Hey there, welcome to my corner of the internet. I’m Mercer Wexley, and if you’re here, you’re probably curious about who’s behind Mercer Wexley – Life / Style / Substance. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink (whisky neat, if you’re feeling bold), and let’s get acquainted. I’m not your typical lifestyle guru spouting platitudes from a mountaintop. I’m a guy who’s been through the grind, learned a few lessons the hard way, and now wants to share the playbook for living with intention, style, and a bit of grit.
From Detroit to a Life Reimagined
Picture this: Detroit, late ’90s. I’m a young marketing exec in the auto industry, suited up, chasing deadlines, and navigating the corporate jungle. For over 20 years, I climbed the ladder, from crafting campaigns for V8-powered beasts to leading teams that shaped how America saw horsepower. I loved the hustle—there’s something raw and real about Detroit’s work ethic. But by my mid-40s, I hit a wall. The corner office was great, but it wasn’t me anymore. I wanted more than meetings and metrics. I wanted a life that felt like mine.
So, at 47, I did what most people only daydream about: I walked away. Not to retire to a beach (though, trust me, the idea crossed my mind), but to build something new. I’d spent years studying what makes a man’s life work—not just in boardrooms, but in style, relationships, and purpose. In 2019, I launched this blog, Mercer Wexley – Life / Style / Substance, to share what I’d learned. What started as a passion project has grown into a community of over 280,000 readers—guys like you, from 30 to 65, looking to live better, smarter, and with more heart.
The Making of Mercer
I grew up in Michigan, where grit and grind were part of the DNA. My dad was a mechanic, my mom a schoolteacher, and they taught me that hard work and heart go hand in hand. I carried that into the University of Michigan, where I earned a degree in Business Administration. That degree got me in the door, but it was the years that followed—decades of wins, losses, and lessons—that shaped who I am.
The auto industry was my proving ground. I learned how to read a room, build a brand, and sell a vision. But I also learned about myself: what I valued, what I wouldn’t compromise on, and how to show up as a man in a world that’s always changing. When I left corporate life, I didn’t just trade suits for jeans. I dove into studying personal style, branding, and the art of living intentionally. I became a student of life again—reading, traveling, and talking to men and women about what makes them tick.
A Life of Balance and Passion
Today, I live in a Connecticut home that’s equal parts sanctuary and creative hub. My partner, Maren, and I run a business, our lifestyle brand that’s all about authenticity in the modern world. She’s my rock, my collaborator, and the one who keeps me honest when I get too serious. Together, we craft content that’s real—rooted in the messiness and beauty of life as a couple.
I’m also a dad to two teenagers from my first marriage. They keep me grounded, challenge my assumptions, and remind me that being a father means showing up, even when it’s messy. Fatherhood’s taught me patience, perspective, and the value of being present—lessons I share here on the blog.
What else? I’m a whisky guy—give me a small-batch bourbon or a peaty Scotch, and I’m happy. I collect vintage watches, not as trophies, but as reminders that time is the ultimate currency. And if you catch me on a weekend, I’m probably firing up my kamado grill, perfecting a rack of ribs with a cold beer in hand. Balance, right? That’s the goal—robust yet refined, thoughtful yet unpretentious.
Why This Blog Exists
This isn’t just a blog—it’s a conversation. I started Mercer Wexley – Life / Style / Substance because I saw too many guys coasting through life, stuck in ruts they didn’t even recognize. Whether you’re 30 and figuring out your path, 45 and redefining success, or 65 and chasing new adventures, I’m here to offer a roadmap. Not the roadmap—yours. Through posts on style, grooming, personal growth, work, wealth, home, and relationships, I share what’s worked for me and what I’ve seen work for others.
But it’s not just for men. My “Mercer’s Advice to Women” section is for the ladies who want a man’s perspective—straight-up, no fluff. Whether it’s decoding what guys really want, picking the perfect gift, or navigating relationships, I’m here to give it to you real. Why? Because I believe in building bridges, not walls, between men and women.
What I Do Beyond the Blog
When I’m not writing, I’m teaching. I run masterclasses on modern masculinity, personal style, and authentic branding. I’ve worked with brands—think premium watches, tailored clothing, and craft spirits—to bring their stories to life. I also coach men and women one-on-one, helping them align their lives with their values. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.
I’m not here to sell you a fantasy. I’m here to share what I’ve learned from 47 years of living, loving, and occasionally screwing up. My goal? To help you craft a life that’s stylish, substantial, and true to who you are.
Let’s Build Something Together
So, that’s me—Mercer Wexley, a guy who’s been around the block and come out wiser (and maybe a little grayer). This blog is my way of passing the torch, sharing the tools, and sparking the conversations that help us all live better. Whether you’re here for a style tip, a career hack, or a nudge to be a better partner or parent, I’ve got you.
Stick around. Explore the categories—Style & Grooming, Lifestyle & Passions, Personal Growth, Work & Wealth, Home & Living, Relationships & Family, and, yes, my advice for the ladies. Join the readers who’ve made this community what it is. And if you’re ever in Connecticut, let’s grab a whisky and talk shop.
Here’s to living with life, style, and substance.
—Mercer