Playing it Forward for the Holidays as a Step2 Santa...

Wednesday, December 24 2014 11:07

Playing it Forward for the Holidays as a Step2 Santa...

Written by James Zahn

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Playing it Forward for the Holidays as a Step2 Santa...

For the past two years, I've had the privilege of working with The Step2 Company, first as a "Test Driver" in 2013, and later a full-fledged Brand Ambassador in 2014. I've had some great adventures as part of the Step2 team, and it's gone well beyond just playing with toys and talking about cool products. The folks at The Step2 Company are a very kind and giving bunch, many of which are parents themselves, and after visiting their HQ in Streetsboro, Ohio this past summer, I saw first-hand the pride that they take in their toys - most of which are Made in the USA. Going above and beyond, Step2 has been there for me on other projects, like when I needed a great raffle prize for the annual Fall Fest at Addie's school this past October, they stepped-up with a fantastic Studio Art Desk. For our final project together for 2014, all of the Step2 Brand Ambassadors have been "Playing it Forward," each spreading a little cheer to the recipient of their choice, and again, I've chosen Addie's school. After consulting with her Principal (who took feedback from the faculty), it was determined that the Pre-K/Kindergarten play area was in need of a new playhouse. Rock Father Santa was back in-action, delivering a Neat & Tidy Cottage II last week - my little Elf Finley along for the ride as we made our delivery on the way to Addie's Kindergarten Christmas party...

Rock Father Santa in full-effect once more: just delivered this Neat & Tidy Cottage II playhouse to Addie's school, a gift from @thestep2company. It will become part of the Prw-K/Kindergarten play area. #playitforward #letsplay #giving #Step2 #toys #christmas #toys #toyography

A photo posted by James Zahn (@therockfather) on Dec 12, 2014 at 8:19am PST

When the kids get back from winter break, the playhouse will be assembled and ready to enjoy.

Little Finley joined the "older" kids (she's 2, Addie is 5) for the Kindergarten party and a great time was had by all...

Step2

With another great year working with Step2 under my belt, I guess it's the right time to reveal that I've signed-on with Step2 for one more year as a Brand Ambassador, after which I will "pass the torch" to another writer/parent since my girls are growing up. Look for more great fun from Step2 and THE ROCK FATHER throughout 2015!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Published in Holiday Wish Guide & Seasonal Cheer

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James Zahn

James Zahn is best-known as The Rock Father™, a media personality, commentator, adventurer and raconteur. He is the Owner, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of THE ROCK FATHER™ Magazine. In January, 2019, after nearly a decade of publishing The Rock Father™ Magazine, he joined Adventure Media and Events as Senior Editor of The Toy Book—the leading trade publication for the toy industry since 1984, as well as The Pop Insider — a destination for all things pop culture, and The Toy Insider — the leading consumer guide for toys and games. He is also editor of The Toy Report, a weekly newsletter published by The Toy Book each Thursday. Zahn has over 27 years of experience in the entertainment, retail and publishing industries.

He regularly serves as a Brand Ambassador and spokesperson for several Globally-recognized pop culture and lifestyle brands in addition to consulting for a number of toy manufacturers.

Creatively, James has directed/edited music videos, lyric videos, and album trailers for bands such as FEAR FACTORY, has appeared as an actor in feature films and commercials, written comic books, and performed in bands. He currently serves as an artist manager and video director for PRODUCT OF HATE, whose debut album was released by Napalm Records in 2016, distributed by ADA/Warner Music in the U.S. with Universal Music handling global. A new album has been completed and is set for release this year.

Zahn and/or his work have been featured in/on CNN, NBC, ABC, WGN, CBS, GCTN, G4, The Chicago Tribune, Forbes, MarketWatch, Reuters, BusinessWire, Fangoria, Starlog and more. He's appeared as a music expert on CNN's AC360 alongside Anderson Cooper, and has been interviewed by Larry King. In the past he served as a writer for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family and PBS KIDS, penned articles for Sprout and PopSugar, and was a contributor to Chicago Parent.

Learn more here.

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