Rebecca Merlin serves as a Recruiting Director for Waffle House, where she oversees the recruiting, hiring, training, and development of management teams across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida, as well as Baldwin County, Alabama. Since beginning her career with Waffle House in1996, Merlin has built a reputation for identifying potential in others and helping individuals grow into leadership roles.
A native of Pensacola, Merlin’s path to success was not traditional. Raised in an environment where higher education was not an expectation, she developed a quiet determination to create a different future for herself. She enrolled at Pensacola State College – then Pensacola Junior College – pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. While navigating the challenges of balancing life, work, and school, she embraced the opportunities before her, even when the path forward was uncertain.
Years later, Merlin made the decision to return to college, completing her Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Management in 2017. This accomplishment marked not only the completion of a long-held goal but also a personal commitment to growth and perseverance. A phrase she once read on campus, “Shoot for the moon and you’ll land among the stars,” became a guiding principle that would ultimately reflect her own journey. In 2026, she completed her MBA in Hospitality and Leadership at UWF Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business.
Throughout her career, Merlin has been shaped by the influence of mentors, educators, and colleagues who recognized her potential early on. Those experiences instilled in her a passion for developing others. In her leadership role today, she is known for investing in people, creating pathways for advancement, and fostering environments where individuals feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving more than they imagined.
Her work extends beyond operational success; it is rooted in purpose. Merlin believes that where a person begins does not define where they can go, and she consistently works to reinforce that belief in those she leads. Whether guiding a new hire or mentoring an emerging leader, she is committed to opening doors and helping others realize their potential.
Merlin’s story is one of resilience, faith, and determination. It is defined not only by her professional achievements but by her unwavering dedication to lifting others along the way, demonstrating that with perseverance and support, extraordinary outcomes are possible.