Dave Raymond - The Power of Fun

Meet Dave Raymond

Moving directly from college student to campy green furball, Dave Raymond pioneered the field of sports mascots as the first person to go out on the field as the world-renowned Phillie Phanatic. During his 16 years performing as the Phanatic in 48 states and five countries, Dave’s charismatic showmanship carried the Philadelphia Phillies to World Series victories and unimagined levels of popularity, sparking a revolution in the mascot industry.

Leveraging the unique lessons he learned from the inside out (literally!), Dave made a seamless transition as an entrepreneur into the world of character branding and mascot development. Since starting Raymond Entertainment Group nearly 20 years ago, he has designed and rehabilitated hundreds of character brands for Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, and colleges and universities. In 2005, he founded the Mascot Hall of Fame.

In the The Power of Fun! keynote, virtual events and best-selling book, Dave shares his “phantastic” story—and how his time as the Phanatic revealed to him fun’s transformative effects as the key to living a content, healthier and more productive life. While others have studied how to unlock the power of fun, Dave actually lived it. Now, he shares his simple-to-implement F.U.N. process for creating sustainable, long-lasting happiness—and building the life of your dreams.

Watch Dave Speak Read Dave's Book

Media Features:

Dave Interviewed by CBC Radio's "Day 6" (Oct 9, 2021)

Dave's Book - "The Power of Fun"

Buy The Book

Dave Raymond had it all in his early 30s—starting a family and an enviable career as the Philadelphia Phillies’ lovable green mascot, the Phillie Phanatic. Then, like a lightning strike, his 58-year-old mother was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Eight months later, she passed away and his first marriage dissolved at the same time. However, during the most difficult time in his life, Dave continued to put on the green furry Phanatic costume, despite wanting to call it a career. And Dave is thrilled he stuck with the Phanatic, who raised his happiness vibration and taught him about overcoming personal adversity. In The Power of Fun! Dave shares the most entertaining and memorable stories about his time as the Phanatic, including helping take his hometown baseball team to the World Series. Even more importantly, he unveils his ingenious Power of Fun process, backed by the science of positive psychology. Dave learned that when he zipped up the green, furry costume and let the Phanatic’s personality take over, he experienced happiness, fun and joy at a whole other level. The Power of Fun is simple to understand, learn and implement. You too can learn how to prioritize fun and use it to overcome life’s most painful curveballs. In fact, by harnessing fun’s transformative power, you can be happier, healthier and more productive at home and at work, starting today. The Power of Fun! book is a powerful add-on to Dave’s live and virtual events. Order individual signed copies, or one for every member of your team or event attendee.

Watch Dave Speak

Dave's Keynote

From 1978, when Dave Raymond first donned the green fur until he left the Philadelphia Phillies in 1994, he redefined the world of live character performance as the original Phillie Phanatic. Also a successful entrepreneur, Dave has worked with some of the world’s leading companies, universities and teams, using the same creative process that created a multimillion-dollar brand extension for the Phillies. Along the way, his “phanatical” thinking process and focus on fun helped Dave get through some of the most difficult times in his life.

In his memorable The Power of Fun! keynote and virtual events, Dave entertains audiences with the best stories from his performance career, and he outlines a simple process—a ground-breaking, data-backed theory about fun—that changes people’s lives. Dave shares how his adventures as the original Phanatic led him to realize that serious fun holds the key to living a happier, healthier and more productive life—and to overcoming extreme adversity.

Dave’s presentation can be customized to fit the needs of your event and audience. This empowering keynote can fill anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes. The performance and content will be tailored to your initiatives for developing culture, health, productivity or morale. It is interactive, memorable, and will leave your audience energized and ready to meet new challenges.

Ask about adding a meet and greet for a more personal and memorable touch!

Phanatical Care

Dave and his team go above and beyond to deliver the best possible experience for everyone throughout your engagement. Learn more in this behind-the-scenes blog post.

Inquire Success Stories

Thank you for sharing your passion, your energy, and your commitment to the power of distracting fun and to the idea that humans can intentionally make a difference in how happy they are. You are an inspiration.
Diana Stevens, Educational Director – Osher LL Learning Center
Dave Raymond is a sure-fire way to energize your group and give positive perspective when you need it most. Dave does a great job tailoring the presentation to align with your organization’s goals and creating thought provoking conversations. We highly recommend Dave for your next event!
First State Chapter ALA
I can’t thank you enough!!! What an awesome session and follow-up chat. This is my 22nd Conference with CMAA and you rank up there with Louis Zamperini, Amy Purdy and Nichole Malachowski as my favorite speakers. Thank you for everything!
David McCabe, Senior Director, Education, CMAA
Our senior leadership has been challenged and stressed as you can imagine. Your message was powerful and fun! Our team now knows that fun can be a part of everything we do. It all worked and was perfect. Thank you!
Mark Brainard, President, DTCC
The class loved your speech- the message, your energy, and the inside scoop on what it was like to BE THE PHANATIC and how it taught you The Power of Fun! It is an inspiration.
Elizabeth Dow, CEO, Leadership Philadelphia
During our “Fireside Chat” I discussed with Dave his passion for injecting fun into our work-life. It was palpable, and resonated with our Managers during the end of a difficult 2020. We definitely saw a mindset shift afterwards.
Chris Moran, Director of Sales Operations, Staples Promotional Products
Thank you for bringing your positive energy to our retreat. It had been a tough year and it was the perfect time for the Power of Fun.
Sheetz Family Council
Dave Raymond is a sure-fire way to energize your group and give positive perspective when you need it most. Dave does a great job tailoring the presentation to align with your organization’s goals and creating thought provoking conversations.
First State Chapter ALA
“Thank you for the outstanding job you did at the event! I’ve heard so much praise about both the keynote speech and workshop! One of our sponsors actually got emotional while telling us how your speech hit home professionally and personally. How dead-on your message was—it hit deep and was fun at the same time!”
Marcella Saborio, president, Qua Marketing
“Your time with our team was so influential. It’s 18 months later, and our managers and director still recall your effect and presence.”
Theresa Fink, SVP/COO, Tower Health
“I’ve already recommended Dave Raymond to another client of ours. We also plan to book him for our spring retreat—looking forward to another ‘fun’ experience.”
Lisa Marie Chimento - Lead Planner, ILA Philly
“The experience was fantastic! From inquiry to good-bye, you were well organized and great to work with. The presentation was just what we were looking for, and has given everyone a lot to think about and apply to their teams.”
Nancy Bordick - Huber+Suhner
“Dave Raymond really brought out the ‘fun’ in our recent NASTO Conference. He was fun and he enlightened the crowd of 300 transportation officials (not known for their sense of fun) by focusing on injecting fun into everyday tasks. He was engaging and I’d recommend a dose of the ‘big, green fuzzy guy mentality’ to any organization.”
Secretary Jennifer Cohan - Delaware Department of Transportation
“Thanks again for making our all-employee meeting the best one we can remember. There have been so many positive comments about your keynote floating around our offices today. Even our invited community partners were raving about it. Terrific job!”
Mike Tatoian - President and CEO, Dover International Speedway
“Since the inception of ThurMo, we’ve brought in many top speakers. When people ask me who our best speaker was, without hesitation I say: Dave Raymond. The Power of Fun! speech is simply awesome! It electrified the room and captivated an audience that’s been spoiled by hearing all of the best speakers in our region.”
Steve Grandizio – VP Mortgage Director, Annie Mac
“I was one of those students who just showed up because I was told to, but I wanted to thank you because your keynote speech made the day well worth it. Thank you for delivering a stirring presentation!”
Wayne Stainrook – Student, Rutgers University
“I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the presentation … I must admit that it was one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. I was really invigorated and I’ve been taking the FUN “values” you’ve instilled in us, everywhere I go these days.”
Derek Allen - R & D Finance, Glaxo Smith Kline
“As someone who understands the importance of teamwork and camaraderie, I’m happy to recommend Dave Raymond’s The Power of Fun!”
Cal Ripken, Jr.
“Dave Raymond brings an unmatched level of energy and enthusiasm. The Power of Fun! can help any organization, sport or otherwise find innovative ways to improve in areas like marketing, motivation and employee morale.”
Dr. Tim Deschiver – Sports Marketing, University of Delaware

Your path to a happier, healthier, more productive life begins here.

Meet Dave Raymond

Media Features:

Dave's Book - "The Power of Fun"

Dave's Keynote

Phanatical Care

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