Sons of Ben Board Candidate Q&A (Part I)
As always, when we hold elections for the Sons of Ben Board, we ask the candidates to answer some questions to help you get to better know them, their positions, and their goals. This year is no different, but thanks to the new format we have several candidates who are running for another term in office. As such, we had specific questions for the incumbents, some for the new candidates, and several more for both. Because there are so many candidates, we’ll be breaking up the responses by office. In this article, you’ll get the responses for the President, Tifo, Tailgates and Travel positions. Part II will include responses for Philanthropy and At Large
PRESIDENT
BILL GUSLER
What projects or accomplishments that you initiated do you feel have been more successful, or are that which you are most proud of?
I would say that I am most proud of the relationship we have built with Special Olympics through Stache Bash and Unified Soccer and how it affects the kids involved with that program.
What do you consider “unfinished”, or is something you want to continue or build on during another term in office?
Something I want to continue is to keep improving our match day experience through the new tailgate area, having merch available on match day at our lot, capos working in unison throughout the match, getting the crowd to continue with songs and chants once the capos get the ball rolling, rebuilding the River End to make it a place for Union supporters again – a place where it is known that flags will be waving, scarves will be swinging, smoke will be lit up, nobody sits down, colorful language will be used, you don’t wear other teams gear or colors, you support the boys on the pitch for the whole match.
What new initiatives or projects do you hope to work on during your next term?
I hope to be able to work with each board member to expand their role and increase the amount of people who want to come out and help, who get excited to be invited to paint, or help out at the tailgates, and support the team on away trips.
Why do you want to be elected to another term in office?
I haven’t accomplished everything I’m hoping to do with our group.
How do you feel you can best represent the Sons of Ben as a part of the Board of Elders?
I represent the SoB’s through my passion and dedication to the club and team.
What goals do you have for your position and how do you hope to achieve them?
Improving our match day experience by moving to a better lot for tailgating, and working with capos during the match to get them in unison with each other and our drummers. I want everyone to know they’re in the Sons of Ben’s house in the River End, whether it’s a season ticket holder who’s been there since the beginning, or someone’s buddy there for the first time – same rules apply: you stand, you sing, you support.
If you were elected, what key initial steps or activities would you perform to get started?
Reminding everyone that we are a volunteer organization and we need everyone’s help. You can’t just let the same 10 people do all the work and not lift a finger to help and expect it to be perfect.
What do feel the goals and objectives of the Sons of Ben should be as a group?
Support the Philadelphia Union.
What do you believe is the current perception of the Sons of Ben as a whole, and how would you use your role to impact that?
We’re not as good as we used to be. I would remind everyone that unless our members put their heart into it, we’d never be the best supporters club in MLS.
What do you consider the greatest challenges to the Sons of Ben as the group moves forward?
Gaining new members and getting back to the SoB way of life that made a Union match complete
TIFO
RYAN BROSS
What projects or accomplishments that you initiated do you feel have been more successful, or are that which you are most proud of?
Enhancing the River End to help increase the game day atmosphere through tifo displays, such as getting the poles and pulley system install. As well as, setting and meeting goals for the tifo to create displays that are new and memorable. And overall leave people questioning how I can do what I do.
What do you consider “unfinished”, or is something you want to continue or build on during another term in office?
There is always more to be done in terms of creating a better game day atmosphere. I hope to accomplish more next year by getting people to volunteer, so more can get done.
What new initiatives or projects do you hope to work on during your next term?
I already have some ideas for some new and different tifo from what we are used to seeing. But saying them before they happen would kind of spoil the point; so if you want to see what’s new and different for next year, you’ll have to come out to an upcoming painting party that we will be hosting this offseason.
Why do you want to be elected to another term in office?
It’s not so much as “me wanting” to be elected to another term, but others wanting me to be. Or maybe it’s just that other don’t want it to be them.
How do you feel you can best represent the Sons of Ben as a part of the Board of Elders?
I’ve tried to do my best to represent the core principles of what it means to be part of the SoB both in the stadium, at SoB events, and anywhere else I maybe representing the group and will continue to do so. I will not just engage with current and former members, but those wishing join and the non-SoB Union fans.
What goals do you have for your position and how do you hope to achieve them?
I want to continue to use the tifo and game day atmosphere to show support for our team. Growing to generate a buzz around and outside the league, showing other what it means to be a support of the Philadelphia Union and why they should want to be a part of it. I would also like to grow the volunteer group for painting and set from the very few to the numbers I have seen come out in the past (either for past years or for select tifo).
If you were elected, what key initial steps or activities would you perform to get started?
I will be looking forward to getting painting parties set up over the offseason for the tifo that I have already planned for next season. I will, and am, encouraging people to send me new ideas for what you might want to see.
What do feel the goals and objectives of the Sons of Ben should be as a group?
Generate a game day atmosphere that is both encouraging to our team and intimidating or disruptive to the opponents. We should be making Chester a place that the away team hates coming to and makes our team feel like they can beat any opponent.
What do you believe is the current perception of the Sons of Ben as a whole, and how would you use your role to impact that?
Often, the SoB as a whole can be viewed as elitist – and not always from the outside groups. I will continue to work to encourage new and prospective members to not just join by paying the fee and getting a scarf, but coming out and joining us on game days or in volunteering their time to make a difference with one of many charity events. There is too often an “Us vs Them” feeling in the stadium. That should be there, but only between us and the players and fans wearing the other teams badge.
What do you consider the greatest challenges to the Sons of Ben as the group moves forward?
Our greatest challenge as a supporter groups is our membership. As we move past our tenth year, many of the core group have moved on from their leadership roles and into a deserved “retirement”. While they may still be part of the SoB, coming to events and volunteering when they can; we are lacking in dedicated members. I think we can do better as a group to start attracting new members from outside the River End and stadium in general. Now is the time for current members to start stepping forward into bigger roles. And now is the time to reignite the energy and strive that started this group; by bringing friends to games and letting people, in the stadium and around the league, know that there is still support for a team.
TAILGATES
FREEMAN DORDELL
What projects or accomplishments that you initiated do you feel have been more successful, or are that which you are most proud of?
Bringing new and exciting food to the Home tailgates is what I am most proud of. Breakfast Bar, Taco/Fajita bar, Pasta Bar and October fest - I am delighted to have the team of volunteers support changes in the way things were done and embracing the changes. The support of the Board in bringing these changes to fruition was greatly appreciated. The teams who volunteer at the Tailgates are always supportive of the new ideas and I hope enjoying the new menu too.
What do you consider “unfinished”, or is something you want to continue or build on during another term in office?
Low turnout was my “unfinished business” With the new location and maybe some additional signs for the menu we can attract more new members or even non members (Future members) to participate -
What new initiatives or projects do you hope to work on during your next term?
The breakfast and other bars were not complicated to set up and we have the tools now to make it a regular meal type. I would also like to bring in a Pig Roast or look at new Food Truck offerings. Understanding Pig Roast is not for everyone so would like to come up with a 2 meal special.
I would like to grow our relationship with beer distributor, add more signage on the trailer. Increasing the function of the Beer Trailer by either general improvement.
Why do you want to be elected to another term in office?
Working with the SoB board has been great. I just started midyear this term so I would like to see the home Tailgates become the greatest attraction to our membership. To save money we can consider prepare some of our Home Tailgates for the Away Trip food in advance – something new for our SoB members. We are a family – SoB family – and I like this family to enjoy the food I prepared.
How do you feel you can best represent the Sons of Ben as a part of the Board of Elders?
As a chef I am always going to try improving the food. I think our new location will help drive new people to come back to the Tailgates again and again for our food and SoB comradely
What goals do you have for your position and how do you hope to achieve them?
Creating a better environment at the Tailgates will bring us back to the days where more people participated. Having people situated around the picnic tables in the new location in a strategic arrangement will drive people to speak to folks they have not in the past. Driving new members and finding new volunteers - The sight and smells of our food will be one of the many attractions of the SoB tailgate. With membership increases we will show how volunteers make this successful.
If you were elected, what key initial steps or activities would you perform to get started?
The set-up of the new location is key to the success of all the membership plans. From the first day we need to be attracting walk-in participation or pay for food only packages. There will be additional food offerings to come but the old favorites (Breakfast Bar, Mac & Cheese Bar) will be back.
What do feel the goals and objectives of the Sons of Ben should be as a group?
We are a nonprofit group who support the Philadelphia Union and the local community. Our SoB community meets at the Tailgates, the match, our road trips and the Nack. Our contributions to HKH and the Bernadine house demonstrate how we continuously provide for the needy in Chester.
What do you believe is the current perception of the Sons of Ben as a whole, and how would you use your role to impact that.
Low score – lots of angry fans taking it out on SoB. And let’s face it – we have a new passion from the original passion of the founders which we have to use to keep the organization running. We will have a great opportunity to get more people to come in, meet the board members and chat with new friends. There are great new opportunities with our new location to change people’s perception of us. Walk In with us – singing the chants and learning new ones.
What do you consider the greatest challenges to the Sons of Ben as the group moves forward?
As I said above – angry disappointed fans taking the low score on the pitch and using it against the SoB. We do something to help our fans but we upset others. I hope our new central location will drive interest in joining the SOB. Folks who do not know about us, our members and our food offering will hopefully be enticed to stay and chat with fellow fans.
ROADTRIPS/TRAVEL
GERRY HENDRIX
What projects or accomplishments that you initiated do you feel have been more successful, or are that which you are most proud of?
After my 1st year as Travel Director in 2016 I wanted to get a pulse of the past year. The travelers were very happy with the services provided and we listened to their additional requests.
I moved the meeting point back to the SOB lot – but that will change again in 2018.
I looked at and implemented different food for the away Tailgates.
From the 2016 survey results – with any trip with more than 1 bus filled, we can offer an alternative pick-up location. *Must have 2 full busses* If offered, we can increase participation in 2018 for the folks who wish to meet in either Philadelphia or Northeast (depending on the game day location).
I changed the way we order our tailgate food from a vendor I felt was not up to par with food handling standards. By thinking outside of the box and by utilizing other business in Chester we were more than able to sustain our high Tailgate standards and giving back to the community.
What do you consider “unfinished”, or is something you want to continue or build on during another term in office?
I have enjoyed myself thoroughly the past 2 years on the Board. I believe my work is not yet done. We are faced with low scores on the pitch and a byproduct of this is disappointed fans with a low interest in seeing the game away. I’d like to challenge myself to increase the amount of participants on these trips. With your participation, feedback and support – I would like to improve the experience without negatively affecting your cost to get there safely. From our 2016 survey (as mentioned above) – with 2 or more busses we can expand the pick-up location with the help of the At Large or other board member for check in support.
What new initiatives or projects do you hope to work on during your next term?
I have 5 things I’d like to accomplish:
One of the feedback items I got was to add a Philadelphia or other pickup location. I’d like to explore that option. We can add this as a checkbox on our sign-up page and assess it for viability
I’d like to have an improved Bus trip tailgate participation by offering some discounts for multiple trip purchases. Try a 1 p.m. match Lunchbox in bus tailgate. And other ventures to make the event better. Youth package – with volunteer obligation – (See below)
As mentioned above – a table for board members to sign up volunteers and sell Away Bus Road Trip tickets at the Home Tailgates.
Look into a Teen/Youth Road Trip packages – Lower cost to drive participation with a volunteer role expected to setup and assist with Tailgates –to get young adults and teenagers involved with the activities of a SoB event (similar in value to a discount for our regular and important repeat SoB members who travel with us)
I would love to arrange a big trip – international trip to see a European match comes to mind. With enough time, a saving plan and a great location we can do a great event – something our SoB fan’s will appreciate for a lifetime
Why do you want to be elected to another term in office?
I am extremely proud of how we honored – together – the memory of Kenny Hanson. How the SoB family were united in tragedy and how his memory will never die as we practice how to Live Like Kenny. I try to live like Kenny – and I see that in all the other Board Members who serve today.
Being involved in something as historic and important as the SoB has been an honor and something I value greatly. I have seen what works and what doesn’t as we move out of a season with low scores and lower membership participation. While we have no impact on the Game day score, I want to be a part of the solution and drive SoB participation numbers up where we have the ability to do so.
For Away Tailgate food I would like to work with more community vendors in need of our support.
There will be a great opportunity to drive participation in all SoB activities at the new Home Tailgate locations. Meet more people – answer questions about our trips and organization Each contact is an opportunity to drive memberships and thus increase Road Trip participation.
How do you feel you can best represent the Sons of Ben as a part of the Board of Elders?
I believe the new Home Tailgate location will bring the SoB back into the center of our supporters’ culture both figuratively and literally. We will be more visible from a location standpoint and more engaged with non members (future members) as they see our activities whilst walking by – driving membership for SoB and as such Home and Away matches. I believe we can best represent SoB 2018 – re-growing our memberships and defacto socializing more information on our Away Match and community support.
What goals do you have for your position and how do you hope to achieve them?
Some of these are repeated from above –
I’d like to set up a SoB Home Tailgate Membership Table for membership enrollment, questions and signup for Road Trips or other volunteer events.
I’d like to increase Road Trip participation with more offerings for Pickup location. Noting that this can only be done with 2 or more full busses.
If financially feasible I’d like to put together multi trip or special pricing for our Bus trips. There are loyal fans who travel to each and every match and many that are just not always financially able to participate in every trip. Example – Buy 4 get discount – or buy 3 get 1 free.
Also if financially feasible – engage a new generation of SoB members – a youth fare with volunteer requirements – give the next generation of SoB members a taste of the job in hand. This includes Tifo setup or other support. – but never forgetting the current wonderful SoB members who support us day in day out – (see other package deal idea)
If you were elected, what key initial steps or activities would you perform to get started?
Immediately – I would like to set up the Membership Questions/Road Trip table – in our new location. Away Tickets can be sold at the tailgate table and Board members can be on hand to answer/collect other questions. Once we get the Away Schedule we can work on packages and other incentives.
What do feel the goals and objectives of the Sons of Ben should be as a group?
We are here to support the Philadelphia Union and the local community. I also believe we need to set the SoB up for success for the future years and make them a model for other Supporters groups to look up to. As a group we should be a blend of the past and the future and work together to balance and embrace those differences. We should have more community activities than we did in 2017. We have not had a Community Clean up or the River Cup recently and those were key to our Community message.
What do you believe is the current perception of the Sons of Ben as a whole, and how would you use your role to impact that?
Fortunately – the SoB members I have had the pleasure of working with are committed to the group as they have demonstrated this by paying good hard earned money to go on a road trip. My perception has not been tainted by minor personality issues as we are ALL here to support the team as loud and proud as we can. I think the current leadership is working through a tough audience of score disappointed supporters who may not see the amount of work that goes into leading a group like the SoB. We all need to be reminded of the great work, amazing support and deep $$ discounts that SoB membership provides.
The SoB members are a blend of hard core fans and not so hard core but all are hard working people of all ages. We are not a “Soccer Mom” group either. We are an active supporters group who need to drive new membership and look at the members of the future.
Sometimes more senior members are offended with foul language and younger members are offended by something an older member does. But the bottom line – we are all taking the Road Trips to support the Union and we need to embrace these things that make us different by participation and loud chants supporting the team.
With our new location we have a great opportunity to welcome new members into the organization, to reinvigorate the supporters with the current organization and take SoB back to the passionate days of the past whilst making us the model supporters group of the future.
We need to be better at finding and retaining active members in a SoB verus Soccer mom world. If elected for 2 more years I have some ideas how the Travel Director can impact these goals – You can see my other answers for those ideas.
What do you consider the greatest challenges to the Sons of Ben as the group moves forward?
We do not have a strategic plan to drive our memberships towards a 10 and 15 year succession goals. I’m not kidding myself that the game day score doesn’t play a part in the current membership apathy. As a mom of a toddler – I am proud to bring her to the matches and tailgates and I know she has a place in the SoB in 15-20 years…. but the challenge I see are the young adults who are NOW missing in our member activities. They are the future and we are not focusing enough on them. The new location of the SoB Home Tailgate will bring more visibility to our group and parents of these teens & young adults will have more access to us – so that is a huge opportunity to set us up for success.
Many schools need volunteer hours to complete a High School Diploma – we could invite High School teens to become engaged in more volunteer activates and community events through the SoB to get those credit hours. By offering SoB community service events to High Schools we will give a new generation of SoB members an example of community leadership and an insight into how our organization is run.
JESSICA GUSLER
What do you consider your strengths to be, and what additional skills and talents will you bring to your role?
The biggest skill I will be bringing to the position is coordination. I currently coordinate surgeries for four doctors at five different facilities. There are a lot of things I have to make sure are available and ready for the day of surgery, so the procedure goes off without a hitch.
I think my willingness to speak to anyone will make away trips more comfortable. People will interact with more than just the group they came with. Hopefully this will spill over to home tailgates.
What makes now your time to join the SoB Board of Elders?
It's not only time to stir things up on the field, but with the board as well. I think a positive/family feeling from the board will start to bring back the bond the group had in years past. I'm not inclusive to one group, so I think people respond will to me.
How will you implement past experience you’ve discussed in your biography into your role?
After Kelly moved, I helped Bill with every away match, so I already have a good understanding of the position and dedication that goes along with it.
What sets you apart from your opponent?
Availability and distance. I live less than 10 minutes from the stadium and my only responsibilities are my job, house, and dog. I'm usually available everyday after work.
How do you feel you can best represent the Sons of Ben as a part of the Board of Elders?
I get along with pretty much everyone so I'd hope to build a great rapport with contacts at other stadiums. I'd want other supporters groups to see how much of a great time we are having, even though we aren't home, and think, man I wish our away trips were that fun.
What goals do you have for your position and how do you hope to achieve them?
I would like to see and increase in the amount of people attending away trips. I plan on speaking to people at tailgates, who no longer come to trips, or have never been, and see what would make them want to go, or come back.
If you were elected, what key initial steps or activities would you perform to get started?
I think we need to increase the amount of post we make about away trips. Make them eye catching.
What do you feel the goals and objectives of the Sons of Ben should be as a group?
Try to increase participation from outsiders. I absolutely think the new lot location is going to be the change we need.
What do you believe is the current perception of the Sons of Ben as a whole, and how would you use your role to impact that?
I think this past year was a major transition for us. Things are moving in the right direction.
Again, I believe just going out into the masses and ask the peoples opinions is the best way to figure out what needs to be changed. I know there are polls sent out. But not everyone responds to those.
What do you consider the greatest challenges to the Sons of Ben as the group moves forward?
People believing there is going to be a difference. That things are going to be better.