Happy Valley Hustle podcast: Tapping into the Power of Fun
Dave Raymond
“Emperor of Fun David Raymond spent 16 years under the green fur of the Phillie Phanatic, gaining insights that would shape his professional life long after his mascot hijinks ended. Now, he helps others use fun to be happier, healthier and more productive. He’s the founder of the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, Indiana, and helps teams unleash mascot power with his Raymond Entertainment. From the Philadelphia Flyers’ Gritty to the Miami Heat’s Burnie, Raymond has made a mark on professional and collegiate sports. In this talk, he teaches you how to embrace the attitude of a mascot — no heavy, sweaty costume required.”
Moving directly from college student to campy green fur-ball, Dave Raymond pioneered the field of sports mascots as the first enhabitor of the world-renowned Phillie Phanatic. Over his sixteen years in the suit, David’s performace as the Phanatic carried the Philadelphia Phillies to World Series victories and unimagined levels of popularity, helping to spawn a revolution in the mascot industry.
Leveraging the unique lessons he learned from the inside out – literally! – Dave made a seamless transition to the world of character branding and mascot training. Since starting Raymond Entertainment nearly twenty years ago, he has overseen the creation and rehabilitation of hundreds of mascots and the brands that support them.
With his platform keynote, The Power of Fun, Dave brings his "phantastic" story to the stage. Learn how Dave's time as the Phanatic led him to realize that fun's transformative effects are the key to living a happier, healthier, and more productive life.
