In this episode, David sits down with the co-owner of the Ref Stop, Dale Wilson, to explore the unique niche of referee and match official equipment in the UK. Dale shares his journey from being a newly qualified referee to establishing a thriving business that caters to the needs of referees at all levels. He discusses the challenges faced in the industry, the importance of community support, and the significance of providing quality gear that enhances referees' confidence on the pitch. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Ref Stop specialises in supplying referee and match official equipment, recognising that the market for referees is significantly smaller compared to the vast number of players and coaches. This niche focus allows them to cater specifically to the needs of referees. The business is built on a foundation of community, aiming to support referees at all levels. They provide not only equipment but also a sense of belonging, making it clear that their door is always open for referees to seek advice or just chat. The co-owner's military background has provided valuable skills such as discipline, commitment, and leadership, which have been effectively applied to running the business. This highlights the importance of transferable skills when transitioning between different industries. The Ref Stop prioritises quality in the products they offer, ensuring that they only stock items they would personally use. They actively seek feedback from referees to improve their offerings and have even influenced product designs with brands like Puma and Joma. BEST MOMENTS "It was just the inability to be able to get the equipment that I needed as a newly qualified referee." "I think from a retail point of view, there's only, what, 38, 40,000 referees in England." "We've always been really good and we're very blessed to have the people that we've got because they've always been invested." "Refereeing can be a really, really lonely place." "The more we can support you in the work that you do, the bigger that we get." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/