Meet Our Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

Merlyn DeLeon: A Constructive Role

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN FRANCISCO — While she may not wear a toolbelt to work, Merlyn DeLeon nonetheless plays a constructive role in daily operations at AMS Construction. “As the office manager, I get pretty involved with the process of planning and executing our clients’ projects,” she explains. “Besides communicating with clients and handling all the invoicing, I order the materials and products for each job we take on.”

Prior to coming to work for AMS Construction, Merlyn already had 15 years of experience managing a contractor’s office. “I’ve been friends with Manuel [Alonso, owner] for my entire life, so when he needed some help in the office a few years ago, I jumped right in.” Today, Merlyn says her favorite part of her job is seeing clients happy with their completed projects. “My favorite part is at the end of the day when the client is satisfied with the final product—that’s the best feeling.”

A resident of San Francisco (where she lives with her three children), Merlyn spends her time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, rollerblading and cycling,” she details. “My kids like going hiking and biking with me, so that’s a weekend activity we enjoy together. I’m also a big sports fan and enjoy going to Warriors and 49ers games.”

When asked about a professional philosophy, Merlyn says it’s about delivering quality. “At the end of the day, our priority is to provide quality work. When you do good work, you’re more likely to get referrals, and that’s what makes a business grow. Every time a client shows off their remodeled bathroom to a friend or family member, that’s another potential client we may have in the future. So, making sure we provide quality work is super important.”

When asked what she would do if she retired tomorrow, Merlyn says she’d relocate to a familiar locale. “I would move to Guatemala, which is where my family is originally from. My parents and many other members of my family live there, so I go there to visit pretty often. It’s a completely different lifestyle—everything moves at a slower pace and it’s very laid back. It would be a nice place to enjoy my retirement years.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “Law & Order.”

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Italy. I’m planning a trip there for my next birthday.

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Coffee.

Q: What kinds of music do you like?
A: I listen to a variety, but in general, I like slow, mellow music.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for dessert?
A: Apple crumb cake.