All roads seam to leading back to Buffalo for Sean Carroll — and the third time’s the charm.

A native of Arkansas, Sean Carroll first discovered Western New York as a high school competitive swimmer touring colleges. Fascinated with Buffalo’s rich history, he made a spontaneous stop at Canisius University — which eventually became his college of choice. “I just felt really comfortable around the people there - that’s what sold me,”​ he said.

Post graduation, Sean joined JetBlue in Boston but often came back to visit Sarah — now his wife. Those visits eventually led him to make Buffalo home for a second time. The couple fell in love with Elmwood Village, spent weekends skiing, and volunteered at local animal shelters. As devoted Buffalo Bills fans, Sean proposed to Sarah on the field before returning to Canisius University, where they first met, for their engagement photos.

After relocating to Arkansas to start a family, Buffalo called them home once again just four years later.

Now in what he calls his third and final return to Buffalo, Sean is clear about why he came back. “The people of WNY are one of a kind, some of the best you’ll ever meet. There’s something about the culture here that just draws you back.”​ Sarah, a Western New York native, agrees — and admits she missed the food, too.

As they raise their children in the Buffalo Niagara region, Sarah works from home and Sean serves as Director of Fleet Logistics & Technology at Modern Disposal. His role combines overseeing more than 250 employees with leading major technology integrations that modernize operations across the company. Buffalo’s work culture, he says, has always felt distinct from anywhere else. “There’s a spirit here—a mix of pride, resilience, and a genuine willingness to roll up your sleeves and help the person next to you. People value relationships, trust, and consistency.”​ Sean believes that strong work ethic, paired with the region’s growing focus on technology and innovation, is key — especially at a company like Modern Disposal.

What does 'Buffalo feels like HOME' mean to you?

“I’ve been fortunate to travel through nearly every state, but the first time I visited Buffalo while touring colleges, something strange and familiar hit me. It was a feeling I’d never had before. Like I’d been here already (I hadn’t), like the place somehow recognized me. The sense of belonging was instant.

To me, home is where you feel comfortable enough to grow, supported enough to take risks, and safe enough to be fully yourself. Buffalo embodies that. Home is where the best parts of you are reflected back by the community around you — and Buffalonians do exactly that.”​ - Sean

Was it easy to move and build community in Buffalo?

“For us, yes. We had some roots, Sarah’s family and our college friends, but we see them weekly not out of obligation, but because it’s simply part of the rhythm of life here. It’s effortless. It’s natural.

What makes Buffalo different is that community is woven into the region. You don’t have to build it piece by piece like in other cities. Even without — or in addition to — existing family and friends, community just happens here.”​ - Sean

“Buffalo isn’t a perfect city. Like many rust belt towns, she has her older, forgotten corners. But growing up here and now coming back to raise my own family I’ve loved seeing all the positive change. I think raising kids here in Buffalo you get that sense of community and you’re teaching your kids to look out for other people. The city of good neighbors isn’t just a tagline. They are learning to do that and be a part of a community.

In Buffalo, the community feels bigger and more woven into daily life. It’s not just about who we know, it’s the overall atmosphere of support, familiarity, and belonging.”​ - Sarah

How did you come upon the ‘move’ feature on BeinBuffalo.com?

”There wasn’t a single Bills Backers group in Northwest Arkansas—so we built one. We leaned on social media, and pretty much lived in Bills gear. Over time, a small circle turned into a full chapter. We saw the Hometown Touchdown campaign on Instagram and started following the Be in Buffalo website. I used it pretty extensively.

The chapter still meets at the All-American Steakhouse and Sports Theater in Springdale with 30–70 people showing up on game days.”​ - Sean

Ready to make a move? We can help. Click the 'Help Me Move' button up top!

View our Q&A video with Sean & Sarah to hear more.