2019 Board Candidates Q&A

Jess
Gusler Heather
Reppert Krystal
Kane Sid
Macleod Jeremy
Sharpe

Vice President

(1 Candidate)

1. Why are you running for the Board?

I am currently the travel director for the group and enjoyed my time running that chair. But, I feel like I have ideas that would benefit the group as a whole, and Vice President might be a better fit for this.

2. What skills or strengths do you bring that helps you stand out?

I am a hard worker. I will jump in wherever I’m needed and not stop until the job is done (unless I break my foot again) I’ve helped Bross with Tifo til all hours of the night, jumped up on the ladder when no other capo is available, work the merch table during tailgates, help breakdown tents and tables, (thanks for showing me how Phil!) and anything travel related the past 2 seasons.

A new plan for tailgates. I have a few ideas I have been toying with and will bring it up to the group once the new board members have been selected.

3. What is your view of the current state of the Sons Of Ben? What areas can be improved upon?

If the SoB’s were a pair of shoes, we would for sure need a shine. But I don’t think we need a complete overhaul. Our hearts are still in it, and our structure is good, it just needs tweaking.

A new plan for tailgates. I have a few ideas I have been toying with and will bring it up to the group once the new board members have been selected.

4. How do feel about the current state of The River End, in terms of fan involvement and interaction?

I love our chants, but we need new ones. We need to breathe life back into tRE, and new chants would be a great start. I also think the product on the field absolutely sways the feeling in the stands. When the team is doing well, tRE is a fun time. When the team isn’t up to par, tRE can be stagnant. But fighting with each other isn’t going to fix anything. If you have an issue, reach out to me or any board member. Your concerns are our concerns.

5. What are your goals for your position?

I want to make sure people are comfortable with talking to someone if they have a problem with another member, any issue within tRE, at a tailgate, or away trip. I am here to listen to you and help come up with a solution that works.

6. What would you say to someone who wants to get more involved or learn more about the group, and it what ways can the group outreach to the Union community, both as a means of driving membership and the game day experience?

Just ask. Seriously, sounds way too easy right? It's just that simple. You wanna help, you have a scarf design, new chant, tifo idea, tailgate thought, speak up. We are always looking for help with something! We are here for you. We couldn’t do the game day experience without you.

7. As the group enters its 13th year, what do you enjoy about the group and where do you find pride in being an SoB?

I am most proud of the love we have and have had for the team. We are there when they are down and we are there when they are up. Rain, snow, bitter cold, tornado warnings or scolding hot weather, we are there. The stadium has been half empty or half full, we are there. I guess this would also be what I enjoy most about the group, our dedication, our loyalty. We put our differences aside, because that doesn’t matter. The team is what matters, their fight is our passion.

Travel Directory

(1 Candidate)

1. Why are you running for the Board?

I have been coming to games since 2010 and have made connections with members of the Sons of Ben that have become family. While I have always involved myself in discussions surrounding the Sons of Ben, it hasn't been until the last couple of years that I've volunteered to help out more at the tailgates. It was through that process, and the desire to really make an impact on the group that I love, that I've decided to run for Travel Director.

2. What skills or strengths do you bring that helps you stand out?

First and foremost, I am a very open and friendly person that loves to meet people and work with people. I believe that a Board member should be honest and extremely welcoming so that everyone feels comfortable taking initiative and/or expressing themselves. In addition, through my professional career as a paralegal and now a contract administrator, I am able to effectively multitask and work well under deadlines, such as the ones I will be dealing with in Travel.

3. What is your view of the current state of the Sons of Ben? What areas can be improved upon?

The SOBs have gone through some very rough years; part of that is the under-performance of the team and the other part I attribute to growing pains. It's easy to keep the enthusiasm for a brand new team that your group was a large part of the reason it even exists in the first place, but harder as the group begins to age. With the recent successful season, a surge of excitement was brought back into the Sons of Ben and you could hear it come game day. The biggest challenge that Sons has is growth. We need to tap into the younger population and get them excited enough to come to games. If we can do that, we will get less people standing around with their arms crossed (Read: Stubhubbers) and more people actively engaged. With new people will also come more creativity to freshen up some of the staleness.

4. How do feel about the current state of The River End, in terms of fan involvement and interaction?

I feel that this past season was amazing for TRE helped in large part by the success of the team. My answer to this largely stems from what I said above about growth of the group. More people and more diversity means more creativity and better interaction.

5. What are your goals for your position?

I want to preface this by saying I can't make promises. I need to know fully how things work with setting up an away game experience. However, I can tell you what I'd like to do and will work my hardest to attempt to achieve such. First, I'd like to try to lower the price point for the away trips. I know that this is easier said than done, but I believe that the current price point keeps many people away from travelling. Lastly, I would like to experiment with a Philadelphia bus option. As I said in one of the previous questions, getting younger, more diverse people will help the group in so many ways. When I was a college student at Temple, I did not have a car and this is probably the case for many, many college students. While the Chester bus will always be there, I would like to attempt a pick up spot somewhere near a major transportation hub in the city for at least one game to see if it makes a difference.

There are so many ways to get involved. The SOBs on social media put out a call for every home game for tailgate volunteers (Free tailgate.. HOLLA!) and sometimes for Tifo volunteers. All you have to do is click the link and sign up for tailgate or just respond to @sobtifo that you can show up to paint for a bit. So, in that respect, it is easy to get more involved. However, I know it can be intimidating to just show up where you might not know anyone. I promise you that you will be immediately welcomed if you do. Also, if ever someone wants to meet more SOBs, please feel free to hit me up at @moocowpup and I will be sure to show you around and introduce you to lots of great people at a tailgate. In terms of membership outreach, I think that we should be at more community events.

7. As the group enters its 13th year, what do you enjoy about the group and where do you find pride in being an SoB?

This group is family. We go through anger, depression, and happiness together. We connect in a way that is very difficult to understand; it's unlike really any other fandom because it's a small community feel. We stick up for our own. I love this group from the bottom of my soul and will do anything to help it grow. Philly vs. Everybody.

Philanthropy Director

(1 Candidate)

1. Why are you running for the Board?

I’m running for a second term as Philanthropy Director. I really loved serving the SoB family and the community, and I’m excited for the chance to serve another term. I love being a part of making our community a better, safer, and more inclusive place, and I absolutely love when our members reach out because they want to get involved, too.

I’ve done a lot of large-scale fundraising, like managing my law firm’s $500k+ United Way campaign and serving as a member of the Auction Committee for the Support Center for Child Advocates, which brings in $400k+ / year to support their mission. I’ve also run a lot of smaller projects on my own and as a Co-Chair to the Young Friends of the Support Center for Child Advocates. I’ve done a hygiene product drive for teens in foster care, a cleaning supply / ”Welcome Kit” drive for arriving refugee families, and a professional clothing drive for veterans.

2. What skills or strengths do you bring that helps you stand out?

For my day job, I serve as the Pro Bono Attorney at a large law firm. I manage our community and nonprofit relationships, and spend a lot of time using our firm resources to support people in need in the Delaware Valley. I’m great at identifying a need and finding ways to meet that need in ways that work for my firm, our nonprofit partners, and most importantly, the clients who we serve.

3. What is your view of the current state of the Sons of Ben? What areas can be improved upon?

I really believe in who we are as a club and what we’re doing. Of course there’s room for improvement; I believe that once we stop trying to succeed and grow and change, we’re done as a club. I think we’re very open and welcoming, which is awesome, but I honestly don’t think many people realize that the only requirement to get involved is to express an interest in getting involved (and not wear red to matches!). We’re a group of people of all different ages, backgrounds, genders, races, and careers who care about the Union.

4. How do feel about the current state of The River End, in terms of fan involvement and interaction?

I think that this season was awesome, and was just a taste of what the team can do. I also think we can do more in TRE to get even louder and to bring more folks into the fold.

5. What are your goals for your position?

I’d like to further develop our community ties and get more involved with non-profits in Chester. I want to get to know the people making Chester a better place, and find out how we can support them in the work that they’re already doing. I also think that there’s a lot we can do to support youth soccer.

There are always others who want to support the Union, and the Sons of Ben really is like a second family to so many of us.

We’re always open to new members and new ideas! I know that it has to be very intimidating to show up at a tailgate or event for the first time, but it’s worth it to give it a shot. If your friends aren’t big soccer fans, and you’re looking to come out to a match, tailgate, or watch party, let us know and we can introduce you to other Sons of Ben.

There are always others who want to support the Union, and the Sons of Ben really is like a second family to so many of us.

I have members constantly reaching out to me to ask how they can help our charity initiatives. I’ve met so many great people who are proud to support the Union and to be part of the Sons of Ben. We have a community and I’m excited to be part of it.

7. As the group enters its 13th year, what do you enjoy about the group and where do you find pride in being an SoB?

I’m part of a club that, in 10 days, managed to pull together 912 pounds of food to donate to the St. Katharine Drexel food bank when their shelves were at emergency levels. I’m really proud of that.

Tailgate Director

(2 Candidates)

1. Why are you running for the Board?

During the past two years on the SOB Board, I have gained valuable insight into what it actually takes to make the Sons of Ben run at the most basic levels. I feel that using this knowledge, I can use my skills to help to keep moving the group forward.

2. What skills or strengths do you bring that helps you stand out?

As a lifelong communicator, and people person, I feel that I can effectively continue to be a bridge between the rank and file SOB, and the board. I am also a facilitator, which means that I have the physical and mental capacity to get ideas transformed into real world applications. I can also juggle, and ride a unicycle, but sadly, not at the same time.

3. What is your view of the current state of the Sons Of Ben? What areas can be improved upon?

I think that what sometimes gets lost is the fact that we are supporters. As much as I am part of the BooBird culture, it is important to me that we truly support our club, especially the players, most importantly, the kids just fresh out of the Academy.

4. How do feel about the current state of The River End, in terms of fan involvement and interaction?

Winning sure does make everything taste sweeter. Once again, TRE is a place that people want to be on gameday, as the atmosphere has been electric. Also, by having credible competition from another group, the level of engagement with all patrons has been pushed to new heights. We should continue to work with all groups, and all fans to be as loud and proud as we can be. And remember- it’s supposed to be fun. Nobody wants to be hassled or browbeat in their seats. We should strive to be the ones that everybody wants to be like.

5. What are your goals for your position?

I plan on continuing to provide a safe, fun atmosphere for an insanely reasonable price, in a fiscally responsible way. I will continue to add new assets, while safeguarding our existing ones. I promise to never run out of beverages.

“Come to our tailgate!” This year, we accommodated 200 guests though the Union/SOB Ticket/Tailgate Promotion. By immersing new people into our culture, while plying them with quality beverages, and showing them a good time, I think we were able to bolster our numbers. And don’t always get on the StubHubbers. I never qualify anyone’s fandom, and if someone can only make a game or two, as long as they’re loud and proud, they should be as welcomed as any one of us.

7. As the group enters its 13th year, what do you enjoy about the group and where do you find pride in being an SoB?

I enjoy being around such a diverse group of people that are united in their passion for the Union. I take great pride in knowing that our support has made a difference not only around the team, but in the community as well.

Tailgate Director

(2 Candidates)

1. Why are you running for the Board?

For my entire time in the SoB, the organization has supported me in a lot of crazy idea. They have given so much joy to me, I felt it was time to give back. Looking at what jobs were needed, or available, I found one that celebrates my strengths.

2. What skills or strengths do you bring that helps you stand out?

I am running for that tailgate spot. A tailgate is a social gather, a celebration. It's a party. I throw a good party in life. I try to be inclusive. I listen to what folks have to say. I have had discussions with frequent attendees of tailgates and those that no longer attend. I have used these discussions to evaluate what can be brought to the tailgates to create an inclusive, fun experience; not just for the frequent attendees, but a path to bring back those that have not attended in a while.

3. What is your view of the current state of the Sons Of Ben?

What areas can be improved upon? In a philanthropic sense, the group in a great spot. I've been asked before to run for a position. What changed this time is my belief in the board really trying to build an inclusive group. They are really trying to do the right thing, despite some critical voices. We saw, this season, how great the support can be. Was there anything more electric than the stadium for Red Bull home playoff? How can we improve? Well, in the little space I am trying to occupy in the SoB, coordinating tailgates, we need to offer a product that gets everyone excited to come to our space in lot B and celebrate who we are. That is where I will start. That is my place in the group. I could give you a six paragraph answer of ideas I have for the tailgate area. If you want that, contact me directly. All I will say here is that I have talked to a lot of people since I started this journey of running for this position. People that attend, those that no longer attend, those that are the volunteers. This is not about me. This is about taking all that feedback and building an experience everyone wants to be a part of. In the end, what we can improve upon is listening to everyone, member or not. It is easy to focus on the familiar faces we see every tailgate, every match in the River End. But, support of the Union goes beyond those folks. They get a voice, but we need to hear every other voice and find a way to build an experience that everyone wants to be a part of.

4. How do feel about the current state of The River End, in terms of fan involvement and interaction?

We have moments of greatness, and moments of widespread apathy. There are times that we are the absolute best support in MLS. Then there are times that the Tri Lambdas from Revenge of the Nerds could make fun of us. It's always fun. We have the best capo in MLS in Adam. So, we do a lot correctly. That said, we have to find a balance between having capos calling chants and letting the support do their own thing. As a capo from the start, I know how much we miss by drowning out new ideas that originate not from the capos, but from The River End itself. We need to find a way to incorporate new people and new ideas. We need to constantly remember our mission in The River End. We are Philly. This is our team. We bleed blue and gold. That's all that matters in that stadium is our club and our fans. Let's all get on the same page. We are 'No One Likes Us, We Don't Care'. In the River End, no more fighting each other, no more open celebration of players on opposing teams that we loved at X European club. I love Robbie Keane. But when he came to town with LA, I didn't try to high five him or get his autograph while I was in The River End. He was not on my club, so he meant nothing to me. We need that passion in every person. We need to welcome new folks in and teach them that passion. We have our moments, but until we all get on the same page, and focus on what we are about, being the best support in MLS, creating an environment that shows the love we have for our club and creating the most hostile environment in the league for opposing clubs. We need to be the same supporters when Vancouver comes to town that we are when NYRB or DCU are here.

5. What are your goals for your position?

First, we need to reinvigorate our tailgates. Bigger variety of food, improvement of the tailgate area (new tailgate games, child friendly areas, live music, City Wide Specials available at the beer trailor, etc). I want to create the kind of space and event that brings people together, not just the regular attendee, but those that one come for a few special tailgates a year, those that do not show up anymore, and those that have walked by many times and never joined us. I want people to walk by and want to walk through that gate and join us. I want some much energy coming from that tailgate area that it is the place to be before every home match. So, we need to clean it up a bit, make some improvement cosmetically, bring in the kinds of foods, drink, and activities that make people want to be there every match. My goal is to make those tailgates a party; a celebration.

To someone who wants to get more involved, it starts with showing up. That is how I got involved. I just showed up and started doing stuff. This is your group. Walk up and talk to me. Or Matt, or Jess, or a random member. Honestly, the best way to learn and get involved is to just go walk up, chat someone up, and find your place to step up and help. As far as outreach, the SoB has a presence at every Union event. Let's take those opportunities to ask the team if we can set up a table with info. Let's utilize social media to post content that shows the group, not just in the stadium, but in the Union and greater soccer community, helping, interacting, and continuing to build a culture that strengths the sport and supporter culture. Have free tailgate passes that we hand out to other fans as we interact with them so they can come in and see what we are all about. As the SoB, we should be in our communities supporting not just the pro aspect of the sport, but every level. The SoB started grassroots. If we want to grow, we need to reinvest in the grassroots aspect of the group.

But, end of the day, this is not about me. This is about the you. Listening to what you have to say, what you want, and what we as leadership can do to give you that experience.

7. As the group enters its 13th year, what do you enjoy about the group and where do you find pride in being an SoB?

The SoB is an extension of my family. We may argue, yell ,and (rarely) have physical altercations, but I know that we all have each other's back. When help is needed, I know that many members of the SoB will step up and help. You are my family.

But, end of the day, this is not about me. This is about the you. Listening to what you have to say, what you want, and what we as leadership can do to give you that experience.

Guest UserNovember 19, 2019Comment

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