Nearly 25 years later, David Raymond
is still entertaining fans around the world and giving
back to the business that didn't even exist when he started.
Here in part 2, we will talk about David's
Mascot Master Class seminars and how Acme is using the
internet to better serve their clients. David also
answers questions from several readers who submitted questions
after reading Part 1.
Thanks to everyone who submitted questions
and to David Raymond for his additional time responding.
gameops.com: You
now offer classes on 'How to be a Mascot', how did that
start?
David
Raymond: There
were a couple classed offered on the subject and I
just kept hearing bad things about them. People
who went thought they were 'rip off'. I was frustrated
that good peopel who just wanted to learn were spending
big money on bad programs.
I
saw them as a way to give back to the business, so we
put together a class that I feel really good about.
gameops.com: What
types of things do you talk about in the classes?
David
Raymond: The
classes are weekend seminars. We usually have
about 10 students so that we can have some individual
instruction. I tried to design the classes to
arm everyone with the resources they need to go back
to their teams and be successful.
We
look at every costume individually and see if there are
ways to make minor changes that will help them move better,
enhance character traits or see better. If can
help people with their costumes right on site, it makes
an immediate impact.
At
the classes we focus on sharing ideas and concepts and
how to make them work for each character back home. We
also make sure all the attendees know how to get a hold
of each other so that they can talk about ideas all throughout
the season.
gameops.com: Who
has been attending the class, and do you have any recent
success stories about graduates.
David
Raymond: We
have been getting a really good mix of mascots. We
have had several major league characters including
a couple NFL and a NHL mascot. We get a lot of
minor league team mascots and college mascots.
Recently
Nate Welsh, who has been working in the summer as the
mascot for the Sioux Falls Canaries, came to our camp. He
called a few weeks ago about auditioning for Herbie the
Husker at Nebraska University. After working with
him at the camp I was happy to send letter of recommendation
to the school. We talked on the phone about how
to prepare for the audition.
The
other day I got a really heartfelt letter from Nate who
had earned the spot as Herbie. It really made the
camps worthwhile to me. We all like to make money,
but to be able to give something back with the camps
means a lot to me.
gameops.com: You
have started to use the internet as a resource tool. Can
you talk about how you use it for clients and fans?
David
Raymond: I think the best part of our web strategy
is that it allows us to work with clients all around
the world. We have used it to swap design ideas
with new clients by posting ideas or renderings on the
web. It was enabled out B2B (business to business)
strategy to flourish and it also allows us to personalize
our service to clients.
We
started a "Client's Club" on our web site,
and we found it to be really helpful for us and for our
clients. For example. Once we book a t show
we will post everything the client needs on-line: contracts,
pre-game requests, promotional material requests, and
game-day operations. Clients can go to the site
and see what we need for the game and all the resources
we can provide them to help promote the show. Needless
to say we can still talk to them anytime they want, but
everything is on-line for their review.
gameops.com: Are
you planning anything new for the web site this year?
David
Raymond: We
are planning to make a few changes. I think we
made some errors the first time around, like keeping
it simple and browser friendly. We will also
probably freshen the design and incorporate ways to
keep the site fresh.
We
also want to make the site more entertaining for fans. I
just don't think there is enough for fans to do on the
site. We are hoping to add a Sport fan site where
people can play games and watch videos of Sport in action.
Questions
for David by readers:
Some of the questions were answered directly by David. His
email is listed below if you have any additional questions.
Freddie
Flash (Rockford Lightning): David, I have been in the
business for two years (CBA) and am looking to pursue
this as a career. How
would you suggest going about this?
David
Raymond: Get
training! Nothing
is better for a team than a trained performer. Make
sure you keep good records of the time that you have
put into performing.
What,
where, when, why etc. Try
and put together a 3 to 6 minute highlight video of your
work in costume. It
does not have to be professionally edited but that wouldn't
hurt. Type
up your resume. Make
it clean and simple. Get
some help with your resume so it looks as professional
as possible. Then
get on the phone and knock on doors. We
are developing a performers data base so please send
us a copy of your resume and tape so we can keep it on
file. Many
organizations call us to ask about quality performers.
Kristin
Stoecker: I
am the Director of Entertainment for the St. Louis Swarm
(IBL) now entering our second season. I
have a couple of dilemmas:
1.
Our costume is falling apart after 1 year and I don't
trust the original maker to correct the problems. Can
your company make another costume based on the same
design?
2.
How can I develop a program to more effectively use
our mascot in the community - rather than doing 100's
of free appearances?
3.
Where do I look to find someone to be our mascot?
David
Raymond: In
terms of the costume, yes we can build from another
design. We
would love to help you. Our
designs carry a one year warranty and typically last
for more that three years before any re"fur"bishment. We
refur our costumes as many times
as the skeleton of the design will allow it. What
we offer is quality and value based on the longevity
and workmanship of our designs. Our
costumer service is unparalleled and we can't be successful
unless our designs satisfy the fans, performers and
our clients.
In
terms of the mascot programs and finding a performer...I
will need some additional information, why don't you
call me on this one and we can talk. 800-450-2263
Jonathan
Jones: How would someone who is a college mascot get
involved with ACME?
and
Paul
Pierson: In
the first interview you spoke about possibly adding additional
mascots to the "family". I am currently a professional
mascot in the National League and have a number of years
of experience in the minors and in the collegiate level,
how could I apply for that type of position if it were
to be available?
David
Raymond: We
won't be hiring until next summer but please send us
your resume and video to our Kennett Square office:
Brian
Wolff: Who was your all time most favorite mascot
to work with? I hear that "Bonk" from the Idaho
steelheads was pretty good. What did you think? hehehe
David
Raymond: Yes! Let's
see. Of
course! Bonk
is the finest mascot I have ever seen! His performance
is like no other. I
can't wait to work with that idio...I mean...neat guy
in the future.
Final
question for David Raymond.....
gameops.com: Do
you ever look back and shake your head at how much this
business has changed since you were recruited to 'stooge'
the Phanatic costume?
David
Raymond: Yeah,
I think that you can look back and see that what we
were doing paved the way for younger guys to have an
opportunity, but really I was just trying to have some
fun. Now I am just trying to keep doing things
that others are not doing.
