Eddy Rich agreed to be his neighbor’s Santa Claus in 1995. It was a simple favor until the act of kindness he made to his neighbor changed into a very profitable holiday venture for Eddy, who is now at the age of 68 and is raking in up to $14,700 per week recording personalized Santa videos for Christmas through the platform Cameo. His son Chris, 32, runs the backroom operations of logistics for scripting, answering requests and doing video editing from Eddy’s living room.
Last year, his business raked in over $52,000 -that’s about Rs 44 lakh-according to a CNBC Make It report. All he needs is barebones setup: Eddy took 20 videos within one hour using an iPhone 13 Pro Max, ring light, and stand. After commission fees of 25% is applied, Eddy gets some amount of $525 per video that he can do for himself while Chris takes care of things behind the scenes for he focuses on sending off the cheerful Christmas messages for their clients.
Eddy has found that virtual performances are incredibly lucrative and comfortable. Now, he does not need to go to physical appearances because he can work from the comfort of his home: he can even recover his voice quickly after setbacks of laryngitis. Full Christmas spirit is reflected all over his makeshift “studio,” including a crackling fireplace, nutcrackers, garlands, and his $550 Santa suit, which has become essential to his persona.
His transition from a local Santa to an online sensation has been complemented by his signature humor. As he jokes about working with his son, “He’s the colonel, I’m the Elvis,” referring to their successful partnership. Eddy, who retired from his job as a supply store manager, now sees his Santa work as a way to spread joy, not just earn money.
“I used to be pretty frugal, but this has made me loosen up a little,” Eddy shares. “I want to take care of people and give back where I can.” With his new role, Eddy has become a symbol of generosity, tipping restaurant servers well and using his earnings to support others in need.
