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Listen to this articleNonetheless, “Merlot Mike” – a nickname derived from the purple suit Wilson wears in his marketing role at The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey – brought his signature style to the development company, if only for a few hours.
Wilson toured construction sites in Harrisburg to check on their progress. He met with tenants and Vartan staff to go over upcoming company projects — including Vartan’s proposed Susquehanna Union Green project in Susquehanna Township. And he joked about buying neighboring office buildings and changing the name of the mixed-use Union Green project. For the record, he prefers Union Purple.
But before the ink dried on any of those plans, Wilson’s day in charge was over. Vartan played the role of executive assistant for the day and helped Wilson prepare for the day’s meetings.
The two men first met in 2006 through Harrisburg Young Professionals. Over the past several months, they have been discussing the idea of swapping roles for a day, curious about the other’s day-to-day responsibilities.
For Vartan, the day usually begins early and includes visiting construction sites in the Harrisburg area and meeting with staff.
His firm has multiple renovation projects underway in the city, including a historic rehabilitation project at 234 State St. The three-story office building will soon be home to Communities In Schools, a dropout prevention organization.
On Thursday, Vartan will don the purple suit at the Londonderry Township winery/brewery as he steps into Wilson’s role for the day.
Vartan also will have to change suits to step into Wilson’s other job, as vice president of relationship management at Members 1st Federal Credit Union. He will split his time in both roles throughout the day.
Here’s a look at part of today’s swap. Follow @JScottJournal on Thursday for Vartan’s swap. And don’t miss other social media posts from the guys @hrvartan and @Merlot_Mike.
Being Ralph Vartan
Intimidating, yet well-groomed beard ✅. Piano skills ✅. Schubert classics station ✅. It’s @hrvartan day. See you soon @JScottJournal @CPBJ pic.twitter.com/N0W7UUJPST
— Merlot Mike (@Merlot_Mike) October 16, 2017
Time for @Merlot_Mike to take over @vartangroup and @Cafe1500 for the day. #FearTheBeard #Hbg @JScottJournal @CPBJ pic.twitter.com/PjsqZ4N5uN
— Ralph Vartan (@hrvartan) October 16, 2017
Sounds like @Merlot_Mike wants to change name of project to Union Purple #bizswap #firsttimewearingacardigan pic.twitter.com/24q6o8GkNE
— Jason Scott (@JScottJournal) October 16, 2017
Ralph enjoying the role of being No. 2 today and driving the acting CEO around. @hrvartan @Merlot_Mike pic.twitter.com/PKMI7Fap8a
— Jason Scott (@JScottJournal) October 16, 2017
A few videos from the day
Some videos from today’s #bizswap between @Merlot_Mike and @hrvartan https://t.co/pjwZH6MAKa
— Jason Scott (@JScottJournal) October 16, 2017
Another video from today https://t.co/XAZgkSYP5a
— Jason Scott (@JScottJournal) October 16, 2017
Video from the @1500project https://t.co/NEwUPZ014e
— Jason Scott (@JScottJournal) October 16, 2017
Talking highlights from the day with @Merlot_Mike https://t.co/v4GJPoyI31
— Jason Scott (@JScottJournal) October 16, 2017
Wendy’s run with @Merlot_Mike @hrvartan https://t.co/4K9VlKsj6O
— Jason Scott (@JScottJournal) October 16, 2017
