Sean Stroh, Brand Coordinator, is the spotlight of our October employee profile. We sat down for a Q&A to deep dive into his way of thinking and what drives his strategic approach everyday.
Tell us about where you grew up?
I was born and raised in a pretty small town in California called Clovis. It was interesting because it was largely an agricultural community and most people don’t think farmers when they think of California. Sometimes I’m really glad I grew up there, because I got a nice middle ground perspective of being in a multicultural environment while still not having a whole lot of big city problems. But other times, it was strange growing up there. It’s one of those places that has two or three specific “types” of people who love it there, and if you’re not one of those you really notice. Luckily, my parents also prioritized traveling as frequently as possible, so I feel like I also got to grow up on the road a lot, which in retrospect, shaped me almost as much as where I grew up.
What brand is your personality most aligned with?
ASOS. I think impressions and presentation are important but I’m also thrifty.
What led you to choosing this profession?
I think I chose this profession because I’ve constantly been explaining meaning and perspectives between my parents for as long as I can remember. I also like to ruminate endlessly on things that I care about and think are important, so I wanted work that required a lot of intentional thinking but ultimately let me be creative.
Who inspires you? Who do you aspire to be like?
At the risk of being too simple, my dad. I really admire him because he figured out pretty early on that if you don’t care about those insecurities and meaningless preconceived ideas that paralyze people in fear, you can lead a really free and happy life. There’s something cool about being so unapologetically yourself that you just can’t be anything else.
What’s your most irrational fear?
That I’m going to meet my celebrity crush while in a groutfit coming back from the gym.
If you could keep only 5 possessions, what would they be?
Probably a rosary I bought in Puerto Rico, my Dad’s robe-like cardigan sweater from college, my Doc Martens, whichever piece of technology has the most photos of friends and family and my toothbrush.
What are you drinking come five o’clock?
A grapefruit Topo Chico for sure, because you got to stay hydrated and they’re delicious.
Best restaurant in Denver?
I really like Izakaya/Sushi Den just because the Seafood Dynamite is my kryptonite. And that’s practically sacrilege promoting land-locked sushi as a Californian.
What’s the best book you’ve read so far this year? Ever?
This year I started reading Think Like a Freak, and I like it because it’s two economists analyzing society’s problems and “solving” them pretty quickly because they refuse to rule out unconventional or taboo options simply because they aren’t “customary.” As far as “ever,” I love Slaughterhouse Five. It addresses all of our fears and concerns of life and death in a matter of fact, and very humorous way. On top of that, it brings into question why we tolerate status-quos, despite them leading to needless suffering of fellow human beings, and in-turn calls into question the hypocrisy of those who claim to have our best interest at heart. I also like it since it challenged people at the time it was written and was once a very controversial book that was burnt in America.
When you’re in need of creative inspiration, where do you go? What do you do?
I like to think of a joke and laugh a bit. Jokes are often just people asking simple questions that point out a really obvious flaw or problem, and it all stemmed from someone relaxing and thinking a little differently. Plus, it makes you smile and you’re always more productive in a good mood.
What was the last picture you took with your phone?
I took a picture of a heart drawn into a Latte because I have a hunch the barista is flirting with someone (maybe me.)
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Do more reckless stuff, because that’s the time to do it and you learn from it. Now there are real consequences and no one likes those.
What’s your favorite thing about working at BrandJuice?
Being in an environment where vibrant and unique ideas are encouraged and can thrive.
Follow along on our social media over the coming weeks to find out more about what Sean’s life is like when he’s not cultivating strategic genius at BrandJuice.