Santa Bob's Resume

Robert "Bob" Karrick's goal in portraying Santa Claus is to perpetuate the joy and wonders of Christmas in the hearts of everyone he meets. He believes the true meaning of Christmas lies in the gift of God's Son to the world.

Santa Bob is an alumnus of the famed Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School, and he is certified by the International University of Santa Claus as an Advanced Master of Santa Claus. The Santa Claus Oath Foundation awarded Bob the 2013 Keeping Christ in Christmas Award, and in 2016 he was inducted into the esteemed Knights of St. Nicholas - an international Santa Claus fraternity dedicated to building community and to emulating the virtues of St. Nicholas of Myra. Santa Bob participates annually in national Santa conferences and regional gatherings to network with other Christmas professionals and to keep abreast of the latest in Christmas trends. Also, Bob has more than 30 years of theater and broadcasting experience.

Bob was ordained to the Christian Ministry in 1981, and he has served in preaching and pastoral capacities to Christian churches in Kentucky. He holds earned degrees in Sacred Literature from Louisville Bible College and from Cincinnati Bible College & Seminary. Bob is past president and benefit concert organizer for HOTEL INC, a regional para-church ministry of benevolence based in Bowling Green, KY. Also, Bob is an active supporter of Room in the Inn, a ministry to the homeless in Greater Nashville and south-central Kentucky.

Santa Bob's life experience includes 40 years as a licensed master barber, 22 years in vocational Christian ministry, and he was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force in 1970. Bob is a graduate of the Kentucky State Police Academy, and he has a background clearance by Verity Screening Solutions.

Testimonials

"We so much enjoyed having you a part of the project [Gaylord Hotels National Christmas Commercial] as you brought the spirit of Christmas not only to the commercial but the whole experience of creating it as well."

Bobby Marko,, Founder/Director, UNLIKELY PICTURES

"He's exactly what I always envisioned Santa to be like...He's warm and jolly. He encompasses just about every adjective you can use to describe Santa...The parade is a very broad stage for him, and he fills that stage well."

Mary-John Carmon, Carmon Imaging & Bowling Green Christmas Parade Chairman

"He has such a genuine spirit...When you talk to him you feel like you're talking to the real Santa. He's so very intently listening to everything you say. If the original Santa were walking the earth, it would be Santa Bob."

Jamie Johnson, Director of The Historic RailPark & Train Museum, Host of the Polar Express Storytime

"Yes, Bowling Green, there is a Santa Claus...'Santa Bob' radiates a St. Nick vibe...Maybe it's the flowing, snowy hair and beard or the smooth baritone voice, or maybe it's the childlike enthusiasm for Christmas that shows through in eyes that fairly twinkle. Whatever the reason, it's enough to make you want to check to see if Prancer and Vixen are parallel parked in one of those new downtown spaces."

Don Sergent, Bowling Green Daily News

"He was who I envisioned as Santa... He embodies everything about Santa Claus. He's been a joy to work with."

Vanessa Wohlers, Senior Creative Director, Matt Davenport Productions

"Santa Bob is seriously the best Santa around. He is kind, great with the kids and babies. He truly has the Christmas spirit and just loves being Santa. It is such an honor to work with him!"

Jordan Barnes, Theia Jordan Photography
Hartsville, TN