-Life as a Social Entrepreneur and Community Champion-
Sports fandom has always been a powerful force. Some would even argue that it is one of the most powerful forms of community building in that it like no other endeavor, can gather people of varying race, creed and socioeconomic status to band together and get behind a united cause.
Detractors or those who might try to minimize the significance of it all might point out that these group rallying cries are built on mounds of triviality; namely outcomes of “games” that are inconsequential when considering macro takes on life and living.
However, our guest on this episode is someone I’d suspect would take major issue with the downplaying of fandom. After hearing him speak and listening to his story, I’d surmise that you may too.
Introducing
Del Reid is a Buffalo NY based social entrepreneur, non-profit founder, community builder extraordinaire and super fan. His company, 26 Shirts is an enterprise based around selling limited edition Buffalo-themed t-shirts.
Charitable Endeavours
For every shirt sold, a donation is made to a specified family in need or charitable organization. The donations are most often directed towards charitable organizations that support health and medical concerns, or unexpected family emergencies for those in the community.
Sports Fandom
Del has always had a passion for bringing people together to celebrate things they share in common. Ironically, that is exactly what he has been able to do on scale via his passionate following of an NFL football club, the Buffalo Bills.
Reid and his efforts have resulted in him and his company helping to inspire Buffalo NY residents to raise and donate nearly $1.5 million toward charitable organizations.
To add to his story, Del also serendipitously established himself as a pseudo fan godfather of this rabid NFL fanbase. He was one the one that launched the now unifying label for Bills fans from around the world; Bills Mafia.
This moniker has now come to represent much more than just fandom. Rather it refers to a group of people who yes, tirelessly support their team, but also support each other and their community and even communities in other cities.
Their social hashtag #BillsMafia has become just as much a rallying cry for their team, as it has been for flash-mob like social donations amounting to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars donated to utterly worthy charitable causes.
Reasons to Listen
The conversation covers a lot ground incorporating story, insights and takes on a number of topics not limited to:
- Del’s early beginnings and what lead to the launching of 26 Shirts and becoming a social entrepreneur
- What makes his company unique and what he must constantly remind external business consultants about when assessing his operations
- How the rise of social media influenced his career pathway and trajectory
- How a confluence of events involving a spunky group of Bills fans, NFL insider Adam Schefter and current Bills ownership helped give rise to the notoriety of the moniker Bills Mafia
- Specific examples of how Bills fans have rallied to spearhead some rather amazing charitable endeavours
- What the Buffalo Bills mean to the community of Western New York in Del’s opinion
- One of Del’s most memorable fandom stories involving himself and retired NFL great Thurman Thomas
- Del’s take on the future of Bills Mafia and it’s evolution in terms of social contribution
The talk will be an enjoyable look at a career, life and business defined by sports fandom, giving and civic pride.
A Memorable Quote from the Episode:
“I’ve never been rich. I’ve never had lots of things. Whenever my bank account has been healthy, sure that’s been nice but that’s not fulfillment. Having a bunch of stuff isn’t fulfillment. Helping someone in a terrible situation. That is fulfillment; at least for me.”
-Del Reid
Check out the Video Conversation:
For those who desire to view the full video conversation of this discussion, you can do so via Youtube.
Words of Wisdom:
Hear from Del as he shares advice to those who are interested in not only becoming a social entrepreneur but successful in life and living.
Discover More
For those interested in learning more about Del and his work, you can find out more about him via the following social platforms and links:
Keep Listening!
I hope you enjoyed the episode. For more, check out additional episodes here!
