The Modern Santa’s Helper: Socials, Tech, and Seasonal Scaling with Tom Pruss

In this episode of Real Work, host Jennifer welcomes back guest and friend of the show Tom Pruss (owner of North Coast PMM) to talk about his extraordinary second venture: working as an official Santa’s Helper!

Tom shares an insider look at what goes into running 419 Santa—from scheduling home visits, tree lightings, and virtual Zoom calls to using social media, digital billboards, and AI tools for marketing. He talks about what "Santa in July" looks like, the logistics of growing a naturally white beard, setting boundaries, and why spreading kindness all year round is the ultimate secret to business and seasonal magic.

📌 EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Welcome & "Summer Santa" Style

02:05 - What Santa Does in the Off-Season & Summer Events

03:45 - The Heavy Santa Suit & Beard Growth Timeline

05:10 - Social Media, GigSalad & Vehicle Marketing Strategies

07:35 - Managing Peak Season & Smart Online Scheduling

10:10 - What Happens During a Santa Home Visit?

12:40 - Santa Pricing Ranges & Nationwide Zoom Visits

15:30 - Using Tech, Video & AI for Brand Promotion

17:00 - Tom’s Favorite Memory: Performing a Christmas Eve Wedding

18:30 - Favorite Holiday Movies & Book Recommendations

20:45 - Spreading Christmas Kindness All Year Round

🔗 CONNECT WITH TOM PRUSS

419 Santa Website: http://419Santa.com

Book Tom on GigSalad: https://www.gigsalad.com/419_santa_toledo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/419santa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/419Santa

North Coast PMM (Print & Marketing): http://northcoastprintmail.com

📚 MEDIA & BOOKS MENTIONED

Turkey Claus by Wendi Silvano: https://amzn.to/4xzv8Kn

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore: https://amzn.to/4gy0TgN

What Does Santa Do in the Summer?: https://amzn.to/4iCyzLC

Elf (Watch on Prime): https://amzn.to/4xvzFxh

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (Watch on Prime): https://amzn.to/463295C

Full Episode Shopping Storefront: https://amzn.to/46BP7fu

🛍️ SHOP PRODUCTS FROM THIS VIDEO (#earncommissions)

Max Studio Glasses Ms-169Z Eyeglasses Apricot: https://go.shopmy.us/p-59713359

J.CREW | Stretch Lyocell-Blend Cardigan in Gingham: https://go.shopmy.us/p-82379808

OLD NAVY | Ribbed Loop-Back Halter Top: https://go.shopmy.us/p-75866856

MOMENTWISH | Pearl & Moissanite Pendant Necklace: https://amzn.to/4wXLZ8p

Moissanite Earrings Stud/Dangle 0.3-2CT: https://amzn.to/4xweBqx

HYPERX | QuadCast USB Condenser Gaming Microphone: https://go.shopmy.us/p-59927886

DESIGN WITHIN REACH | Aeron Gaming Chair: https://go.shopmy.us/p-59928197

STREAMYARD | Streaming & Podcast Recording: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5756249326354432

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