OUR TEAM
Ben Merchant, President
A native of the capital district, Ben grew up in Schenectady, NY and attended SUNY Albany, studying Music History. During and after his studies, he worked for Leonard Carlson learning all aspects of organbuilding, and with Walter Burr learning all aspects of harpsichord building. Shortly after moving to Syracuse in 1976 to continue his studies in Music History at Syracuse University, he met Robert Kerner, a fellow Syracuse University student.
Ben Merchant formed Kerner & Merchant Pipe Organ Builders with Robert Kerner in 1977. Ben has been a member of the American Institute of Organbuilders since 1991. Ben has served a multitude of roles within many committees throughout Central New York.
Christopher Fuller, Vice President
A native of Central New York, Chris grew up in Jordan, NY. Chris has been a part of the K&M Team since high school, working primarily during the summer months and mid-year breaks. After high school Chris attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, to study architecture and continued working at K&M during winter and summer breaks. In 2014 he graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree and since graduation has been working at Kerner & Merchant full time, bringing his total years of employment with the company to 17. Since 2015, Chris has been a member of the American Institute of Organbuilders. He holds a Regular membership within the professional association.
Hawley Arnold, Corporate Secretary
A native of Central New York, Hawley grew up in Jordan, New York and is a graduate of Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music. As a high school student, Hawley studied organ with Will Headlee. Hawley brings to the company a wealth of musical knowledge combined with management skills accumulated through many years with the company. Since 1978, Hawley is the Organist & Choir Director at the United Methodist Church, Jordan, New York. Hawley has been a member of the American Institute of Organbuilders since 2010.
Stefan Merchant, Managing Partner
A native to Central New York. Stefan grew up in Baldwinsville, NY and is a graduate from the University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in Arts and Geography. Stefan brings our Company’s rich 40+ year history to the 2nd Generation. Stefan has demonstrated a strong affinity to the craft of organbuilding and has been part of our Team in various capacities over several decades. Stefan is a member of the American Institute of Organbuilders. He holds a Regular membership within the professional association. Stefan is also actively involved in the Syracuse American Guild of Organists acting as Treasurer for the organization.
EVAN DOLBEAR, Partner
A native to Central New York. Evan grew up in North Syracuse, NY. He has a background in Information Technology (IT) and User Support. Evan has been with our team for two years and is a member of the American Institute of Organbuilders. He holds an Associate membership within the professional association.
SUE stinson, Technician
A native of Greene, New York. Sue currently resides in Syracuse, New York. Graduate of Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. She has a Liberal Arts, Music degree, majoring in Piano. She has sung with Schola Cantorum, Syracuse Oratorio Society, and various choirs. For thirty years was employed at the Belfer Audio Laboratory and Archive at Syracuse University. Sue has volunteered and served many committees throughout Central New York, including, the Organ Historical Society Syracuse Convention in 2014. She has been part of our team since 2010. Bringing many useful skill sets to our team.
Owen hucke, Technician
A native of Redmond, Oregon. Owen received a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Southern Oregon University. He studied piano under Dr. Alexander Tutunov. Owen also holds a master’s degree in organ performance from Syracuse University. He studied organ under Dr. Anne Laver. He is the organist and music director at Assumption Church in Syracuse, New York. Additionally, he is an active member of the Syracuse American Guild of Organists.
Owen has interned with our team for two years while at Syracuse University and has begun working with the team full time since graduating in 2023.
Park Kammer, Technician
A native of Marcellus, New York, Park is entering his senior year of high school. He has a strong affinity for music and plays several musical instruments. Additionally, he is a member of a band that performs regularly in the area.
Park has interned with our team for two years during the various school breaks. Park plans to study computer science upon graduation.
paul jutzeler, Technician
Jordon Gyarmathy, Technician
A native of the Capital District, Jordon grew up in Greenfield, New York. Jordon received a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the Crane School of Music, with concentrations in Bassoon and Jazz Studies. Additionally he has studied Organ as a secondary instrument for three years.
Jordon has interned with us for two years while on break from college. Jordon is completing his masters degree in Music Education.