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?”
With no one else making spherical ready-to-drink cocktails, Kick saw an opportunity.
“I wanted to mix and match colors. I wanted to sell different flavors in a six-pack, not just six strawberry daiquiris,” she told Local Profile. “I wanted them to be fun and cute and to fit in the hand.”.
A Brand on the Rise
Since its founding in 2009, BuzzBallz has become a fixture in the ready-to-drink beverage industry, known for bold flavors, eye-catching design and a playful brand identity. The company operates out of a 750,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Carrollton and remains family-run.
In 2024, BuzzBallz reached a new milestone: an acquisition by spirits giant Sazerac, expected to close in the spring. Despite the change in ownership, Kick will continue as CEO, leading the brand into its next era. “We are super excited because this will help us have explosive growth worldwide,” Kick told Local Profile at the time. “I love what I do, and I love our innovative culture!”
From a backyard brainstorm to a global beverage brand, Kick’s vision — and her round cocktails — continue to make waves.
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