About Simply Saint Nick

First put on the suit for a grade school pageant entitled The Night Before Christmas (1983), which led to performing the role throughout school years at holiday parties, pageants, and for neighborhood families.

Mentored by the “Boom Town Santa” of Nitro, West Virginia – Jay Long.

Graduate of both the International University of Santa Claus and the St. Nicholas Institute.

Portrayer of both Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas.

Professional Santa Claus for corporate, civic, and private events (1997-Present); for department stores and malls including Kmart, Wal-Mart, Charleston Town Center/Santa Plus, Chick-Fil-A, John Cook Jewelers, and Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach; and for photography studios (2005-present).

Fundraiser and Board Member for Secret Santa Charity of Kanawha and Boone Counties in West Virginia (2005-2009). Have gone on to fundraise for many children’s charities, as well as perform as Santa for such groups as Santa America, Wells Fargo Third Party Administrators charities, and Hospice Care of West Virginia.

Named the official Santa Claus of the City of Saint Albans, West Virginia, by the Saint Albans Partnership and Area Chamber of Commerce/City Council (2012).

Featured Santa Claus in local and regional media and press articles, including print, television, and radio advertising (2005-Present).

Performances onstage in regional theater productions include The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (2011), Miracle on 34th Street (2012), The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (2013), and Adventures in Santa Claus Land (2019). I have an uncredited appearance in They Wore the Red Suit film (2012).

First published as an author regarding Santa Claus in Christmas Memories of Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus by Charlie Jones (2006). First performed as a playwright in Adventures in Santa Claus Land (2019).

Songwriter/Performer of an original Christmas album for charity (2009).

Served the Santa community as a voice of encouragement and as an advocate for high standards in the Santa community since 2003 on various forums; wrote and performed I Carry the Torch – a song dedicated to the men and women who wear the red suit;  member of the Santa Claus Oath Committee, the Knights of St. Nicholas, and have been awarded several industry awards including Keep Christ in Christmas award and the Order of the Benevolent Reindeer.