Merry Korn
Meet Merry
Serial Entrepreneur, Speaker, Author and Advisor
Merry Korn is the visionary founder of Pearl Interactive Network, Inc., one of the world’s most successful for-profit social enterprise firms. After twenty years of pioneering innovation in social entrepreneurship, Merry now shares her expertise through nationally recognized content, speaking engagements, and advisory services for business owners seeking transformation and those ready to break free from career stagnation.
A Legacy of Purpose-Driven Success
Merry spent over two decades founding, growing, and ultimately selling Pearl Interactive Network, Inc., always guided by a commitment to creating opportunities for people facing barriers to employment. Under her leadership, the company achieved remarkable results:
• Scaled to over 1,300 employees across 30 states
• Delivered extraordinary customer experiences to major federal government contractors
• Created thousands of meaningful jobs for disabled veterans, military spouses, people with disabilities, and those in geographically challenged areas
• Maintained exceptional employee retention and satisfaction ratings
The Power of People-First Leadership
The cornerstone of Merry’s success has always been her people-first approach. She built Pearl Interactive Network as a national brick-and-mortar and virtual contact center that earned critical acclaim in the federal government market. By creating a caring environment with strong employee engagement, competitive benefits, and clear career pathways, Merry proved that happy, engaged employees deliver superior customer service and operational continuity.
Her unwavering belief that it was her duty as an employer to create a culture where everyone knew they mattered transformed not only individual lives but also delivered exceptional business results.
Today’s Mission: Inspiring Growth and Transformation
Since exiting Pearl Interactive Network, Merry extends her expertise through:
• Speaking: As a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator at corporate and association events, Merry has inspired thousands with her authentic and practical insights
• Advising: Guiding leaders on how to grow profitable businesses while maintaining a social mission
• Content Creation: Developing resources that help others navigate career transitions and business growth
Merry’s achievements and compelling story have been recognized by Ernst & Young, The United States Business Leadership Network, and NPR radio, cementing her reputation as a thought leader who successfully marries social impact with business excellence.
List of Awards and Recognition as a Business Owner
• 2023 Stevie Awards (3 time winner)
• 2023 Washington Technology Fast50
• 2023 Women in Business Awards (3 time winner)
• 2023 Winchester Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award
• 2023 Columbus Business First Women of Influence, Entrepreneur of the Year Award
• 2022 Cheshire Home Champion of Breaking Barriers Award
• 2022 Pillar Award for Community Service
• 2022 Women WELDing the Way Calendar Honoree
• 2021 Columbus Business First Fast 50 Award
• 2019 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award
• 2019 NAWBO Member of the Year Award
• 2018 SmartBusiness Progressive Entrepreneur Honoree
• 2017 SmartBusiness Smart 50 Award
• 2016 Columbus Business First Fast 50 Award recipient
• 2016 Columbus Business First Diversity in Business Award recipient
• 2015 Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Metroprenuer
• Smart Woman Award Progressive Entrepreneur
• United States Business Leadership Award
• Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities
• National Governor’s Association
• Diversity in Business Award
• TechColumbus Finalist Outstanding Woman in Technology
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