Biddles Web Design

Novi News: Tell us about your business, including the types of services and/or products you feature?

Howard DeElf: Our business is making children happy, and what business could possibly be better? We do this in concert with Santa, matching toys, games, electronic devices, dolls and all other manner of enjoyment for children of all ages around the world with his famous list. We do this only after, of course, he checks it twice for those whove been naughty or nice. (Quite frankly, though, hes pretty lenient).

Novi News: How did you first decide to get into the business?

Howard DeElf: Well, my brother Hermey actually got me interested in being one of Santas elves. He was really dedicated to the craft, until his interest in dentistry was piqued. When he was promoted to Santas dentist, some of the other elves approached me about following in his footsteps. Ive always been good with my hands, and I thought making toys for the good little girls and boys around the world would be a way for me to give something back.

Novi News: Why did you choose Santas Workshop at the North Pole?

Howard DeElf: Well, when youre an elf, and you want to make toys, where else are you gonna go? Toys R Us? Santas Workshop is the major leagues of the toy-making world. Every elf who starts off whittling wooden dolls in his garage dreams of one day making it to the Big Time.

Novi News: What makes your business unique?

Howard DeElf: Well, first of all there arent all that many businesses where your soul purpose is making children happy. Thats unique in itself. But the way it all comes together, from the way all the elves work together to how Mrs. Claus fattens Santa up for the season to the reindeer using their annual reindeer games to train for that one big night, is really impressive, if I do say so myself. Of course, you get the occasional reindeer laughed at and called names, or the stray elf who gets ridiculed for his career choices, but all in all, were a huge, cohesive team striving to make that one holiday a year the merriest of all.

Novi News: How has it changed since it opened?

Howard DeElf: The overall business hasnt changed in generations. Its still all about the kids. Its the kids whove changed. Where a child may have wanted a Chatty Cathy doll or a Matchbox car years ago, now they all want the high-tech stuff. Computers, radios, cameras, video games, smart phones … it seems like if theres an i in front of it, the kids want it these days. Steve Jobs really made this work a lot harder.

Novi News: How has the recent economy affected your business?

Howard DeElf: The economy hasnt affected the business from our end; we still get so much work were never sure how were going to get it all done, though in the end we do. The economy has changed it for the people we serve, though, making it tougher for their parents to provide for them.

Novi News: Do you have an amusing anecdote to share?

Howard DeElf: Well, there was the time I had an appointment with Hermey, and he gave me too much novocaine. When I went back to the line, my mouth was still numb, and the other elves had trouble understanding me. That was the year we had a whole shifts worth of Barbie dolls that ended up with Ken heads.

Novi News: Any advice for other business owners?

Howard DeElf: Be true to yourself, be true to your customers and learn as much about every aspect of the business as you can. And dont let them tell you youre too small, or too slow or your nose glows too brightly to do the job. And learn how to use social networking. You wouldnt believe how many Letters to Santa he gets e-mailed now.

Novi News: Whats in store for the future of your business?

Howard DeElf: We will continue to grow, continue to adapt to the changes in the world and continue to make as many children as happy as possible.