Name: Gerard Kersey
Profession: Entrepreneur/ Philanthropist
Age: 44
One Word That Describes You: Passionate
As a manager at the Department of Motor Vehicles in New York, Gerard Kasey has seen men come in for interviews that were qualified, but unprepared. That Suits You, a nonprofit organization that gives professional attire to men for prom, graduation, and work, is now addressing this issue. With his brother on his team, TSY has grown its efforts into a full scale organization, including a board of advisors and a network of partner organizations throughout New York City and across the country, helping to equip men with the attire they need to succeed.
Every day qualified men are turned down by employers, solely because they come into an interview without the proper clothing. Tired of seeing this happen, Kersey decided to do something about it. “This really bothered me because there is not a lack of clothing in America, but so many men lack access to clothing and it hinders them from gaining employment, and supporting their families,” Kersey tells BE Modern Man. “Without access to jobs, some of
these men may enter into criminal activity to survive and put food on the table. I was blessed to enter into this field,” says Kersey. “There are many options for women but very few for men. One of the obstacles we have faced has been finding adequate space to store suits. Location is very expensive in NYC, but we have been fortunate and very creative with what we have. We are always looking for more space as well. But as a nonprofit, price is a huge consideration.”Starting a nonprofit organization is no easy task. Basic startup costs are critical, but support from the community and getting them to buy into the vision is paramount. “Many people were very supportive, and I believe the ones I needed to be in my life were there,” says Kersey. “They spoke words of encouragement and support, and went above and beyond to help the vision come to pass. Others took more of a wait-and- see approach. I appreciate everyone who supported and everyone that didn’t support, because both were needed in teaching valuable lessons. Never shying away from the word “no,” Kersey and his team beat the pavement in search of space, suits, and support.
In addition to providing men with suits, TSY holds workshops where they train and prepare men for the business world, promotions, and entrepreneurship. Kersey firmly believes that the men he sees day after day, who get rejected for positions that they are qualified for, carry key tenets to succeed. “It is in us to be aggressive and go after our goals,” Kersey tells BE Modern Man. “That aggression is definitely needed to attack dreams, goals and, ultimately, success. But this aggressiveness is sometimes channeled in the wrong areas, which lead to stereotypes and misunderstandings. I believe with proper leadership and training, which we provide at TSY, men can channel their strength in a productive way.
Read more about who Kersey credits with helping him build That Suits You…
Through his personal and professional experiences, Kersey has gained knowledge that helps him build, create, and grow TSY. He credits men in his life, such as Pastor David Sparks, Dr. Fred Price, Mike Freemen, and Pastor
Paul. B Mitchell, for setting the bar high and providing him with great guiding principles. “Learn as much as you can though formal education to perfect your craft, but do not be afraid to earn on the go,” says Kersey. “While I definitely did my homework, plenty of the lessons I have learned the hard way have added value as well, because some lessons may not have been learned any other way.” No matter how big the task, Kersey reminds us that in order to accomplish anything we must first start the process.When asked what advice he has for those attempting to build relationships in the entrepreneurial community he says, “always be professional, keep your word, and be sincere and on time.” These traits have helped Kersey on his path and, in turn, have enabled him to assist those that follow his example. “I have met, and continue to meet, African Americans that are nothing like the stereotypes placed on us. In fact, I would not be moving forward with my vision if it were not for African Americans who helped me,
assisted me, and supported me. I believe we are changing the dynamic, and people like Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry should be thanked for being examples of this. We are rewriting our history, and this needs to be shouted from the roof tops.”Balancing family time with his career, business, nonprofit and pastoral duties, can be overwhelming, but Kersey is very deliberate with planning and scheduling. “I believe the BE Modern Man is a man that is responsible for his family,” says Kersey. “He raises his children and praises his wife as a woman of virtue. He is a business man that is an excellent leader and a champion for the youth, volunteering his time to educate them. He is not perfect but he is perfect, for today’s time, to lead the next generation.”
The BlackEnterprise.com team congratulates Gerard Kersey and TSY in their efforts to uplift and support the community by providing deserving men the tools needed to obtain jobs.
It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow and join the Black Enterprise Modern Man conversation at #BEModernMan and @blackenterprise