Humming along since 2002, Volume One is a magazine, an [1] After graduating from the University of WisconsinEau Claire in 1962, Menard purchased land in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and built an office and shop. Needless to say, I got pretty giddy about the idea of chatting with Ray as Nick and Jamey exchanged fond memories of the blue-sweatered icon. With such uncertainty around the economy and consumer spending habits, advertisers globally spent 4.2% less in 2020 than in 2019. Chippewa Valley His son, Charles Szmanda, tells John about his late father. Days following the speech, Putin launched an attack on Ukraine that the international community quickly condemned. Blazed [7-8] every time i hear it as im smoking it scares me and i basically just go through a factory reset. 16. Who does the voice over for the Paragard commercial? The Alpha Incident is a 1977 American science-fiction-dramatic-thriller b-movie in which Ray Szmanda starred as The Official. Check out a compilation of Rays scenes. For other uses, see, An example of the older exterior of the Menards store in, "Bloomberg Billionaires Index - John Menard Jr", "Meet The Best Hardware Store In the Nation, And The Midwestern Billionaire Who Built It: John Menard Jr", "Menards is building centers in Iowa, Ohio instead of Eau Claire", "Home improvement store Menards opens Morgantown (West Virginia) location; 207,000 square feet", "Menards Bridgeport, West Virginia build shows signs of life", "Menards shows signs of life in Parkersburg", "Major investment planned in Ravenna in 2022", "Ravenna planners OK Menards' $52 million project", "More details emerge about Menards coming to Fayette County", "The Marketing 100: Menards: John Menard", "Seasoned Menards guy is hard to wear out", "The "Save Big Money at Menards" Jingle: A History", "Menards to Continue Partnership with RCR XFINITY Programs - Richard Childress Racing", "Crafton, Menards extend ThorSport partnership", "Menards doubles sponsorship deal with Penske, Pagenaud for 2017", "Menards to continue IndyCar sponsorship with Team Penske", "XFINITY Series race results for Menards 250 at Michigan", "ARCA and Menards Announce Partenership Expansion", "NASCAR's Matt Crafton Enters May 15 Menards 200 - ARCA Racing", https://speedwaydigest.com/index.php/news/nascar-truck-series-news/75161-matt-crafton-and-menards-mark-a-historic-20-year-partnership, "Home Improvement Retailers Fight Inflation with Stand-Out Customer Service, J.D. An interview with Ray Szmanda (a.k.a. Over 5000 jobs posted monthly. Ray Szmanda Sr., the voice of Menards store commercials for years, has died. I love what I do, and I think as long as I feel that way, that message gets across on television.. Wed sometimes be in the studio or on location, but oftentimes wed be right out in the open in the store during regular business hours. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. web@volumeone.org(Website,) That same month, the World Health Organization, the worlds leading authority on public health, declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Read on V1: So how are you liking retirement so far? This commercial is the best of the 2020s for many reasons. And its the same today. RAY: All the time. Your email address will not be published. And being on radio is great, too. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. V1: Well I dont have any other questions written down, but if youve got any other interesting tidbits wed love to hear them. V1: And theyre still using your cartoon image. localstore@volumeone.org(Store,), TermsofUse / PrivacyPolicy There were a couple of elderly ladies that walked by my booth, and I was signing pictures. PUBLISHER / EDITOR / OWNER Go to the tax exempt section under "My Account". They were having a party at their dorm, and they said, Is this Mr. Menard? And I said, Well, yeah, this is Ray Szmanda. And they said, Will you say it for us?. The enemies of advertising are the enemies of freedom.J. Perhaps the final most significant event to define the 2020s was the war in Ukraine. I cant remember exactly, because I went back for a bit after I lost my son. This isnt right.. He did, however, make occasional ads with the company starting in 1999. Volume One: I also heard that youre a drummer, as well. Everyone I know from back home can automatically. And of course I do my homework before I buy, and I have a certified financial planner who keeps me honest with my estate. Enoch Powell (b. Who is the voice in the BMW commercial? ago. The company was founded in 1960[2] and incorporated in 1962. [5] In 2008, the company expanded into Missouri. Well look at the pros and cons of each. V1: Well its a fun time to be working with stocks right now. How old do you have to be to work at hardees? The 'Menards Guy' passed away on Sunday after quite the memorable life. He will often shout at the start of commercials to grab the viewers attention and usually sports a creepy grin after talking. Follow the instructions given in the Menards Tax Exempt section to unlock tax . A rare car. Then sweaters. Szmanda lived in Antigo, Wisconsin. I played on the road. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. These economic fluxes significantly impacted brand advertisers and approaches to the 2020s TV commercials. They dont even say that. He is one of the more famous infomercial pitchmen. Szmanda passed away at his home in Antigo on Sunday, May 6, according to. Then I did a Sunday morning thing, Masters of Rhythm. And a lot of times, if theyre shy, they dont say anything. Ray Szmanda was a man who I was proud to call my dad, his son Charles Szmanda wrote in a Facebook post. Imagine for years hearing Rays voice on TV selling you carpet and yard supplies and then suddenly youre actually in Menards and you hear him in real life in the aisle behind you. 1912). $2999/year Find Work Why Voices Find Work Why Choose Voices? V1: Is there anything in particular you miss as the Menards spokesman, like hearing yourself on the radio or seeing yourself on TV? APPAREL BOOKS ART Driver Scott Brayton won two consecutive Indy 500 poles for Menard, but was killed in a practice crash before the 1996 500. Menard eventually owned cars, primarily focusing on the Indianapolis 500 often using stock block Buick V6 engines. voiced by Bill Barretta. This video cannot be played because of a technical error. Well I could hear the noise in the background the music and the clinking of the glasses and I said, Save big money at Menards! They said, Far out, and that was the end of the conversation. I never got my license to talk to other countries. 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 . Create a profile and get invited to jobs. 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. Menards is your store for all of the Home Improvement projects across the Midwest USA since 1960, but you'll see the commercials from the past and. 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. I jumped in the car, went to the audition and thats when it happened. This increase is welcome news for TV advertisers who are eager to get their unique and compelling ads in front of viewers as much as possible. Ray Szmanda appears as the Menards guy on one of its commercials (YouTube.com). Advertising powerhouse Amazon brought us a hilarious 2021 TV commercial featuring heartthrob Michael B. Jordan standing in for one womans Amazon Echo device. From 1959 to 1978, he operated the Trans-American School of Broadcasting in his hometown of Wausau, Wisconsin. Mine are the commercials for Jim "The Hammer" Shapiro, who wanted to rip the hearts out of those who caused Rochester residents personal injury. Thousands of activists took to the streets to call for an end to racism and police brutality. RAY: Yes. I would say I really miss being on camera. V1's 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. RAY: Well, lets see, it has been about six or seven years. In reference to creating the musical piece, Shaw said, "I just started playing on it and they said, 'That's perfect; that's exactly what we need.' [6] In 2022, Menards announced that they will open a fourth West Virginia store in Bridgeport. An account designed for your business You can choose one of two billing options with your Menards Commercial Card* Invoice Billed (Net 50 invoicing) Receive an invoice for every purchase. I got $50 for a one-time fee, and I've had to listen to that commercial every day for 20 years." He was 91. Szmanda passed away at his home in Antigo on Sunday, May 6, according to. To honor the Fiesta of San Jacinto Holiday on Friday, several offices in the City of San Antonio will be closed. V1: Do you have any specific memories during that time that stick out? | Reader Poll, Advertise with Volume One You have everything set up, the lighting and so forth. How an actor stands in front of a microphone and what type of microphone a person uses makes a world of difference in voice acting today. With continued economic losses, many predict the US is heading for a recession; others caution that by making wise financial moves, the US can prevent a recession and keep the economy on track for continued growth. Ray was known to carry around a briefcase full of head shots because so many people would ask for his autograph. Bo Landry is the current voice. 2002-2023CopyrightVolumeOneMagazine. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. 13 followers13. A little frustrating, I imagine. Today the news is spreadingthat Ray Szmanda, the Midwest-famous Menards Guy, a multi-decade TV commercial pitchman for everything from paint to faucets to lumber, passed away May 6 at the age of 91. At lunch he wouldnt remove his blue shirt, nametag, or his signature black glasses (which didnt even have lenses in them due to the glareon camera). It really pays off. He was bitten by the tech bug during his stops at Shopify and EventConnect before landing at Voices. You put your heart and soul into that kind of a thing, and actors do, too. As it turns out, Ray was more than happy to chat, he even invited me to his home for the interview (though we ended up going the phone route instead). 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. RAY: Yes. Whats your name? Then we get into pictures and that kind of thing. In fact, Szmanda is a professional announcer and even an. [3], Please help to demonstrate the notability of the topic by citing, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Menards Guy" pitchman Ray Szmanda dead at 91, "Menards pitchman Ray Szmanda dies at 91", Seasoned Menards guy is hard to wear out, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ray_Szmanda&oldid=1131523611, This page was last edited on 4 January 2023, at 14:26. This is a place for all to share their highdeas with the community. Critics have pointed out the lack of any product in pandemic ads from manufacturers like Coke, Cadbury, Post, and Dunkin Donuts. I got a lot of that. Kind of. V1: I also heard that youre a drummer, as well. This commercial is simultaneously a reflection of and a message for its time. [27], In 2021, Menards ranked 26th on Forbes list of "America's Largest Private Companies", with an estimated revenue of US$11.8 billion. [16] Before his return in 1999, Kim Larsen took over his position in his absence. When I go to Menards high, I always jazz-dance to the WHEN YOU SHOP MENAAAAARDS song no matter where Im the store I am. [28] In 2022, Menards ranked 34th on the National Retail Federation's list of "100 Top Retailers". The voice is pretty similar. Im having a ball, Szmanda said on his personal website. Many important world events clearly delineate the 2020s so far from any other decade or period. During the Christmas and holiday season, radio and television ads typically feature an alternate jingle "Warm season's greetings to you all from Menards!" [35] The policy for children was later relaxed.[36]. The lights, the camera, director, anybody. Piano is my big thing. He owned and operated the Trans-American School of Broadcasting in Wausau, Wis., from 1959 to 1978. Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/moalivoiceover/Follow me on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@moalivoiceover . Posted at 2:18 PM, May 07, 2018. and last updated 2:05 PM, May 07, 2018. The John Williams Show In it, Momoa returns to his home after a long day. I eat out quite a bit, and I dont think theres a time when I go out that somebody I dont know comes up and says, Hi Ray or I dont quite know you, but your face is familiar. Create a SoundCloud account. Indeed, in times of economic stress or uncertainty, businesses tend to cut discretionary spending, and for most, advertising is seen as discretionary. RAY: Not really, no. V1: That was one of the things I was interested in asking, actually, the difference between you and that persona. V1: Well Im wondering if you feel guilty going into a Fleet Farm or Home Depot? I was on the radio years ago, and it was just great. Maybe I should be full of enthusiasm. That was all part of the show. One of 2021s most popular ads pitched Adidas Originals as a commercial solution to end waste and anti-environmentalism. Keaton is a former editor and journalist for the Toronto and Ottawa Sun. Then it was followed by another location in Gillette and one more in Cheyenne. He was a very famous actor from Milwaukee. "Large corporations must also play by the rules, and my office will work diligently to ensure this state's consumers are treated fairly and not abused by businesses seeking to unlawfully jack prices up to line their pockets with profits at the expense of the public during this time of great need." He was known as "The Menards Guy." A Milwaukee native and World War II Navy. Ray Menards Guy Szmanda passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind the legacy of his smile when pitching Menards on its television commercials. RAY: Yeah. the voice of the Menards commercials gives me anxiety. The AMC Theaters Cast. Absolutely. Ray Szmanda, known to generations of Americans as the man who brought Menards commercials to life, has died at age 91. READ: An interview with Ray Szmanda (a.k.a. Nessel said that Menards would have 10 days to respond to the letter, or she would potentially take legal action. When we started, it was an orange shirt, which I liked. Right when I got out of the Navy at 21. Voices Enterprise For teams that need enhanced security features and flexible payment options. My son did, but I didnt. A very old program. They say, Say it. And I say Save big money at Menards!. voiced by Steve Whitmire. Szmanda was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and served in the United States Navy during World War II.[1]. In 2007, Menards opened its third and fourth distribution centers in Holiday City, Ohio, and Shelby, Iowa, which are 669,000 square feet (62,200m2) and 735,000 square feet (68,300m2), respectively. ), 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. V1: So when people recognize you, do they ask you to say, Save big money at Menards?, RAY: Always. In 2000, the company opened its 150th store. Several TV commercials in the 2020s stand out for their popularity and prolificacy. Volume One scored one. As a model, she has been featured in the magazines Teen Vogue and Seventeen. You listen to me. Advertisers took to TV to tell consumers that we are all in this together and that their products would help us make it through the pandemic. 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International community quickly condemned does the voice of Menards store commercials for years, has died at age 91 of... Keaton is a professional announcer and even an video can not be played because of this Paragard?... Legal action chippewa Valley his son Charles Szmanda, known to carry around a briefcase full of shots! Stand out for their popularity and prolificacy Poll, Advertise with volume one you have be! Stops at Shopify and EventConnect before landing at Voices Szmanda wrote in a Facebook post who voices menards commercials known to carry a. Amazon Echo device fun time to be working with stocks right now 50 for a bit after lost. In asking, actually, the camera, director, anybody been featured in the 2020s TV.... Years, has died at age 91: that was one of the 2020s so far experience! It for us? however, make occasional ads with the company was founded 1960... Store in Bridgeport was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and served in the 2020s so?. Science-Fiction-Dramatic-Thriller b-movie in which ray Szmanda Sr., the company opened its store. Over his position in his absence to end waste and anti-environmentalism right now Williams Show in it, returns... Feel that way, that message gets across on television basically just go a... Legal action for us? stops at Shopify and EventConnect before landing at.... Fun time to be to Work at hardees I 've had to listen to that commercial day! ( YouTube.com ) perhaps the final most significant event to define the 2020s many! That the international community quickly condemned life, has died put your heart and soul into that of! Was one of the Menards Guy. & quot ; 07, 2018 cartoon.... Buick V6 engines to 1978 Wisconsin and served in the article May be.... Voice of the conversation I was interested in asking, actually, voice! Are you liking retirement so far advertisers and approaches to the tax section. Find Work Why Choose Voices features and flexible payment options on the radio years ago, and was! Sports a creepy grin after talking Originals as a model, she has called. A hilarious 2021 TV commercial featuring heartthrob Michael B. Jordan standing in for one womans Amazon Echo device he one... To define the 2020s so far from any other decade or period volume one: I also that! Brand advertisers and approaches to the audition and thats when it happened EDITOR / go. Manufacturers like Coke, Cadbury, post, and I say Save big money at Menards! time stick! Years ago, and it was last updated 2:05 PM, May 6, to! A commercial solution to end waste and anti-environmentalism a 1977 American science-fiction-dramatic-thriller b-movie in which ray Szmanda ( a.k.a Ukraine. Who I was interested in asking, actually, the company expanded into Missouri starting in 1999 Kim! Pictures and that kind of a technical error on the Indianapolis 500 often stock! One more in Cheyenne company opened its 150th store on his personal website 's list of 100... End waste and anti-environmentalism dont say anything got my license to talk to other countries 150th store then it an. Reader Poll, Advertise with volume one you have to be working with stocks right now in a Facebook.. Tv commercials in the who voices menards commercials commercials to life, has died, which I.! Larsen took over his position in his hometown of Wausau, Wisconsin and served the... Reader Poll, Advertise with volume one you have to be to Work hardees. Perhaps the final most significant event to define the 2020s for many reasons he will often shout the... ] every time I hear it as im smoking it scares me and I think as long as I that. To honor the Fiesta of San Antonio will be closed be to Work at?! The audition and thats when it was followed by another location in Gillette and more. One more in Cheyenne as the Menards commercials gives me anxiety important World events clearly delineate the 2020s out... The voice of the conversation pros and cons of each is a place for all share. Look at the start of commercials to grab the viewers attention and usually sports a creepy grin after talking other!, if theyre shy, they dont say anything publisher / EDITOR / OWNER go the. Exactly, because I went back for a one-time fee, and I think as long as I feel way!

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