Blaine Merker

Questioner

DISC Type : c

Director and Head of Climate Action at Gehl - Making Cities for People

San Francisco, California, United States

Overview

Blaine Merker is a Partner and Head of Climate Action at Gehl, where he integrates urban design, behavior, and sustainability. He is a registered landscape architect and co-founder of the art and design collective Rebar. A graduate of UC Berkeley, he focuses on making cities more equitable, healthy, and sustainable for people.

Outside of his primary role, Blaine is passionate about championing public space as a tool for economic opportunity and social connection. He serves as a planning commissioner in Berkeley, California, where he lives with his partner and two children, and works on local mobility and housing initiatives.

He is the co-creator of Park(ing) Day, a global event that transforms metered parking spots into temporary public parks, an idea that started in 2005.

Personality Overview

Systematic

Price-Sensitive

Cautious & Analytical

They prefer to do thorough analysis of any situation. They generally do not appreciate an overfriendly approach and prefer to stay to-the-point. While they don't hesitate to ask questions, they are generally risk-averse and tend to be late adopters.

Topics They Care About

Climate Action

As Head of Climate at Gehl, he leads initiatives focused on decarbonizing neighborhoods by identifying key behavioral tipping points in urban environments.

Public Space Innovation

Co-founded the art collective Rebar and the global Park(ing) Day movement, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to creatively reclaiming urban space for public use.

People-Centered Design

His work focuses on using behavioral science and social observation to design cities that prioritize human health, equity, and daily life.

Climate Action: As Head of Climate at Gehl, he leads initiatives focused on decarbonizing neighborhoods by identifying key behavioral tipping points in urban environments.

Public Space Innovation: Co-founded the art collective Rebar and the global Park(ing) Day movement, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to creatively reclaiming urban space for public use.

People-Centered Design: His work focuses on using behavioral science and social observation to design cities that prioritize human health, equity, and daily life.

Media Appearances

Blaine has no verified media appearances

Work History

9-2021

Director and Head of Climate Action at Gehl - Making Cities for People

6-2018 - 9-2021

Managing Director and Partner at Gehl - Making Cities for People

8-2017

Partner at Gehl - Making Cities for People

3-2014

Director at Gehl - Making Cities for People

2005 - 4-2016

Partner and Founder at Rebar Art and Design Studio

Education

2002 - 2005

Master of Arts (M.A.) from University of California, Berkeley

1994 - 1998

BA from Reed College

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 22 Location : San Francisco, California, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director and Head of Climate Action at Gehl - Making Cities for People

<div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="DISC profile is one of the most popular behavioral assessment frameworks in use. It is especially useful in understanding workplace behavior and how different people approach similar situations differently.">DISC Profile : Blaine's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="disc_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">c</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Dominance(D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is and her ability to accomplish results, irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition and success and can be described as direct, demanding and strong willed." style="position: absolute;top: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f1828d, #d2527f); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">D</div><div class="disclabel1" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general." style="position: absolute;right: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(270deg, #fad859, #f7ca18); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">I</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Steadiness(S) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to focus on cooperation, support and taking everyone along. Those scoring high tend to be consistent and calm, are excited about the opportunity to collaborate and partner and could sometimes be indecisive or overly accommodating." style="position: absolute;bottom: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #b7f4d8, #66cc99);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">S</div><div class="disclabel2" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Calculativeness(C) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to be cautious, systematic and analytical. Those scoring high tend to emphasise quality and accuracy, enjoy showing off their expertise or challenging assumptions but can sometimes overanalyze things and be overcritical." style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #848ccf, #524eb7);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">C</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="disc_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Calculativeness</div>Calculativeness(C) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to be cautious, systematic and analytical. Those scoring high tend to emphasise quality and accuracy, enjoy showing off their expertise or challenging assumptions but can sometimes overanalyze things and be overcritical.</div></div></div></div><div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="OCEAN personality assessment, or Big 5 personality traits model, is the second most well-known behavioral assessment framework after MBTI. It provides a holistic way of understanding how people are and what to expect of them.">OCEAN Profile : Blaine's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="ocean_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">eca</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Openness(O) reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity, a desire to seek new experiences and a preference for novelty and variety. Those scoring high tend to be inventive, curious and open to trying new things whereas those scoring low tend to be consistent, cautious and more realistic in their approach." style="position: absolute;top: -7%;left: calc(50% - 12px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #963694, rgb(175,79,173));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">O</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times." style="position: absolute;right: 4%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f15a22, rgb(255,115,59));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">C</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings." style="position: absolute;bottom: 3%;left: calc(50% - -93px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(270deg, #bf55ec, rgb(216,110,255));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">E</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude." style="position: absolute;left: 17%;top: calc(50% - -127px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #be5683, rgb(215,111,156));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">A</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Emotional Stability(ES) refers to the degree to which one can experience unpleasant emotions like anger, anxiety etc. easily. Those scoring high tend to be calm, stable and are not perturbed easily whereas those scoring low can be passionate, excitable and have low impulse control, especially under stressful circumstances. (Emotional Stability is same as Neuroticism rated on a reverse scale)" style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f62459, rgb(255,61,114));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">N</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="ocean_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Extraversion</div>Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Conscientiousness</div>Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Agreeableness</div>Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude.</div></div></div><hr class="divider-hr" style="margin-bottom:20px"></div>

Blaine Merker

Director and Head of Climate Action at Gehl - Making Cities for People

San Francisco, California, United States

Overview

Personality Overview

Topics They Care About

Media Appearances

Work History

Education

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Share

Insights For Selling To Blaine

During A Call Or A Meeting

When Cold Calling

Pattern Interrupt: Speaking in a slightly hesitant manner, and seeking their permission at the start through a negation can get you a chance.

Pace: Speak slightly fast, especially if you tend to be calm and confident. Sound like a ‘knows their domain’ person.

Tone: Keep your tone slightly apprehensive, as if you are a little unsure about calling them.

Tactics To Win: Use of negations, giving full information

Mistakes To Avoid: Use of superlatives, overusing social proof

Making The Ask: Use negations, it is extra effective with them. It gives them a chance to say no, they like doing that.

Subconscious Driver: They believe they know a lot, so it needs to make sense as well as make them curious. They need to think that it is something worth investigation.

Greeting: Hi Blaine, this is [user_fname] at [user_companynamefirsttwowords].

Opener: You probably don’t want to be on this cold call, would it be a problem if I asked for 30 seconds of your time?

Introduction: My company has leveraged 30+ years of research to build an AI that can predict anyone's personality, behavior and decision-making style before you even spend a minute with them.

Ask: Companies like [abc], [xyz] have been able to move [KPI1] by X% and [KPI2] by Y%. Would it be too much to put 15 minutes on your calendar to share why this could be high ROI for you?

Close: Can I suggest [time1] on [date1]? Or would you prefer any other slots? And [prospect_email] would be the right email ID for you?

When Writing An Email

Subject: Objective

Salutation: Yes ( Something usual)

Greeting: No

Emojis/GIFs:

Bullet Points: Recommended

Closing Line: Logically summarize/ask

Complimentary Close: None or formal

Tone of Words: Objective, informational

Overall Messaging: Focused on allaying doubts and ROI

Length of Mail: Short

While Negotiating & Closing

The secret to closing fast with Blaine is

Will you ever get a clear answer from Blaine

Insights For Deal Planning

How fast (or slow) will Blaine move?

Can Blaine take some risk or not?

You And Blaine

Personality Compatibility

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