My “theater life” began with a high school production. Thirty-five years and over 100 productions later, I have been a director, actor, playwright, and participant of almost every theater committee. In September 2007, I even started my own theater troupe.
My “real life” (meaning I get paid for doing something) has consisted of being an office manager, a theater manager, a costumed mascot, a picture framer, a banquet designer, and, currently, an insurance agent for long term care.
Then, an elf came into my “real life”.
I met Christopher Pop-In-Kins through my brother (and my employer) at the insurance agency.
I had never heard of this elf. But most of my friends had! And, for several, Christopher had been part of their family for many years.
I was invited to join the Imaginatives team and, soon, “Pop-In-Kins, the Musical” was in the works: Singing elves! A reindeer chorus! And a tap dancing Santa!
The response has been amazing: elementary schools, community theaters. Everyone wants to do the show.
Much of the time, my “theater life” and “real life” have remained separate. Leave it to an elf to join the two!
Popularity: 8% [?]
Posted on June 19, 2008
Rick's Blog
What Do Insurance and Christmas Elves Have in Common?
That would be me, Dave Kuntzman, president of an insurance agency and Imaginatives.
I own an insurance agency that helps individuals and small companies. The best part of the job is not only meeting new business owners, but also hearing about how their company came to be. Since 1985, I have heard thousands of stories about successful businesses and their unique products and services. I thought I had heard it all.
Then along came Rick Johnson.
Our first meeting was over breakfast; I spent about five minutes on the benefits of life insurance, and about 55 minutes hearing about a Christmas Elf named Christopher Pop-In-Kins. I offered a few observations; and we parted with the plan to get together again. I was intrigued with Rick’s business, but I did not expect the reaction I got when I arrived back at my office. My assistant, Debbie Burge, greeted me with “you met with Christopher Pop-In-Kins!” She then told me all about her family traditions with the Christmas Elf with great enthusiasm.
After a few more enthusiastic responses from others around me, I started to think of ways to help Rick. One of the benefits of two decades of insurance work is getting to know the right people for any situation and need; and I enjoy making those connections. A few more breakfast meetings took place, a few suggestions were given, and some connections were made. And then something occurred that I was not expecting: Rick asked if I would like to become a partner?! I was hooked, and I agreed somewhat tentatively; after all, I did have an agency, and my time was limited.
Since then, Christopher has slowly taken over my agency and my time. Debbie has taken on the extra responsibility of being one of Christopher’s stars at the tradeshows. My office manager now also doubles as Christopher’s bookkeeper.
Rick’s office (AKA the international headquarters of Imaginatives, Ltd. home of Christopher Pop-In-Kins) is now within my agency’s offices. And, the tradeshow booth stands proudly in the back of our office, allowing Christopher to greet my insurance clients.
My clients have accepted my extracurricular activity; they had previously accepted my involvement in the arts and various boards in the community. And, I know this might be a surprise for you, but they would rather talk about Christopher than life insurance! Christopher has taken over most of my time; and I find myself reminding my clients (and myself) that I still do insurance. But, this morning, I am deep in the details of planning for our next tradeshows. And I am having the time of my life.
Popularity: 27% [?]
Posted on March 4, 2008
Rick's Blog
Meet Brian, Christopher’s Illustrator
My name is Brian Bradway and I’m the illustrator for Christopher Pop-In-Kins.
First of all, to everyone who has invited Christopher into your homes over the past 20 something years, I’m really hoping you enjoy the next step we are taking here. A little over a year ago Rick and the Imaginatives team asked me to help take Christopher to the next level. I have to say, as excited as I was to take on this project I was also pretty dang scared! Christopher Pop-In-Kins is such a well-loved tradition and I hoped I wasn’t screwing something up. But so far the response has been over-the-top positive! So if you like what you see - thank you. If you don’t - it was all Rick’s idea! Just kidding. ; )
And to everyone new to the Christopher Pop-In-Kins tradition, welcome! As a parent myself, I have seen what the presence of this little elf can do. If Christopher was found hiding in the kitchen, my youngest seemed compelled to clean the dinner table off without being asked. If Christopher was in the living room, pillows were fluffed and toys were picked up. I’m starting to think a year-round elf may be a very good idea… My niece has also found that if she sets out broken toys and asks Christopher nicely, he fixes them by the next day. This is a feature that my brother-in-law LOVES!
Children just love this little guy and I’m sure you’ll have wonderful stories to share in no time as well. Can’t wait to hear them!
Popularity: 73% [?]
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Filed under Christopher Stories by Edward Kuntzman