Merrilee Kick’s journey from public school educator to nationally ranked CEO is anything but ordinary. A former Plano ISD teacher, Kick is the founder and chief executive of BuzzBallz — a Carrollton-based company known for its spherical ready-to-drink cocktails and now recognized as one of the fastest-growing women-led businesses in the country.
Kick was recently ranked fourth on the Women Presidents Organization’s annual list of the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies, a recognition reserved for businesses with sustained growth, strong revenue, and significant impact. This year’s honorees collectively generated more than $7 billion in revenue and employed over 15,000 people across a range of industries, including food and beverage, wellness, manufacturing, and travel.
“The 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies list honors the remarkable accomplishments of women who are not only driving impressive revenue growth but also redefining the future of business,” Camille Burns, CEO of the Women Presidents Organization, said in an official statement .
A Buzz-Worthy Beginning
Kick’s journey began not in a boardroom but in a Plano ISD classroom. A certified teacher of marketing, business and computer science, she taught at Plano West while pursuing an MBA through the district’s teacher enrichment program. BuzzBallz was born from her master’s thesis — and from a poolside moment of inspiration. While grading papers outdoors, Kick noticed a votive candle she brought back from Sweden and thought, “Wouldn’t it be fun to have a round party ball for a cocktail?”…