Leadership Team

Jeff graduated from The University of Florida, 1990, and Florida State University, 1992, earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Marketing. A proud member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and Seminole Boosters, Jeff has continued to support and invest in Florida State athletics. After college, Jeff began working at Big Top, for his parents, who started the business in 1979. A true passion for the structure business has enabled Jeff to help create simple solutions for some of the most challenging projects over the past 3 decades. In addition to his role at Big Top, Jeff has become an accomplished pilot with over 2000 flight hours in more than 15 types of fixed and rotorwing aircraft. “Flying allows me to continuously strive to reach higher and go faster while facing some of the most challenging environmental conditions known to man”. Jeff has a loving wife of over 20 years, and 3 children.

Joan's current position is Treasurer of Big Top Manufacturing Inc. She was Co-Founder & President of the company from 1979-2014 and held many positions throughout the growth of the company. In 2014 the company was sold to Jeff Merschman. Joan has 2 children, Julie Zins (husband Gary), Jeff Merschman (wife Leah), 5 grandchildren (Zoe & Raymond Zins) (Jenna,Grant, & Bradley Merschman) and of course her huge Big Top Team Family, whom she is very proud for helping make Big Top Manufacturing Inc. a success.

Aaron has been a member of Big Top Team for over 23 years and still going. Aaron has had the opportunity to work in every aspect of the business. He has learned a great vast of knowledge about the shelter industry from the company owners’ past to present and still learning something new every day. He has worked in the manufacturing industry for over 34 years. Aaron earned an Executive Education certificate from the University of Florida in 2013, after being promoted to General Manager. Aaron’s goal is to help Big Top Manufacturing be the most successful company in the Shelter Industry with the support of the Big Top Team, his wife of over 20 years and his two children.

Brandon Fletcher is the Regional Sales Manager for Big Top Manufacturing Inc. Brandon handles all sales for 7 states and international territories. Previously, Brandon managed the marketing department at Big Top from 2014 to 2021. Brandon is married with 2 children and a proud Alumnus of the University of Florida (Go Gators). Besides promoting the world's best fabric structures, Brandon enjoys playing golf, coaching youth sports, and being out on the boat with his family.

Jay Culpepper is a Sales Representative with Big Top Shelters. In this role, Jay coordinates sales to the southern region. A big believer in teamwork and accountability, Jay strives to make the customers experience a positive one. Jay is a qualified in sales and Government contracting and holds a degree from Florida A&M university where he also played football. Jay is married to Kaitlynn and has two young boys Rigby (6) and Kade (1) and resides in nearby Madison, Fl

Adrian Peters is a Sales Representative serving roughly the northern half of the United States, as well as a select number of countries besides. Fortunately for him, he enjoys travelling. His roots are in his hometown of Madison, Florida, where he lives with his wife and son. Prior to his career at Big Top, Adrian graduated from Florida State University with his Bachelor of Arts in History before dabbling in retail and providing printed marketing material for major corporations. Besides finding building solutions for Big Top’s valued customers, he enjoys spending time with his family, biking, and kayaking, usually all in north Florida’s great outdoors.

Carl Padgett is a Senior Sales Representative with Big Top Manufacturing Inc. Before joining the Big Top team, Carl served five years in the United States Marine Corps as an LVS Operator and Logistics Chief before switching his MOS to Infantryman. He’s also a graduate of Florida State University and holds a degree in Political Science with a minor in Communications. He has an extensive background in Military Contracting, Procurement, and Logistics.

John has been a valued team member of Big Top Manufacturing dating all the way back to 1989. With this tenure, John has experienced many projects all over the world. Offering the best customer service while providing the most viable solution is what John strives for.

Alisha is a valued employee at Big Top with over 18 years of service. Specializing in accounts receivable for the North Region, Alisha works closely with the client to accommodate all paperwork is processed and on time. Alisha is married and has one daughter and three grandchildren. For fun Alisha and her husband enjoy to breed and show French Bulldogs.

Brad Curry is the Installation and Special Projects Manager with Big Top Manufacturing Inc. Before joining the Big Top team, Brad spent over 20 years in the Manufacturing and Engineering profession. He a graduate of Florida State University and holds a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has an extensive background in Engineering, Maintenance and Operations from his past experiences in Consulting Engineering, Pulp/Paper and the Salty Snack Foods Industries. Brad is married to Jesika and has four children Walker, McKenna, Layton and Darcy. Brad was born and raised in Perry, FL.