We’re looking forward to introducing you to Frank Chappell. Check out our conversation below.
Frank, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is the most important to me followed by intelligence then energy. You can always be intelligent or have large amounts of energy and surround yourself with others with the same talents but, integrity is by far the most impotant. I need to know that people around me have it and I must have it as well.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I believe the new term for what I do is Santa Claus portrayal artist. I am in my eleventh year and having a great time! I love the looks on children’s faces when they see and recognize me out and about during the course of the year. Sometimes children will shy away being a little nervous but I’ve noticed that the adults often are more excited to see me than the children.
I work with several very talented photographers doing photo sessions with their clients. I donate visits to be auctioned off for fund raising efforts for schools and other organizations. I do many visits for private parties or single family homes as well as several public appearances.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My father. I watched my father work hard all my life and taught me a great work ethic. Work hard, give a good day’s work for a good day’s pay and taught me how to work with others.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I don’t recall there ever being a time that I almost gave up on anything. I normally would be looking for ways to accomplish what I was attempting by thinking out of the box or asking for assistance from someone who may know more than me.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
This is a very tough question. I am an introvert doing an extroverts job. In public I am Santa Based on the way I look I cannot get away from that. I’m jovial, a jokester, giving, tender, loves hugs (giving and receiving) and always willing to take selfies with those I meet. In private – I am still all of that but less “on”. I love quiet times at home and with family and friends.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I hope that my customers would miss seeing me and sharing joys and laughs. In all honesty though I would miss them more. In the years I’ve been doing this I am still seeing families that I visited during my first year. I have watched infants grow to young boys and girls, youngsters to teenagers, to college graduates, to getting married and now having children of their own. I have the chance to visit or see many of the children during the year in other places. They are surprised when I may show up at an event they are attending or I may schedule a special visit with them to celebrate a milestone in their life. It feels that I’m welcomed as family and I would miss that the most.
Image Credits
Laura Stansbury Photography
Tracy Wallen Photography
Irish Eyes Newborn & Families
Ricki Lauren Photography
Rachel Bernhardt/Gracie Ray Photography
Lindsay Coser/That Chick & A Camera
Tiffany Henning/TH Photography & Design
