This is part of the say something nice about an SEO/SEM series - feel free to nominate someone over here.
Eric Gehler is 52 years old, lives in Richmond, Virginia with his wife and soulmate, Margie. They also have 3 cats and "the best dog ever, Sampson," he told me. Eric Gehler is a name some of you may recognize, we covered some of his findings here before.
He is a top contributor in the Google forums, which is a big deal to me. Being a top contributor, by definition, means you give a ton of your time to help others with absolutely little to zero return. In fact, not only do most of the top contributors get nothing back in return, they often get back attitude and complaints from those they give advice to. It is often a thankless volunteer job.
He has been in the SEO space since before Google, starting in 1995. He is also very experienced in the ad side of things. He is constantly sharing in the form of participating in online forums, the Google forums, producing videos and content. He is a true giver and sharer and loves helping others.
An anonymous person nominated and shared this story:
Eric Gehler from Richmond VA with Big Oak Inc, has helped me as well as 100's of people sharing his knowledge of AdWords and SEO in many forums, hangouts, and personal phone calls. He was a Google Top Contributor in websearch and in adwords help forums. He belongs to many G+ communities where he goes out of his way to be helpful and always spot on in his answers.He called me without knowing me to help me with my issues, "because he could fix my issues quicker in a conversation rather the typing a book".
I have followed Eric's advice and guidance for several years now. Unfortunately he doesn't have the time to participate in the Google help forums anymore, but anyone who ever reaches out to him, will get an honest helpful response. He is one of the unsung heros of the industry who has helped many, and if you ever had the pleasure to have Eric Gehler become involved with your issues you can rest assured it will be professionally handled.
Eric is top notch and deserves a thank you from many.
Eric Gehler Bio: Eric Gehler is an army brat who moved all over the world in his formative years. He settled in Richmond, VA after graduating from the University of Virginia in 1987. After several Fortune 500 jobs, his entrepreneurial spirit lead him to into his own business endeavors, utilizing the internet to generate and produce income. As a self-taught SEO and webmaster, he has been in the SEO and SEM game since 1995 (pre-Google). With 22-years of online marketing experience, Eric is partnered with Big Oak Inc., a Google Premier Partner, specializing in AdWords PPC and SEO.
Favorite thing about the SEO community? My favorite thing about the SEO community is its wiliness to share insights, knowledge and overall helpfulness. In my opinion, even with all the changes, hiccups, loss of members and new players, the community’s karma has always been positive.
One piece of advice to the SEOs out there? One piece of advice I would give to SEO and PPC people is to never stop studying, reading, and being on top information that is being presented. However, always TEST anything you do before making a wholesale change based on someone else’s opinion. SEO and PPC changes should be done methodically, in small scale, to prove its effectiveness, then ramp up once proven effective.
Favorite things in general? Favorite Color: Sky Blue; Favorite Food: Pizza (preferably pepperoni & onion)
What you want to be known for in the SEO space? "He is quick with joke, or to light up your smoke, but there’s someplace that he’d rather be." I would like to be known as someone who helped others and was able to impart wisdom, knowledge and experience.
To learn more about Eric, check out his professional site and connect with him on LinkedIn.
This is part of the say something nice about an SEO/SEM series - feel free to nominate someone over here.
