Sean M. has been an essential part of the Pepper family for five years, bringing steady leadership, design excellence, and a genuine care for people. As a minister, father, and dedicated teammate, he leads with purpose in everything he does.

Scroll on for a Q&A and an infographic celebrating Sean’s Pepperversary.

1. Best part of working at Eleven Peppers Studios?
The best part of working for Eleven Peppers Studios is the people and the culture. Working alongside so many talented creatives is inspiring. Also, the culture of excellence in design motivates me to be the best I can be.

2. If you were a pepper, what type would you be and why?
A Fresno Chile Pepper – A nice balance of sweet and heat.

3. What is your favorite 11p event?
My favorite 11P Event is the Annual Holiday party. It is an opportunity to dress up and hang out with my lovely wife and my fellow peppers. I enjoy the food, laughs, and catching up with the peppers.

4. What is your favorite present ever received from 11p?
I absolutely love my Yeti water bottle. I use it every day to stay hydrated.

5. What is your favorite 11p memory?
My favorite memory is attending the Annual 11P Cookout at Centennial Park for the first time and watching my kids play with the other Pepper kids. My son and Kathryn Gruver’s son are both named Nathan. Watching them play and finding out they both have the same name was hilarious.

6. Name a Pepper you can always lean on for support or advice:
My fearless team lead, Kathryn Gruver. I have relied on her since my start at 11P. Even if she doesn’t know the answer, she will work diligently to find it for me.

7. Name a Pepper whose work ethic inspires you:
Valencia Garden’s work ethic is inspiring. I am amazed at how she handles all of her responsibilities and her ability to research to find information is incredible.

8. My spice meter : 

1. What first led you into ministry? Has there been a specific moment that has stayed with you?
Growing up in church, I was surrounded by remarkable men and women who devoted their lives to serving others, and I had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary results of their service. From these inspiring examples, I learned that serving others is the most effective way to make a meaningful impact in the world.

There are so many moments that have impacted me along my ministry tenure. Anytime I can help someone is it humbling and a privilege.

2. You’ve mentioned gratitude for each day, how does that mindset influence your daily life? Do you have a ritual that keeps you grounded?
Every day I wake up, the first thing I do is say a prayer of thankfulness. It helps me start my day with gratitude. I like to consider myself an optimistic person, but I’m aware that life can sometimes pull you toward negative thinking. One thing that keeps me grounded is reciting encouraging scriptures to myself, allowing them to refocus my mind on what I can control and reminding me to move forward with faith and clarity.

3. How has being a father shaped the way you approach leadership or teamwork?
Being a father has taught me patience and adaptability, and I use these traits at work when leading or when working with a team. It is interesting that some of the same principles I emphasize at home with my children, naturally carry over into how I lead and collaborate in the workplace.

4. You seem to have a very close extended family, what’s a recent moment with them that made you smile?
A moment that made me smile was attending my cousin’s 50th birthday party in Philadelphia, PA. It was a chance to spend time with family and friends I haven’t seen in years, but we were able to pick up right where we left off. I cherish time with my family, so it was a memorable experience.

5. You’ve got a picture of you with an impressive yellow sports car, what’s the story behind it? What’s your dream car?
For my birthday, my wife gifted me a package from Xtreme Xperience, which included 3 laps around a racetrack in the sports car of my choice. I chose the Nissan GT-R. I really need to write a Spice of Life story about the experience. It was AWESOME!

My dream car is the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. I love the legacy of the Mustang and the design of that particular model.

6. What’s the most memorable auto show you’ve attended?
The most memorable car show for me was the 2013 Maryland Auto Show at the Baltimore Convention Center. Me and my brother attended, and I was able to test drive a Ford Mustang for the first time.

7. What do you enjoy most about playing basketball (the competition, the exercise, the social side)?
I love every aspect of the game of basketball: the competition, exercise, the movements, the camaraderie with your teammates, etc.