Born in Syria, the director and producer, before embarking on a career in cinema, owned a chain of pizzerias in Las Vegas, a venture that laid the groundwork for his future success.
In 1986, he co-founded the film production company City Lights with producer Ronald L. Gilchrist, marking the beginning of his journey as a director and producer.
However, in 1989, he decided to strike out on his own and founded PM Entertainment Group, partnering with Canadian director and producer Richard Pepin.
Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Merhi specialized in action films, directing and producing numerous low-cost action and martial arts films that often premiered on television or were released directly to video.
As a producer, he has been involved in over 100 film and television projects, and in 2000, PM Entertainment was acquired by The Harvey Entertainment Group and later purchased by Echo Bridge Home Entertainment.
Throughout his career, Merhi has had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of actors, including Michael Madsen, Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, Tom Arnold, Heather Locklear, Lorenzo Lamas, Jeff Fahey, Frank Zagarino, Gary Busey, William Forsythe, Jo Champa, Jill Hennessy, and Robert Patrick, among many others.
In addition to his work in the film industry, Merhi has also collaborated with numerous martial artists, such as Jeff Wincott and Gary Daniels, on action-packed film projects.
Today, the Syrian-born director and producer is actively involved in real estate investments, diversifying his portfolio to include luxurious single-family homes, apartment complexes, hotels, comedy clubs, restaurants, production studios, and retail establishments.
Merhi resides in Los Angeles with his wife and three children, a testament to his success and dedication to his craft.