Today we’d like to introduce you to Marnie Schneider.
Hi Marnie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Marnie Schneider’s story is one of inspiration, perseverance, and a deep commitment to giving back, shaped by her family’s legacy and her personal passions. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Marnie grew up in a family steeped in sports, philanthropy, and trailblazing achievements. Her grandfather, Leonard Tose, was the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles and the visionary founder of the first Ronald McDonald House, an organization providing support for families with children in hospitals. Her mother, Susan Tose Spencer, made history as the first female general manager of an NFL team, while also serving as the Eagles’ legal counsel and vice president. These influences instilled in Marnie a sense of purpose, resilience, and the drive to contribute to her community.
A certified Happiness Life Coach and a natural storyteller, Marnie’s journey took her from her Philadelphia roots to her current home in the Carolinas. Her passion for helping others find their “victory” in life, combined with her belief in the power of showing up with positivity and energy, has shaped her multi-faceted career as a CEO, author, podcaster, speaker, and philanthropist.
Marnie’s love for sports and storytelling converged in her acclaimed children’s book series, Gameday in the USA. Featuring Football Freddie and her sidekick, Fumble the Dog, these books celebrate the rich culture, history, and football traditions of cities across the nation. The series has become a favorite among young readers and sports fans, earning a spot among Amazon’s Top 100 Kids Sports Travel Books. Marnie’s latest installment, Gameday in Canton, highlights the city’s vibrant football legacy and the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Beyond writing, Marnie actively brings her stories to life by traveling the country to read to children at schools, youth sports clubs, first-responder events, and businesses. Her enthusiasm for inspiring the next generation is matched by her dedication to community service. She channels her family’s charitable spirit into hands-on support for organizations like the Ronald McDonald House, Alzheimer’s Association, Humane Societies, and animal rescue groups. She currently serves on the board of the Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte, ensuring the continuation of her grandfather’s legacy.
For Marnie, family remains at the heart of everything she does. As a proud mother, she carries forward the lessons imparted by her family: the importance of grit, generosity, and passion. Her life is a testament to “showing up” on life’s playing field every day—with positivity, energy, and a commitment to making a difference. Whether through her books, her advocacy, or her personal connections, Marnie Schneider inspires others to find their own victories and embrace the joy of giving back.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Marnie Schneider’s journey to success has been far from easy, but her ability to navigate challenges with resilience and optimism has shaped her into the inspirational figure she is today. From building her *Gameday in the USA* book series to caring for her mother with dementia, Marnie has faced obstacles that tested her perseverance and strength.
### The Challenges of Writing a Book Series
Launching and growing a book series like *Gameday in the USA* required Marnie to wear many hats. Writing for children is a delicate balance of being educational, entertaining, and engaging. Marnie had to research each city featured in her books, from its football history to its culture and traditions, and find creative ways to present this information through the adventures of Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog.
As a self-driven author, Marnie took on much of the production and promotion of her books, learning about the complexities of publishing, marketing, and distribution. She faced challenges such as establishing herself in the competitive children’s literature market, securing visibility for her books, and building a loyal readership. Despite these hurdles, Marnie embraced each step with a positive mindset, viewing obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow.
Her commitment to personally connecting with her audience also required significant time and energy. Traveling across the country for school visits, community events, and readings meant long hours on the road, juggling her responsibilities as an author, speaker, and philanthropist. But for Marnie, the joy of inspiring children and communities made every challenge worth it.
### Caregiving for a Parent with Dementia
On a deeply personal level, Marnie has taken on the role of caretaker for her mother, Susan Tose Spencer, who is living with dementia. This role has been both emotionally and physically demanding, as Marnie balances her career and family life with the complexities of caregiving.
Watching her once-dynamic mother, a trailblazer in the NFL, face the challenges of dementia has been heartbreaking. Marnie has had to navigate the emotional toll of seeing her mother’s cognitive decline while managing the practical aspects of caregiving, from medical appointments to ensuring her mother’s safety and comfort.
Despite the difficulties, Marnie approaches her caregiving role with the same spirit of love and determination that defines her career. She draws strength from her mother’s legacy, using it as a reminder of the importance of resilience and compassion. Her experiences as a caregiver have deepened her empathy and reinforced her commitment to helping others find their own victories, no matter what life throws their way.
Through these challenges, Marnie has continued to “show up” with positivity and energy, embodying the values she learned from her family and shares with the world. Whether overcoming the complexities of building a successful book series or caring for a loved one with dementia, Marnie’s story is a testament to perseverance, purpose, and the power of giving back.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What do you do?
I wear many hats, but at the core of everything I do is my passion for inspiring others to find their own victories. As a CEO, author, podcaster, speaker, philanthropist, and certified Happiness Life Coach, I focus on helping people and communities thrive. Whether I’m sharing stories through my Gameday in the USA book series, delivering keynote speeches, or supporting nonprofit organizations, my goal is to motivate others to live with purpose, positivity, and energy.
What do you specialize in?
I specialize in storytelling and connection. Through my books and public speaking, I bring people together by highlighting shared experiences and inspiring hope. My expertise lies in blending creativity, leadership, and compassion to empower others—whether it’s teaching kids about teamwork through my books or helping adults find happiness and balance in their lives.
What are you known for?
I’m known for my energy and positivity! People often recognize me for my Gameday in the USA book series, which celebrates football, community, and culture across the country. I’m also known for my dedication to giving back, particularly through my work with organizations like the Ronald McDonald House, Alzheimer’s Association, and animal rescue groups.
What are you most proud of?
My pride is my three kids—Jonathan, Goldie, and Leo. Marnie’s experience with her first son, Jonathan having neuroblastoma opsoclonus as a young child taught her much about the importance of an extended family and support.
I’m also proud of how I’ve been able to honor my family’s legacy while building one of my own. My grandfather, Leonard Tose, taught me the importance of giving back through his work founding the Ronald McDonald House. My mom, Susan Tose Spencer, showed me the power of breaking barriers as the first female NFL general manager. I carry those lessons with me every day, whether I’m helping a child discover the joy of reading or providing comfort to my mom as she navigates dementia.
I’m also incredibly proud of my Gameday in the USA series. Seeing the joy on kids’ faces when they connect with Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog is one of the greatest rewards of my work.
What sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart is my ability to combine energy, authenticity, and a genuine love for people in everything I do. I don’t just talk about making a difference—I actively show up, whether it’s traveling to read my books to kids, volunteering for nonprofits, or simply being present for my family. My experiences, from growing up in a sports family to being a caregiver for my mom, have given me a unique perspective on resilience and joy.
I believe life is a playing field, and every day is an opportunity to show up with positivity and make it count. My approach to life, work, and community reflects this belief, and it’s what makes my journey so fulfilling.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to Marnie Schneider is making a meaningful impact on the lives of others while staying true to her values of family, positivity, and giving back. She prioritizes her role as a loving daughter and mother, finding purpose in being present for her family—especially in her role as a caregiver for her mother—and passing on the lessons of resilience, generosity, and love that she learned from her own family.
Marnie is deeply committed to creating connections and inspiring people, whether it’s through her *Gameday in the USA* book series, her philanthropic efforts, or her motivational talks. For her, life is about showing up with energy and positivity every day and encouraging others to do the same. Helping people find their own victories, no matter their challenges, drives her passion and purpose.
At the heart of everything Marnie does is the belief that life is richer when we lift each other up and give back to our communities. Whether it’s bringing joy to children through her books, supporting nonprofits, or simply being there for loved ones, Marnie’s ultimate goal is to leave the world a little better than she found it.
Pricing:
- Individual Football Freddie Book – $19.95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marnieschneider.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnieschneider1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marnie.schneider.98
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-schneider-8246a22a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marnieschneider
