Meet David Gerson | Referee, Postive Sports Advocate and Marketing Executive

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Gerson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I try to be humble, approachable and fun. I try to explain very tedious and often confusing topics in an energetic and enaging way that appeals to people of all ages. Most people never read the “Laws of the Game”, including referees. Now people have a quick and easy way to learn the rules that govern the most popular sport in the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I never would’ve thought that I would be a Social Media Influncer as a 49 year old. I believe that my key to success in Social Media is focusing on content that is of value to my community, being authentic and approachable.

In the early days when only a few people would comment on my videos, I would respond and engage with every single person. I tried to listen closely to what they found of interest and made sure to speak in their language. Still to this day, I respond to every single message I receive.

I certainly receive plenty of hate messages and hurtful comments, but I don’t focus on that. I feel bad for people who are so sad that they try to make other people sad along with them. I concentrate on the people who love what I do and try to pay them back for their support every single day.

My brand has now become an international phenomenon with 50% of my 200k+ followers outside of the United States. I’ve received messages of support from as far away as Nepal and Guam and have shipped merchandise to Sweden and South Africa and everywhere in between.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love a Food Hall! Whether it’s Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market or the West Side Market, that is where I would take people from out of town. I love getting a bunch of items from a range of resturants and sharing all of the various dishes amongst each other.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m a voice for the voiceless. Referees normally suffer in silence and have no one to tell their story. My fellow refs inspire me everyday with their courage and desire to serve their communities in the face of consistent abuse and threats to their physical well being.

My son Jacob, who decided to be a referee at 10 years old. I decided to join him and get certified since I would be driving him to the matches. 9 years later and we’ve spent 1000’s of hours working and spending quality time together. I’m in awe of his courage, intelligence and grit.

My wife Rachelle, my daughter Stella and my son Cameron who have my crazy idea to start a referee TikTok. My entire family has participated in videos, taken footage of me at games and supported me as I spent countless hours making 1000’s of videos in our basement.

Website: https://www.refsneedlovetoo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refsneedlovetoo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgerson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refsneedlovetoo

Other: Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/refs-need-love-too/id1639462746

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@refsneedlovetoo?lang=en

Image Credits
These are all my own personal pics. No image credit needed.