Christopher Pop-In-Kins™: Santa's Very First Children's Elf!

Behind Imaginatives

Who is Imaginatives, Ltd.?

Christopher-Pop-In-Kins, the elf who gives new meaning to Christmas family tradition, was brought to life by a special team of people. When you get to know them, you'll understand why family is so important to them. And why they strive to bring families like yours together year after year.

The Creator of Christopher and the Inspiration for Imaginatives, Ltd.

Flora Johnson loved kids and loved being a kid. She especially loved Christmas. In 1985, her two passions came alive when she created the Christopher Pop-In-Kins story and toy elf.

Flora's hide-and-seek game brings the magic of Christmas into homes and promotes family togetherness through a beautifully written and illustrated children's book and plush elf doll.

To facilitate the creation, sales and marketing of Christopher Pop-In-Kins, Imaginatives, Ltd. was also born in 1985. The plush elf and book were packaged together and sold through positive word of mouth. Today, thousands of families across the continental U.S. and Alaska have invited Christopher Pop-In-Kins into their homes.

In 2002 Mrs. Johnson signed over the rights to Imaginatives and its products to her son Rick. Rick introduced Christopher to the Internet that year, marketed Christopher-Pop-In-Kins through local retailers and exhibited the elf and story book at tradeshows.

In 2004 Rick exhibited at Toy Fair as well as the Chicago Gift & Home Market where Christopher-Pop-In-Kins received the Chicago's Choice Award.

Sadly, Flora passed away in 2005, and Christopher Pop-In-Kins was not available to anyone who didn't already have him. Rick deeply respected his mother's pure and honest love of children and the elf who made them laugh. He was determined to keep her dream alive.

Traditional Family Values Combine with Innovation and Imagination

In 2006, Rick brought together a team of talented people who were as determined as he was to make Christopher-Pop-In-Kins available to families everywhere. The new Imaginatives team included Flora’s son, Rick; Brian Bradway, illustrator; Edward Kuntzman, editor and writer; and David Kuntzman, business manager.

Rick Johnson, CEO
“When mom and dad passed away in 2005, I felt an enormous sense of responsibility towards keeping their dream, that all children would one day know Christopher Pop-In-Kins, alive and well. And to that end I marched, often slowly, but with a determination that somehow I couldn't let them down. The end result is the team below; people who amaze me with their professionalism, creativity, and integrity. I could not have done this without them.

“Mom and dad's spirits live anew every year when Christopher Pop-In-Kins makes his yearly visit to children's homes, and families across this nation once again look forward to this wonderful tradition. Now how cool is that?”

Rick lives in Alliance, Ohio with his wife Cindy. Rick has a son Eric, two twin girls, Heather and Sarah, step-daughter Jamie and granddaughter Alana—and of course, Christopher-Pop-In-Kins.

David L. Kuntzman, President
With a background in business and the arts, David provides Imaginatives with management and creativity. He is also the owner and president of David L. Kuntzman Insurance Agency and is an artist with paintings in the permanent collections of local museums and organizations.

David lives in Paris, Ohio with his wife Diane and his daughters Lauren and Lindsay.

Brian Bradway, V.P. Creative Services
After spending 18 years in the advertising community as an art director, illustrator and creative director, Brian turned his efforts to his own freelance business, Bradway Creative, in 2007. One of his first projects was joining the Imaginatives team and helping to shape the updated look of Christopher Pop-In-Kins. Brian has received many awards from organizations such as the American Advertising Association, the Telly Awards and Billboard Magazine.

Brian lives in Alliance, Ohio with his wife Missy and his three sons, Trent, Alec and Nicholas.

Edward L.Kuntzman, V.P. Creative Services
As manager, director, actor and playwright, Edward has been involved with theater for over 30 years. A recipient of numerous awards for his presentations and productions, Edward is the owner and director of his own theater group, The Harmony Players. He provides Imaginatives with his own unique creativity and writing skills.

Edward lives in North Canton, Ohio and is currently writing a musical based upon the Pop-In-Kins story.

Family tradition is important to us, and we know it is to you too. Bring Christopher-Pop-In-Kin into your home and watch as the magic of this little Christmas elf changes your world for the better.