In the world of custom home building, the spotlight often falls on the soaring arches, the infinity-edge pools, and the artisan stonework. But at Merlin, we know that the stability of those homes is mirrored by the stability of our operations. Behind every flawless build is a foundation of financial precision, and for the last 15 years, that foundation has been managed by our Controller, Sara Eisert.
This year we are proud to celebrate Sara’s 15th anniversary with Merlin—a milestone that represents more than a decade and a half of integrity, dedication, and “doing it right.”
From the Midwest to the Bright Lights
Born and raised in Austin, Minnesota, Sara grew up in a town defined by the work ethic of the Hormel plant, where her father worked for 42 years. That Midwestern commitment to longevity clearly stayed with her. After a successful chapter owning and managing radio stations and various retail businesses, Sara moved to Las Vegas in 2003.
“I love this city,” Sara says. “The convenience, the entertainment—the Strip is a big playground that people travel across the world to experience, and we get to call it home.”
In 2011, a mutual friend and business broker introduced Sara to Bart and Steve Jones. She wasn’t just looking for a job; she was looking for a home. She found it at Merlin.
The Weekly Heartbeat of Merlin
As Controller, Sara is the guardian of the financial clock at Merlin. While her busiest times revolve around the high-stakes world of Q1 & Q4 for tax purposes and insurance renewals, her daily life is dedicated to the essential flow of the business: tracking accounts payable, managing subcontractor payments, onboarding new talent, and much more.
“Precision and doing it right are very important to me,” Sara explains. It’s a role that requires a relentless commitment to process. For Sara, success is simple but demanding: “Follow the rules. Don’t cut corners. Follow the sequence and believe in your processes.”
This year, Sara is putting that process to the ultimate test. For the first time, she is taking a 16-day vacation to tour Europe with her two nieces. “I’ll be gone for three Fridays in a row,” she laughs. “It stresses me out to not be here because I like things done a certain way and want everything just right! But I do trust the team – we’ve built a group that shares the same goals and ethics and they’ll have my back! That kind of alignment is rare.”
A Surrogate Mom and a Merlin Family Member
Sara’s commitment to family extends far beyond the office walls. After the tragic passing of her sister years ago, Sara stepped in as a surrogate mother for her nieces in Wisconsin. Today, she prioritizes an annual vacation with them and their growing children, ensuring that despite the distance, the family bond remains unbreakable.
At home in Las Vegas, Sara and her partner Andy share their lives with four beloved cats. They are fixtures at the city’s sporting events and shows, embracing the vibrant lifestyle that Las Vegas offers.
What is Best for Merlin
When asked about the future—including a looming software update—Sara’s response perfectly encapsulates why she has been a cornerstone of this company for 15 years.
“Whatever is best for Merlin is best for me and everybody else. That’s what feeds us all and keeps the family together.”
Sara, thank you for 15 years of keeping us on track, holding us to the highest standards, and being a vital part of our family. Here’s to many more!
Social Media “Short” for Sara’s Anniversary
Caption: 15 years of precision. 15 years of integrity. 15 years of family. 🏆✨
Today we are celebrating a massive milestone: Sara Eisert’s 15th Anniversary with Merlin! As our Controller, Sara is the steady hand behind our financial operations and the guardian of the Merlin Standard.
From her Midwestern roots to her 20+ years in Las Vegas, Sara has always believed in doing things the right way—no shortcuts, no exceptions. Whether she’s managing a complex audit or planning a long-awaited trip to Europe with her nieces, Sara embodies the ethics and cohesiveness that make our team a family.
“What is best for Merlin is best for me,” Sara says. We couldn’t agree more, Sara. Thank you for everything you do to keep us moving full speed ahead!