Those who know Eric and Mary Ellen Pfeifer well will tell you their favorite genre of music over their nearly 30 years of marriage has consistently been Reggae. “The thought-provoking lyrics of legends such as Bob Marley’s “Exodus” and “Old Pirates” or Lucky Dube’s “Freedom Fighter”, Steel Pulse’s “Chant a Psalm a Day” and the very honest words sung by Roaring Lion in “Love Thy Neighbor” have shaped the way our family thinks.” shared Eric Pfeifer.

When they opened their Real Estate Brokerage in 2008 this couple’s love for the timeless wisdom of Bob Marley’s message was incorporated into their hold music at the office where callers on hold still listen to "One Love", one of his timeless classics. “We listen to classic reggae so much that our friends will ask us to please change up the music sometimes, it’s kind of a joke with them,” shared Mary Ellen.

During a trip to the British Virgin Islands in the early 90s, a chance encounter with one of the most uniquely different individuals developed into life-long friendships rooted in RESPECT and a celebration of our many differences. Our honest discussions of stereotypes, values, beliefs, and yes, even politics and religion have continued to strengthen our bonds. We have always greeted each other with one word and a fist bump. That word is “RESPECT”. We still joke about how different we are and marvel at our uncanny similarities. Over the years we have shared our joys, our losses, our families, our homes, our meals, our vacations, our love of music, and most of all our friendship. As the “Beat Goes On”, Eric’s red hair has lightened and Kareem’s floor-dragging dreadlocks have become streaked with silver and their mutual respect grows.

Over 25 years ago Eric was inspired to print his one-word shared greeting of RESPECT on tee shirts until his friends thought the idea was silly and unnecessary. This year Eric reached out to friends for help designing his message of “Respect” with two fists coming together in a fist bump and ordered his first supply of tee shirts to give away. When asked what prompted him to print them now Eric replied “2020 has unleashed and fueled a rift in humanity and mutual respect for others could not be more important than ever before. We don’t have to agree with other’s opinions but we do need to respect that it’s their opinion even if we don’t share it. We are all different. Mutual respect for others is the key to opening doors, dialogs, and better understanding. None of us were put here to judge any other human being. Our differences should be celebrated, it’s what makes everyone unique and special, and valuable. You’re never going to walk a mile in anyone’s shoes but your own. Make that mile count. Respect”

Eric and Mary Ellen have given away 75 tee-shirts simply asking the recipient to proudly wear this shared message of Respect. Be bold, express yourself, and be the change in the world you want to see.

After sharing a shirt with Pastor John Danner of the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, Eric was surprised when Pastor John asked if Eric would mind if he shared our story in his Sunday Sermon on July 12, 2020. Sometimes one small gesture sends ripples out much further than ever anticipated. If you are interested, the sermon delivered to an empty sanctuary due to Covid-19 conditions is linked below.