(laughing) That was a great one. [4] Menards sold the Menard Building Division in 1994, racking up 36 years in the pole building industry. 2002-2023CopyrightVolumeOneMagazine. brush pickup San Antonio, Texas 78251 (210) 993-1167 City Hall and most municipal offices will . Thousands of activists took to the streets to call for an end to racism and police brutality. They dont even say that. [17] Bob Holtan, John Menard's friend and radio station owner, wrote the lyrics to the "Save Big Money" jingle in the early 1970s. Wouldnt it? Political division would carry well into the 2020s, as the debate between the two sides continues with no seeming resolution. Terry Savage: What will a recession look like? Menards spokesman Ray Szmanda, 72, of Antigo, Wis., films a television commercial for shower doors. V1: What jobs have you held other than Menards? There were a couple of elderly ladies that walked by my booth, and I was signing pictures. Dimensional lumber is ideal for a wide range of structural and nonstructural applications including framing of houses, barns, sheds and commercial construction. 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?. Humming along since 2002, Volume One is a magazine, an He was bitten by the tech bug during his stops at Shopify and EventConnect before landing at Voices. RAY: Well I spend a lot of time with stocks. When I lost her, I lost a lot with it. Maybe I should be full of enthusiasm. That was all part of the show. In the late 1990s, a young, hands-on woman temporarily took the role in Szmanda's absence. [23] Menards has also become the title sponsor of races in the Xfinity Series[24] and as the entitlement sponsor for the[25] ARCA Racing Series. Szmanda died on May 6, 2018, at age 91, of pneumonia, heart problems and complications from a fall. A Wisconsin company whose products sell vigorously throughout the Menards retail footprint. Took me a half an hour. "Big box stores are not immune to the Michigan Consumer Protection Act or the Governor's Executive Order", Nessel said. One of 2021s most popular ads pitched Adidas Originals as a commercial solution to end waste and anti-environmentalism. V1: Can we expect a comic book anytime soon? "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." Contributors Critics have pointed out the lack of any product in pandemic ads from manufacturers like Coke, Cadbury, Post, and Dunkin Donuts. Spanish language commercials (whose music contains a mixture of mariachi and banjo sounds) end with "Ganar mucho dinero en Menards! And there were two elderly people in their 60s, maybe that were so interested in the product we were advertising, they didnt see any of it. Thats when I went on television. But it would be an interesting thing to do. 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. 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 expand to Pennsylvania. I would say I really miss being on camera. In 2022, Samsung showed its advertising chops in a wildly popular commercial in which a spider falls in love with a Samsung device it sees on a billboard outside its window. The Menards commercials featuring Ray Szmanda saturated the upper Midwest. He has also produced and starred in the films Underground Comedy Movie and The Inappropriate Comedy with. 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. 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. And I dont say much, unless they say something. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Then this guy wearing jeans and cowboy boots walks in. Who voices menards commercials. Create a profile and get invited to jobs. 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. Miss Piggy. Plain and simple. When we started, it was an orange shirt, which I liked. This declaration would have a major effect on how everyone understood and approached the virus, from world leaders to your average joe. web@volumeone.org(Website,) And before I left, the phone started ringing for me to do commercials for the Fort Howard Paper Company on the Packer-Bear game. Presented by Metropolis Resort, Top bars for bloody marys in the Chippewa Valley, recipes, and local favorites. The effort is well worth it. With so many amazing commercials released in the 2020s, its hard to choose just one for the best commercial spot. Its a lot of fun, though. Ray Szmanda, known to generations of Americans as the man who brought Menards commercials to life, has died at age 91. Check out one of their favorite clips. Follow Jason Vosburg and others on SoundCloud. 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: All the time. He truly was a kind and generous man. It is a powerful celebration of Black culture, from styling to athletics to music. So, the next time you see an Arby's commercial, take a listen and see if you can recognize the voice. Its a good hobby, but a very expensive hobby. The pandemic ad was characterized by a sense of helping, uncertainty, and togetherness. But I did the grand openings for Menards all over the 10-state area, which I suppose has grown now. Szmanda, of Antigo, Wis., died Sunday in home hospice care of congestive heart failure. Jon Hamm has proudly done the voice-overs for Mercedes-Benz since 2010. 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. Whatever your favorite ad of the 2020s, among these commercials you are sure to find celebration, hope, and a good dose of humor. Vince Offer is and actor, producer and infomercial star. Your email address will not be published. Working high up in the lumber piles. Then sweaters. localstore@volumeone.org(Store,), TermsofUse / PrivacyPolicy This fact was true across all TV mechanisms, including network TV, cable TV, and streaming. TV viewing rose so much that binge-watching show after show became a joke across internet memes and tweets in the 2020s. [7] Then there will be a fifth Menards in West Virginia in Parkersburg,[8] followed by a sixth location in South Charleston. This commercial tapped into sentiment at the time when anti-racist protests were raging across the US. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He was 91. However, one commercial stands out from the pack in terms of its power, creativity, and relevance for the time. [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? [10] Four more Ohio locations are currently in the works: Granger, Zanesville, Youngstown, and Aurora. He was 91. Receive an invoice for every purchase. Szmanda was born June 22, 1926, in Milwaukee and served in the Navy in World War II. Its infrequent, but it happens. In 2012, Menards opened its first Kentucky location in Owensboro. Eau Claire, Wisconsin, U.S. John Robert Menard Jr. (born January 22, 1940) is an American billionaire businessman, and the founder and owner of Menards, a Midwestern chain of home improvement stores. I was pretty shocked, because these guys all looked and sounded great. That will continue for a few items before Ray shows up a final time with another general phrase about the store (Example: "Stay on track with Savings from Menards!"). 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 2020s would change the world significantly, and there would be no going back to the time before these pivotal years. Ill never forget it. Pepe the King Prawn. 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. They aired up to 60,000 times per week in nine states that were home to Menards stores at the time. V1: Well its a fun time to be working with stocks right now. Ive got a job, a secretary, a mother, two ex- wives, and several bartenders dependent on me. 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. Source: www.pinterest.com Source: id.pinterest.com It was just unbelievable. The Menards Guy is the chain's only spokesman and has been for 20 years. And I got negative things, too. 5 mo. Do you take that as a compliment, the fact that youre still the irreplaceable Menards guy?. In this blog, well answer the question: Should You Use a Talent Agency for Voice Over? I was on the radio years ago, and it was just great. Recent commercials, however, feature Bo Landry in his place; although, a cartoon version of "the Menards Guy" still appears in Menards' print ads and in some in-store signs. I played on the road. Nessel said that Menards would have 10 days to respond to the letter, or she would potentially take legal action. Whats Biden waiting for when it comes to 2024? He's told stories for Leafs TV, NBA TV Canada and TSN. [35] The policy for children was later relaxed.[36]. Ray Szmanda/Living or Deceased. Thats a lot to shoot, and we needed to hustle to get it all done. Its hard not to act. RAY: Oh sure. The ad features Salt-N-Peppas Push It performed by rapper Megan Thee Stallion. 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.' It really pays off. Highdeas are clever or fun ideas you have only when you're high. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. V1: Well Im wondering if you feel guilty going into a Fleet Farm or Home Depot? RAY: The other thing I wanted to tell you is that I had some college kids call me at 9 oclock one night. Reader Poll, Advertise with Volume One This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Already have a Menards Commercial Card? Village.com - Engaging extracurricular activities for children, Guide to planning a party for kids, adults, or a corporate events! PUBLISHER / EDITOR / OWNER 3 comments. For nearly 25 years a growing radius of TV viewers were introduced to his signature black glasses/blue sweater combo, his giant grin, and his seemingly relentless enthusiasm for home improvement. The blue looked great in fact, better than the orange but I liked the orange material, because it stayed fresh and wasnt baggy. The green dot indicates the address has active services. In 2011, the company expanded into Kansas. 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. RAY: Yes. Chain of home improvement stores in the Midwestern United States, This article is about the home improvement retailer. RAY: Oh yeah. From a global pandemic to new world leaders and the war in Ukraine, the 2020s have impacted people in many unexpected ways. Anyway I had another fella I was in the carpeting department doing a commercial and I said, Good morning. You know, friendly, because thats the name of the game. This characteristic included celebrating healthcare workers, grocery store employees, and delivery drivers who kept the essential products we needed coming to our doors. Well look at the pros and cons of each. Everyone I know from back home can automatically. 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. An interview with Ray Szmanda (a.k.a. Advertisers have created some remarkable and groundbreaking TV commercials in the 2020s (and were only over two years into the decade!). [29], In 2022, Menards ranked second in a J.D. 2 x 4 Construction/Framing Lumber at Menards. audience & publishing schedule , Staff V1: And theyre still using your cartoon image. Should Chicago adopt ranked choice voting? In 2000, the company opened its 150th store. 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. During the Christmas shopping season the jingle changes to "Warm seasons greetings to you all from Menards!" Ive got a film major grandson in Colorado, and he wants to do it. Get Started for Free Getting Started How It Works Getting Paid Video Tutorials Read the Guide Browse Job Types The mail comes to the chain's Eau Claire, Wis., headquarters addressed to "The Menards Guy," or, more formally, "The Menards Man." She is of Dutch and one quarter Norwegian descent. No. Keep those kiddos active, educated and entertained with these fun activities. When do I receive my Menards commercial invoice? He also narrated a recording of the Bible. And I looked their way and said, Come on over, guys. And they said, Dont call me a guy, and walked right on by. In fact, Szmanda is a professional announcer and even an. The voice is pretty similar. They walked right on the set (laughing) looking for the price of the chair or whatever it was. A long time ago they decided they wanted to do that, and its great. And I suppose I was kind of an actor with that, because people tell me, Youre so different off camera. 13 followers13. I have a stack of pictures that I send to people that would like one. This isnt right.. Presented by Silver Spring. V1: Yeah. Ive been doing that more for my own enjoyment than for performing. Most Commercials follow a set pattern. For 2022, advertising researchers predict that both the number of viewers and the number of hours each day they spend watching TV will increase. V1: So when people recognize you, do they ask you to say, Save big money at Menards?, RAY: Always. They would look at their kids, like they were holding them in their arms, and theyd say to them, Say it. Sure enough, theyd say, Save big money at Menards! You know, that kind of thing. [26], In 2023, the Menards and Matt Crafton sponsorship partnership surpassed STP and Richard Petty as NASCAR's longest-tenured driver/sponsorship relationship. 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. And we had good solid people around us. I started lessons about five or six years ago. For radio commercials, which are a purely auditory experience, casting the right voice actor who resonates with your audience is crucial. I even came close to convincing myself that it would be a good idea to visit his house last Thanksgiving, as I was visiting my grandparents in Antigo, Wisconsin. The US Congress issued stimulus payments to Americans to keep the economy robust through the pandemic, contributing in part to an approximate 5.7% growth in the economy in 2021. The message, in the end, is that consumption, in part, will help us persevere and come out on the other side of COVID-19. Indeed, in times of economic stress or uncertainty, businesses tend to cut discretionary spending, and for most, advertising is seen as discretionary. They covered a lot of fascinating ground, including his other gigs, how he got the Menards job, and funny things that happened while filming commercials. The 2020s were significant years in world history. V1: I hear youre still doing some radio stuff, as a Ham Radio operator? His products the SHAMWOW, InVINCEable, SlapChop, Schticky and more have sold millions. RAY: Never. event & video production company, & a retail store based in Eau Claire, WI. RAY: I was in radio for about six years. Menards TV Commercials We don't make the ads - We measure them Sign up to track nationally aired TV ad campaigns for Menards. :0 since when has the song sounded like that ? I got to meet people at store openings and sign pictures, and meet people from Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, all over the Midwest, and they were fun. He studiedbroadcasting at the American Institute of the Air in Minneapolis and took writing courses from the Universities of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Madison, according to his bio on the Menards website. Power survey in customer satisfaction among home improvement retail stores. By the end of 1959, he found it necessary to hire extra crews, and to purchase more equipment to keep up with demand. [15] Ray Szmanda was the "Menards Guy" who used the slogan "Save big money at Menards" regularly on television advertisements from 1976 to 1998, and occasionally from 1999 until his death in 2018. After a morning of shooting wed break production and hed invite us all out for lunch together, often at a pizza buffet. Szmanda was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and served in the United States Navy during World War II.[1]. Volume One scored one. [6] In 2022, Menards announced that they will open a fourth West Virginia store in Bridgeport. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. So lumber was interesting. Menards is owned by founder John Menard Jr. through his privately held company, Menard, Inc. Often the audience's first point of contact with a brand, radio commercial voice actors take on the role of company spokesperson and set the tone for what the audience can expect from your brand. RAY: Im not very active. RAY: Yeah, Im not like that. Well he said, Why dont you get a job? It hurt, but I regained my composure to get on the air. Competition for Menards includes Lowe's, The Home Depot, ACE Hardware, Shaw Flooring, Miracle Method and the other brands in the Retail Stores: Home Improvement industry. [28] In 2022, Menards ranked 34th on the National Retail Federation's list of "100 Top Retailers". Thats about what it amounted to. He worked for radio and television stations as a staff announcer from 1951 to 1958, when he began to freelance. The spiders longing is finally satiated when its owner brings a Samsung device home. 31 tracks31. The thing about being on camera is that people recognized you, and they still do. 18. Szmanda passed away at his home in Antigo on Sunday, May 6, according to. Fresh air. This was while Szmanda was still working for the company in full force. RAY: I like it. Posted at 2:18 PM, May 07, 2018. and last updated 2:05 PM, May 07, 2018. Menard.". What happened was, when I left the house, I was in a suit. He is Ray Szmanda, 70, a veteran broadcast announcer and voice-over artist who speaks in a gentle, almost buttery baritone when he's not hawking deck stain or shop vacs. 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. He was known as "The Menards Guy." A Milwaukee native and World War II Navy. In addition, these Menards locations carry items such as office supplies, pet supplies, and mattresses.[13]. Between the 1970's and 1980's Menards began opening locations in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. His career with Menards began in 1976, where he was a fixture of the ads until his retirement in 1998. Advertising powerhouse Amazon brought us a hilarious 2021 TV commercial featuring heartthrob Michael B. Jordan standing in for one womans Amazon Echo device. These economic fluxes significantly impacted brand advertisers and approaches to the 2020s TV commercials. Then I did a Sunday morning thing, Masters of Rhythm. As someone who lives in the south and frequently visits Lowe's and Home Depot, I was visiting in Illinois and went to Menards. A fella by the name of Bob Prock ran that production section for a long time, and did a great job. But I have a letter that I get every month, and it has been good to me these last 20 years, that tells me whats out there that looks good. You put your heart and soul into that kind of a thing, and actors do, too. In 2009, Menards opened its first Wyoming location in Casper. for pricing and availability. Now wait a minute. With Americans glued to their TVs watching pandemic and election coverage, 2020 was a banner year for TV viewing. 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. V1: Was there any conversation about what youd be wearing? In February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a speech detailing his many grievances with the neighboring country. At that time, my wife and I had seven children. We should learn how to do that. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. They were free. Menards 60sec Donut Jingle. 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. Ray started the gig way back in 1976, three years before I was even born. 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).
Samantha And Bridgette Gypsy Wedding Still Together,
Grand Casino Hinckley Concerts 2022,
Why Are Ethiopian So Beautiful,
Ncaa Men's Gymnastics Live Scores,
Tough Love Arena Mods,
Articles W
who voices menards commercials