What Giving Thanks Means to HTM & Our Team's Favorite Holiday Dishes
A Few Words from Our President, Brandon Thompson
“As everyone knows, relationships have shaped HTM since day one. We’re blessed with clients who trust us and even more blessed with employees whose heart, commitment, dedication, and teamwork make everything we do possible.” (2025, Brandon Thompson)
With Thanksgiving in mind, we take this time to appreciate those around us, what we have, and how lucky we are each day to live fully. HTM is not only a place of business but a place to build connections with each other, our clients, and our vendors. In doing so, we are truly grateful.
Take a moment to think about what being grateful means to you. While we often focus on possessions, careers, health, and family. Gratitude for the small things, a slow morning, reading a book, or hearing your daughter belly laugh – can make life feel richer and more meaningful.
What Giving Thanks Means to HTM
At HTM, gratitude is part of who we are. We asked our team to share what giving thanks means to them this year, and here’s what a few had to say:
Brandon (President) – “This year, giving thanks means appreciating the people around me a little more deeply, family, friends, and the relationships that make life meaningful. It’s a reminder to slow down, be present, and recognize how blessed we are, even in the middle of busy seasons.”
Stacey (Vice President of Media) – “ Giving thanks for me is cooking with and for my family and friends.”
Michelle (Client Champion) – “It means appreciating my family and friends – their support and the moments we’ve shared this year are what I’m most grateful for.”
Ariana (Digital Marketing Mixologist) – ” Giving thanks to me means being grateful and appreciative for the things that I do have in my life. I have amazing friends, family, and coworkers and I appreciate all that they do for me.”
Jacqui (Digital Marketing Mixologist) – “To me, “Giving Thanks” means taking time to recognize the many blessings God has placed in my life. It’s appreciating not only the joyful moments, but also the challenging ones—because, in hindsight, even those become blessings when they help me learn, grow, and become stronger.”
Family, health, and community were recurring themes in what our team members are thankful for this year.
HTM’s Favorite Holiday Dishes
Of course, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without food! Here are a few of HTM’s favorite dishes – complete with recipes so you can try them at home.
Brandon – Mashed Potatoes & Cherry Pie
Why?: Cause it taste good Author Comments: Period(t)
Quick Tip / Secret Ingredient: Cream Cheese & lots of butter
Stacey – Sweet Potatoes
Why?: This dish has been a part of my Thanksgiving meal my entire life.
Recipe: Author Comments: She a real one. This dish is everything!
2 (40 oz.) Cans Sugary Sams Cut Sweet Potatoes ½ stick of butter ½ cup brown sugar 1 -2 teaspoons cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg ½ teaspoon cloves Pour syrup from Sweet Potatoes in medium saucepan. Add the ½ stick of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Bring to a boil and keep boiling until reduced to syrup consistency. Mash sweet potatoes in a bowl. Add syrup and combine. Pour into casserole dish and cover with mini marshmallows. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until marshmallows are toasted. |
Quick Tip / Secret Ingredient: Sprinkle sea salt on top before topping with marshmallows.
Jacqui – Sweet Potato Casserole (Gluten Free) Author Comments: Yasss, gluten-free and iconic
Why?: It was one of my first ever dishes that I made on my own from scratch and it is a family favorite!
Recipe: https://buildyourbite.com/sweet-potato-casserole-with-marshmallows/
Quick Tip / Secret Ingredient: Since I am allergic to gluten, and this recipe calls for All Purpose Flour, I swap it out with gluten free flour such as, either Almond Flour or Coconut Flour to give it that extra sweet taste!
Ariana – Turkey and Gravy!
Why?: My Dad makes a turkey every year! It never fails that my mom forgets to make the gravy and we end up using gravy packets to make some last minute!
Recipe: I don’t, I just sit back and let my Dad take care of it! Author Comments: Mood. 👀 Just vibin’ and watchin’ dad work his magic
Quick Tip / Secret Ingredient: It’s always made with love… and frustration when the turkey is taking long to cook. 😂
What can we say – we like to eat, and we love the memories that come with it.
Nothing brings us together quite like good food, good company, and great memories. Enjoy these snapshots of HTM in action over the years!
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and favorite dishes! We are grateful for each of you and the community we’ve built here at HTM. Wishing you and your families a safe, joyful, and delicious holiday season.