shortcomings elsewhere. That’s a powerful position to be in.”
He emphasized collaboration and transparency in dealer engagement: “Dealers are the bridge between Merlo and the customer. When dealers believe in the product, customers believe in the dealer and everyone wins.”
As part of his new role, Sherman will visit Merlo’s headquarters in Italy to engage with the global team and deepen his understanding of the product line. He also looks forward to CONEXPO 2026, where he will participate in Merlo City to demonstrate machine versatility and engage directly with dealers and customers.
Jennifer Brigman, vice president of strategy and operations at Merlo America, said, “Jacob brings the kind of experience, energy and dealer-focused mindset that perfectly aligns with Merlo America’s direction. He understands what it takes to build strong relationships and deliver real value to our partners and customers. We’re excited to have him on board as we continue to expand our presence across the U.S.”
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