Know Your Neighbors: Santa Claus, or, Mark DaGrossa

If you've met Mark DaGrossa in person, it should come as no surprise that he spends much of the holiday season as a mall Santa.

If you've heard him in interviews on the Gem City Podcast, which he co-hosts and produces, his hearty chuckle and warm demeanor make it even more understandable. For years, the owner/partner of Folio Designhaus has spent his afternoons leading up to Christmas cheesing it up in local malls, making memories with hundreds, if not thousands of kids every season. It's a demanding, and entirely rewarding, gig to have.

We turned the tables on DaGrossa and put him in the hot seat for a change, learning about his favorite holiday traditions and why he loves being "a rock star" to little kids.

What’s your Dayton background?

MARK DAGROSSA: I was born at Rickenbacker Air Force Base in Columbus, but moved to Kettering when I was two. My dad was in the Air Force, and was transferred to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. So I went through the Kettering School system and graduated from Fairmont West.

What  do you do around town?

MD: I am an owner/partner at Folio Designhaus in the Oregon District as well as a co-host/producer of the Gem City Podcast. Meeting clients and guests gives me a great opportunity to meet and really have some great conversations with local people. I love the restaurants and bars and the many unique shops around town. I love visiting new places and finding out their stories.

How did you get your start as a Dayton-area Santa Claus?

MD: I joined the fire department just out of high school and spent the next 30 years seeing and doing some really amazing things. But I had to shave all the time. Once I decided to move on from that, I decided I would never shave again. So a nice beard appeared. I already had a head start on rosy cheeks and a bowl full of jelly. So I picked up a suit and starting working small events for friends and family, charities and groups like that. Now it has grown into larger events and charities, as well as being a mall Santa.

What do you enjoy about playing Santa and the holiday season in general?

MD: This is the time of year when magic happens! People are smiling no matter how they are doing the rest of the year. And the little ones are the most amazing thing of all. Their eyes sparkle and they are just so happy to see Santa. He is their rock star. I really love the opportunity to see those smiles.

What are a few of your favorite holiday Dayton traditions?

MD: I love the tree lighting ceremonies at all the many places that have trees and decorations. I love Clifton Mills, and used to go to Ludlow Falls every year. I LOVE SHINY STUFF!

Where can people find you this season?

MD: I have many private and corporate events that I enjoy. The best place would be at the new Liberty Center Mall in West Chester. I am there everyday starting December 15 from 3:30 (p.m.) till closing. This is a great new mall much like the Greene. Come down and see me!

What do you love about Dayton?

MD: Attitude. Attitude. Attitude. There are so many people really doing some great stuff. We have world class arts such as the Schuster Center. The Air Force Museum is legendary. The beer scene is exploding. And downtown is getting some residential facilities that will become a great foundation for our future. This is a great time.

Where can people find you typically?

MD: Usually working at Folio, or meeting new people for the Gem City Podcast. You may catch me at a local eating or drinking establishment. Or you may catch me hanging with my mastiff at home making chili and watching horror movies! There is so much cool stuff here, you just need to look.

If there were one thing you would change/improve about Dayton, what would it be?

MD: I would really like to see the community come together to help and protect our own. I would love to see a plan to make sure every one has a place to belong and food in their bellies. For anyone to improve themselves and then others around them, the simplest needs must be meet first. You are only passing through, make sure you leave this place, a better place. Simple.

Where do you see Dayton in 10-15 years?

MD: I see Dayton being a flourishing city with a hometown feel. We have some amazing things happening here. Dayton is an organic entity. It is up to each of us to pour in the love and commitment that will take us to the next level. And as always, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

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