Mike Goree teaches students enrolled in his marketing courses the value of having a niche. His requires a "belly-booster" and long white beard.
For the instructor in Mississippi State's College of Business, Goree lives each day showing strong resemblance to the most widely recognized pot-bellied, red suit wearing, jolly fellow in the world. He has carved a market for himself as one of the areas' most highly sought Santas. Having received the key to the city from Starkville's mayor and leading the city's Christmas parade for years, Goree has become the unofficial St. Nick for the community.
Students in his class often say Goree's alter ego shows them how creativity can separate them from others in future careers in marketing, sales and other elements of business.
Students attending the last class he teaches each semester witness Goree transform from instructor to Santa. Watching their teacher turn into a cultural figure reminds them how they can distinguish themselves from the competition once they enter the marketplace.
Goree reminds students to follow through with details. His license plate reads "Ho X 3."