Frank Merrill (born 1948) began his career in the quarter horse industry in the 1970s when he moved to Purcell, Oklahoma.

[3] In 1967, Frank graduated from St. John's Northwestern Military Academy located in Delafield, WI,[5] and attended Michigan State University.

While in Texas, Merrill met halter horse trainer and breeder, Jerry Wells, and they became close friends.

[8] Merrill met his future wife, Robin Severinsen, at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in the early 1970s.

[3] Robin's father, Doc Severinsen, was the orchestra leader for the NBC Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.