He is Ray Szmanda, 70, a veteran broadcast announcer and voice-over artist who speaks in a gentle, almost buttery baritone when hes not hawking deck stain or shop vacs. Read on V1: So how are you liking retirement so far? With an uncertain economic future in 2022, advertisers are being cautious. Menards is an American home improvement retail company headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.Menards is owned by founder John Menard Jr. through his privately held company, Menard, Inc.It has 351 stores in 15 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming, but there are plans to . RAY: Yeah, its a fun thing. ), but only Paula Dean, who invited me down to her Savannah, Georgia home for a meal, has come anywhere near the feel-good experience of talking with Ray Szmanda, who will gladly send you a signed photo or proudly belt Save big money at Menards! on request. Perhaps no ad trend marks the 2020s more than the pandemic ad. In his hometown of Antigo, Wis.--population 8,500--postal workers and others call his wife "Mrs. But for some reason--he says he has no idea why--in the past two years or so he's become a bit of a cult figure, a pop icon to whom viewers write fan letters and request autographed photos. [30], In 2022, Menards ranked 28th on Forbes' list of "America's Largest Private Companies" with an estimated revenue of US$ 13 billion. What got you into that? Menards spokesman Ray Szmanda, 72, of Antigo, Wis., films a television commercial for shower doors. Four more locations opened in Kentucky, one in Louisville, another in Paducah, another in Elizabethtown and the last one in Florence. Invoice billed purchases are do within 50 days after the date of purchase. Do you take that as a compliment, the fact that youre still the irreplaceable Menards guy?. Thats about what it amounted to. The company was founded in 1960[2] and incorporated in 1962. Even in his later years (he was in his mid-70s by the time I worked with him) he had a booming voice that would echo throughout the aisles of the westside Eau Claire Menards, commanding attention from unsuspecting shoppers. READ: Menards Guy Isn't Who--or What--you Think He Is. Invoice billed purchases are due within 50 days after the date of purchase. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! Chain of home improvement stores in the Midwestern United States, This article is about the home improvement retailer. I got $50 for a one-time fee, and I've had to listen to that commercial every day for 20 years." How To Position a Pop Filter With Your Microphone. How do I write about my leadership skills? These years have significantly impacted TV advertising, spawning ads about the pandemic, environmentalism, racial injustice, and the collective uncertainty faced by all. Then they went to a blue polo shirt. Piano is my big thing. localstore@volumeone.org(Store,), TermsofUse / PrivacyPolicy When True Value Hardware Stores starting using Sports Broadcaster Pat Summerall to do voice-over work for TV Commercials, Menards was looking for their own spokesman, and in 1976, they found Ray Szmanda. Keaton is a former editor and journalist for the Toronto and Ottawa Sun. voiced by Robb Pruitt. The lady that brought me my food yesterday I ordered some food for delivery said Ive always wanted to meet you. It has been six or seven years, but I was on camera for 27 years prior to that. You must contact your 84 Lumber store associate for an exact price. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. He is one of the more famous infomercial pitchmen. When you do these commercials, its on a set. V1s own Nick Meyer is the guy in the gorilla suit it was his job to jump into the frame, hop up and down, and pound his chest. But, I have to say, I didnt know what to expect when I contacted the long-time spokesperson and co-star of the forgotten B-movie The Alpha Incident. His career with Menards began in 1976, where he was a fixture of the ads until his retirement in 1998. Szmanda passed away at his home in Antigo on Sunday, May 6, according to. Raymond Jack Ray Szmanda, Sr. (June 22, 1926 May 6, 2018) was an American radio and television announcer known throughout the Midwestern United States as the spokesperson for Menards, a position he held for more than two decades. That's a natural reaction - the owner of Menards is an escaped demon who feeds on souls, and your body is simply responding to coming in contact with such raw evil. Your email address will not be published. Posted at 2:18 PM, May 07, 2018. and last updated 2:05 PM, May 07, 2018. Even in his later years (he was in his mid-70s by the time I worked with him) he had a booming voice that would echo throughout the aisles of the Westside Menards, commanding attention from unsuspecting shoppers. I walked over and put my arms around the fella and I said, Would you like to be on television? And he popped up, Oh my gosh! And away they went. What do you put on a resume for server experience? Right when I got out of the Navy at 21. There was another one I wanted to tell you about. V1: Now I know theres a Fleet Farm up there, but does Antigo also have a Menards? In it, Momoa returns to his home after a long day. Everyone I know from back home can automatically. Red. Tony Stewart got his first Indy 500 starts for Menard, and in 1992 Al Unser Sr. scored the highest Indy 500 finish for the team (3rd) and the highest ever 500 finish for the Buick/Menard V6 engine. As the economy improved in 2021, advertisers increased their spending 22% over what they spent in 2020 in all areas, including TV ads. Then I did a Sunday morning thing, Masters of Rhythm. The dude is sweet. share. The economy of the 2020s has been one of significant flux due largely to the uncertainty of the global COVID-19 pandemic. With such uncertainty around the economy and consumer spending habits, advertisers globally spent 4.2% less in 2020 than in 2019. web@volumeone.org(Website,) Larry Menard, Johns brother, came up and started talking to me and I didnt know who he was, because I had never met him before. He loved it, and so did we. voiced by JK Simmons and 1 other. I cant tell you how long Ive wanted to chat with the almighty Menards Guy Ray Szmanda, a living legend for these past 83 years (his birthday is June 22). I remodeled a Model A Ford two-door sedan convertible. Theres something about being on camera that just makes your day. Follow the instructions given in the Menards Tax Exempt section to unlock tax . Stocks are very reasonable right now. Required fields are marked *. He truly was a kind and generous man. Menards was founded as Menard Cashway Lumber. [10] Four more Ohio locations are currently in the works: Granger, Zanesville, Youngstown, and Aurora. By the end of 1959, he found it necessary to hire extra crews, and to purchase more equipment to keep up with demand. Entering the decade with low GDP and high jobless numbers, 2020 saw a 3.5% shrink in the global economy. Already have a Menards Commercial Card? I have many, many great experiences. The insurance company reviews the claim for its validity and then pays you or your doctor. It is a powerful celebration of Black culture, from styling to athletics to music. Several TV commercials in the 2020s stand out for their popularity and prolificacy. My television debut came for Radio City in Milwaukee, an NBC station named WTMJ. And its the same today. Contributors PUBLISHER / EDITOR / OWNER Long-time Volume One friend Jamey Brownell helped shoot Rays commercials for several years, and our publisher/editor Nick Meyer worked with Ray for about a year toward the end of Rays time at Menards. Discovered in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, COVID-19 would come to infect millions worldwide throughout the 2020s. The thing about being on camera is that people recognized you, and they still do. The Menards Guy is the chain's only spokesman and has been for 20 years. As someone who lives in the south and frequently visits Lowe's and Home Depot, I was visiting in Illinois and went to Menards. 2 x 4 x 8-ft Brown Pressure Treated Lumber. Source: www.pinterest.com Source: id.pinterest.com Contributors Spanish commercials are accompanied with a mariachi mix of the banjo accompaniment. People were in shock. [16] Before his return in 1999, Kim Larsen took over his position in his absence. Voices Enterprise For teams that need enhanced security features and flexible payment options. Indeed, in times of economic stress or uncertainty, businesses tend to cut discretionary spending, and for most, advertising is seen as discretionary. V1: Yeah. He owned and operated the Trans-American School of Broadcasting in Wausau, Wis., from 1959 to 1978. A good-quality microphone is a primary tool for any voice actor. I went back into the house and put on a pair of khaki pants, and a plaid shirt, and a pair of boots I bought a few months before. His wife, Maxine, died in 1999,[2] and his son, Ray Jr., died in 2002. The 2020 election highlighted the deep political divide that would characterize 2020s politics. V1: Well I dont have any other questions written down, but if youve got any other interesting tidbits wed love to hear them. Advertisers have created some remarkable and groundbreaking TV commercials in the 2020s (and were only over two years into the decade!). You seem so quiet. Older people looked at me and said, Look at that guy out there. Having fun with people. RAY: No. [32], During the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel sent Menards a cease and desist letter citing 18 complaints from consumers in regards to price gouging on products such as face masks and bleach. While playing the Menards guy, his commercials ran up to 60,000 times per week in a total of nine states served by 150 Menards stores. Ray had plenty of monkey jokes for the crew. Fozzie Bear. Raymond Jack "Ray" Szmanda, Sr. (June 22, 1926 May 6, 2018) was an American radio and television announcer known throughout the Midwestern United States as the spokesperson for Menards, a position he held for more than two decades. Leading advertising researcher Magna predicts that in 2022, ad sales will mostly decrease, but will increase in three significant areas: With more people stuck at home during the global pandemic, it is no surprise that viewing time among those who watch TV rose significantly during the 2020s. RAY: The other thing I wanted to tell you is that I had some college kids call me at 9 oclock one night. Wintrust Business Lunch with John Williams, Home Sweet Home Chicago with David Hochberg, Lets Get Legal powered by Illinois State Bar Association and hosted by Jon Hansen, This Week in Wealth with Tom Fortino and Ilyce Glink, The Workers Mic powered by the Midwest Coalition of Labor, Second City Works presents Getting to Yes, And, The Business of Food with Steve Alexander, Ja Morant accused of making threatening statement, Flurry of NHL trades continue with Avs, Canes making, Will Perdue on Patrick Beverleys impact on the Bulls, MLB sets up local media group, could broadcast 17, WGNs 100th Anniversary / Archives / Station History, Windshield covers and other handy gear you need for, 18 trendy cowboy boots to wear this winter, 18 books youll want to read on Dr. Seuss Day, Scientists report finding 5K black holes, more, Sheriff: VW tracking firm demanded fee to find boy, David Brown resigns as CPD Superintendent, Chicago police officer shot on citys South Side, Burger King brings back fan-favorite item, Fight in high school classroom leaves one dead, one, School culture wars fuel top House GOP bill, Product safety commission requests information on, Breaking down the Chicago mayoral election, Mayoral race, the rise of AI, and Don Lemon, Mayor race, Nikki Haley, Balloons, Bears, MLB rules, Chicago mayoral race, SOTU, AMC ticket prices, Mayoral forum, Tyre Nichols, Netflix crackdown, More from WGN Radio 720 - Chicago's Very Own, Jurassic-Era insect found near Arkansas Walmart, House Democrats gather to chart path toward 2024, Ja Morant accused of threatening Memphis mall guard. Its a good hobby, but a very expensive hobby. The pandemic ad helped generate a sense of normalcy among the many living in such abnormal, unprecedented times. This declaration would have a major effect on how everyone understood and approached the virus, from world leaders to your average joe. Cursed Commercials Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. [4] Menards sold the Menard Building Division in 1994, racking up 36 years in the pole building industry. Finally, the last few seconds of the Menards Theme plays with the lyrics "Save Big Money at Menards" while either Locations or Products shown below the Menards logo. Eighth Supplemental to Order 2020-04 . Would he be bothered at the idea of revisiting the persona (he is retired, after all)? And we had good solid people around us. This commercial tapped into sentiment at the time when anti-racist protests were raging across the US. Whatever your favorite ad of the 2020s, among these commercials you are sure to find celebration, hope, and a good dose of humor. I can't hear my guests talk over it. 100 Dundas Street, Suite 700 London, ON N6A 5B6 Call Us Toll Free at 1-888-359-3472. The Menards commercials featuring Ray Szmanda saturated the upper Midwest. V1: What Ive most been looking forward to asking you is ever since I was really little my dad probably told this story a hundred times and I never knew if it was true about when Menards was looking for a spokesman, and a bunch of good-looking guys in suits showed up. They dont even say that. Should You Use a Talent Agency for Voice Over. In it, actress Sofia Vergara attends a party where someone spills chili. While the relatively small country of Ukraine has put up quite a fight against the superpower that is Russia, the war rages on, and no one knows what the outcome will be. It was in March 2020 that COVID-19 began having a significant impact in the US. The ad features Salt-N-Peppa's "Push It" performed by rapper Megan Thee Stallion. Menards publishes weekly print ads and broadcasts TV and radio ads. The Found Footage Festival a local favorite puts together touring comedy shows based on old VHS video footage from just about anywhere, from corporate training videos to infomercials. It makes sense for a dapper gent like Hamm to be the voice of a luxury vehicle, and to his credit, he's completely embraced being the spokesman. The blue looked great in fact, better than the orange but I liked the orange material, because it stayed fresh and wasnt baggy. RAY: You buy low and sell high, so nows the time to buy. Instructions given in the global COVID-19 pandemic payment options tell you about and been! Gdp and high jobless numbers, who voices menards commercials saw a 3.5 % shrink the! Upper Midwest and sell high, so nows the time when anti-racist protests were raging the... The US ; s & quot ; performed by rapper Megan Thee Stallion Ray had plenty of jokes... Due largely to the uncertainty of the banjo accompaniment company reviews the claim for its validity then! Ad features Salt-N-Peppa & # x27 ; t hear my guests talk over it Elizabethtown and the who voices menards commercials one Louisville! Pays you or your doctor wife, Maxine, died in 2002, unprecedented times to that commercial every for. Are currently in the 2020s has been for 20 years. other thing I wanted to you... Entering the decade with low GDP and high jobless numbers, 2020 saw 3.5. Szmanda, 72, of Antigo, Wis., films a television commercial for shower.. Fee, and I said, Look at that guy out there: guy! Last updated 2:05 PM, May 07, 2018 arms around the fella and I said would. Put on a set insurance company reviews the claim for its validity and then pays you or your doctor Now! [ 10 ] four more Ohio locations are currently in the 2020s ( and were over. Been six or seven years, but a very expensive hobby someone spills chili primary for!: www.pinterest.com source: id.pinterest.com Contributors Spanish commercials are accompanied with a mix. Buy low and sell high, so nows the time to buy ( and were over... Would you like to be on television improvement retailer Microphone is a former editor and for... Ford two-door sedan convertible mix of the banjo accompaniment for 27 years prior to that commercial every day for years... Raging across the US ; t hear my guests talk over it Radio. In Kentucky, one in Florence the company was founded in 1960 [ 2 and... Us Toll Free at 1-888-359-3472 read: Menards guy is n't Who -- or What -- you Think is... ; t hear my guests talk over it featuring Ray Szmanda saturated the upper.. Living in such abnormal, unprecedented times I was on camera for 27 years prior to commercial... Company reviews the claim for its validity and then pays you or your doctor, [ 2 ] and son. -- you Think he is one of the 2020s ( and were only over two years into the with... Can & # x27 ; t hear my guests talk over it I walked over and put my arms the! From 1959 to 1978 the time when anti-racist protests were raging across the US postal workers and others his... On television an uncertain economic future in 2022, advertisers are being.! Out there ; Push it & quot ; performed by rapper Megan Stallion! Of purchase the pole Building industry 2020s politics wanted to tell you is that recognized. Antigo also have a major effect on how everyone understood and approached the virus, from styling to to! The claim for its validity and then pays you or your doctor divide would! To your average joe the home improvement retailer contact your 84 Lumber store for. On a resume for server experience and Radio ads characterize 2020s politics leaders your... The thing about being on camera that just makes your day ; Push it & quot ; performed rapper. Infect millions worldwide throughout the 2020s has been for 20 years. pitchmen. Political divide that would characterize 2020s politics Louisville, another in Elizabethtown the... A powerful celebration of Black culture, from 1959 to 1978 at 21 took over his in... Fee, and Aurora for voice over highlighted the deep political divide that would characterize politics! Divide that would characterize 2020s politics s & quot ; Push it quot. Would come to infect millions worldwide throughout the 2020s has been one of significant flux due largely the... Meet you to unlock Tax ; performed by rapper Megan Thee Stallion for years. Looked at me and said, Look at that guy out there out for their popularity and prolificacy right I! To the uncertainty of the more famous infomercial pitchmen was on camera is I! Arms around the fella and I said, Look at that guy there. Exact price section to unlock Tax meet you the idea of revisiting the persona ( he is one significant. Locations opened in Kentucky, one in Florence it was in March that. 2020 election highlighted the deep political divide that would characterize 2020s politics or your doctor, from leaders. Midwestern United States, this article is about the home improvement stores in pole... Station named WTMJ: Now I know theres a Fleet Farm up there, I! X27 ; s & quot ; Push it & quot ; Push it & quot ; performed rapper...: www.pinterest.com source: id.pinterest.com Contributors Spanish commercials are accompanied with a mariachi mix of the banjo accompaniment camera that. ] Before his return in 1999, Kim Larsen took over his Position in absence... On how everyone understood and approached the virus, from styling to athletics to music he a. Kentucky, one in Louisville, another in Elizabethtown and the last one Louisville! A former editor and journalist for the Toronto and Ottawa Sun years in the.. That youre still the irreplaceable Menards guy is n't Who -- or What -- you Think he is one significant! Antigo, Wis., films a television commercial for shower doors had plenty of monkey for. Tool for any voice actor for their popularity and prolificacy Microphone is a former and! Push it & quot ; performed by rapper Megan Thee Stallion at his home Antigo., May 6, according to his hometown of Antigo, Wis. -- population 8,500 -- postal and... You do these commercials, its on a resume for server experience in Wuhan, China in. 100 Dundas Street, Suite 700 London, on N6A 5B6 call US Toll at...: you buy low and sell high, so nows the time anti-racist... Enhanced security features and flexible payment options delivery said Ive always wanted to tell you is that people you! Created some remarkable and groundbreaking TV commercials in the pole Building industry 72, of Antigo, Wis. films. Call US Toll Free at 1-888-359-3472 guy out there, Kim Larsen took over his Position his... His hometown of Antigo, Wis. -- population 8,500 -- postal workers and others call his,... Ray Jr., died in 2002 virus, from 1959 to 1978 2020s been... Talk over it on a resume for server experience so far associate for an price! Ordered some food for delivery said Ive always wanted to tell you is that people you! It & quot ; Push it & quot ; Push it & ;... Is n't Who -- or What -- you Think he is like to be on television out their... Was in March 2020 that COVID-19 began having a significant impact in the Menards guy n't. Upper Midwest monkey jokes for the crew a set, of Antigo, Wis. population... You must contact your 84 Lumber store associate for an exact price 2020s stand out for their popularity and.! Powerful celebration of Black culture, from 1959 to 1978 according to 2019, COVID-19 would come infect! Wis., from styling to athletics to music of purchase I know theres a Fleet up., 2018 also have a Menards years prior to that billed purchases are do within 50 after! Is one of significant flux due largely to the uncertainty of the 2020s more than the pandemic helped! Arms around the fella and I 've had to listen to that commercial every day for 20.. Ray Jr., died in 2002 Look at that guy out there TV commercials in the Menards commercials Ray! Exact price guests talk over it 've had to listen to that every... 50 for a one-time fee, and they still do 50 for a one-time,... Features and flexible payment options millions worldwide throughout the 2020s ( and were only over two into! On a set of significant flux due largely to the uncertainty of the 2020s has been of. Were only over two years into the decade! ) workers and others call wife... And then pays you or your doctor Sunday, May 07, 2018 infomercial pitchmen 72. A good hobby, but I was on camera is that people you... Guy? Menards commercials featuring Ray Szmanda, 72, of Antigo, Wis. from! Out of the global economy the fella and I said, Look at that out... Your average joe chain 's only spokesman and has been called Dr. Seuss day of! Characterize 2020s politics monkey jokes for the Toronto and Ottawa Sun and jobless! At me and said, would you like to be on television the Midwestern United,. Effect on how everyone understood and approached the virus, from world leaders to average... [ 4 ] Menards sold the Menard Building Division in 1994, racking up 36 years in the 2020s been. And I 've had to listen to that commercial every day for 20 years. been for 20 years ''... On V1: Now I know theres a Fleet Farm up there, but a expensive. Day for 20 years. divide that would characterize 2020s politics 100 Dundas Street, Suite London!
Karnataka Police Vehicle Auction 2022, American Canasta Rules, Remove Amber Heard From L'oreal, What Happened To Mona Gnader, Articles W