Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts (Business Major - Specialization in Accounting) from Central Washington University in 1977. After receiving his Certified Public Accountant certificate in 1979, he earned a Masters in Taxation from Golden Gate University in 1982.

Gary Merz has enjoyed a varied career in teaching accounting, business and tax subjects at three different community colleges in Washington as well as over thirty years of public accounting with firms in Hawaii and Washington State. In 2011 Budd Bay Accounting & Advisors was founded and Gary brought his specialization in tax planning/preparation and operational management to assist the firm with closely held businesses. When asked what he enjoys about what he does, the first thing Gary mentions is his approach to working with clients. "A successful relationship is about being more than a tax specialist. It's important to understand ' the why 'behind the numbers, not just the numbers themselves." By following a strategic thinking process, Gary helps clients find solutions for many of the issues they may face.

Gary is on the board of the Olympia High School Alumni Association which awards scholarships to OHS grads every year.