Shaun Peak, a 29-year-old entrepreneur, has transformed his leap of faith into a lasting legacy at Cerritos College. Originally from Texas, Peak became a memorable barista at the college’s Zebra Coffee after majoring in mathematics and industrial technology.
After graduating, Peak worked as an engineer for a telephone company. Along the way, he met a friend involved in the coffee business, where he learned everything from crafting hot and cold drinks to operating a business.
Inspired by this experience, he decided to move to California and open his own coffee shop, seeking change and new opportunities.
Zebra Coffee opened its doors in 1997, allowing Peak to build long-lasting connections with students and staff members alike.
He still enjoys playing tennis with a former employee, emphasizing the friendships he has formed over the years. “When I do business here at Cerritos College, I am also making friends,” Peak says, highlighting the importance of community in his work.
Peak has also supported local initiatives, previously sponsoring a golf foundation and donating a portion of his profits from Zebra Coffee.
He relies on support from the college to keep his shop thriving, while the school benefits from his friendly atmosphere and delicious drinks.
However, Peak’s business faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a one-and-a-half-year shutdown. He notes that before the pandemic, when online courses were introduced, he had many more customers. He often hired students to help run the shop, but the dynamic changed drastically after the pandemic.
Describing himself as an “old-fashioned guy,” Peak expresses nostalgia for the campus environment where students focused on making connections rather than communicating through electronics from home.
Despite these challenges, after 29 years in business, Peak still finds joy in running his coffee shop and meeting new people every day. He believes that a kind gesture goes a long way.
As a certified coffee shop owner, Peak simply loves coffee, whether iced or hot. He recommends trying his iced caramel macchiato or any of his blended coffee drinks, which he describes as a great way to boost your day!
