Gridiron Gang opens doors for Esks

April 26, 2010

Edmonton Eskimos
ESKS.com Staff

Bruce Simpson didn’t need to do more to show his passion for the Edmonton Eskimos.  As owner of William Huff Advertising, a successful local business, Simpson has had a long partnership as the official signage company of both the Esks and the Canadian Football League.  For the last 13 years, Simpson and brother and business partner Dave have set up the signage at Commonwealth Stadium and crisscrossed the country doing the same at playoff games and Grey Cups.      

Dedicated and committed though he may be, a year ago Simpson answered the call to become a member of the fledgling Gridiron Gang, a group of Edmonton businesspeople who serve as club “ambassadors” the local corporate community.  As Simpson puts it, the mandate is to create opportunities and sales for the club in the key areas of ticket sales and sponsorship. “We don’t make the actual sales, but tap into our contacts and pave the way for the club to close deals”.  

Groups like the Gridiron Gang are not without precedence in the CFL and pro sports.  The BC Lions’ “Waterboys”, formed by the late club president Bob Ackles, and the Calgary Stampeders’ “Horsemen” are two examples of business leaders using their expertise and boardroom connections to help support their respective clubs.  Closer to home, the Edmonton Oilers Copper Jackets played a key role in rallying community support and corporate dollars when the team faced the real possibility of moving to the U.S.  

While the Eskimos are on solid financial footing and have been for years, Simpson says the need to get involved and help unearth new business leads and generate revenue is vitally important. “This group allows Eskimo sales staff to connect with  people they might otherwise not be able to reach.”

Simpson, who’s in the first year of a two-year term as Gridiron Gang President, is part of a six member executive committee that includes former Eskimo Tom Richards, Jared Smith, Rob LeLacheur, Sam Cordero and Mike O’Hara.  

The group meets bi-monthly to brainstorm and network in the hopes of helping the Eskimos score big off the field. 

The lifeblood of any successful team is new talent and the Gridiron Gang is no different. Simpson says it’s not an exclusive group and they’re looking to add new recruits to their roster.                  

Not only is the Gridiron Gang looking to drum up business for the Eskimos, but also Grey Cup 2010 in Edmonton.  Says Simpson, “There’s huge interest in the game and it’s an added bonus to be able to present Grey Cup opportunities to prospective clients.” 

“If the Gridiron Gang didn’t exist the Eskimos would be fine,” says Simpson. “The club would meet its targets, but we’re here to help take it to the next level.”    

The Edmonton Eskimo Gridiron Gang is a collection of well established, like-minded, well connected, business and community leaders. We are Edmonton Eskimo season seat holders and die-hard fans. Our mission is to act as street warriors and community ambassadors towards the long-term success and sustainability of the Eskimos.

Members

Tracy Rohl – Hudsons Canadian Tap House