V1: Can we expect a comic book anytime soon? 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. Keep those kiddos active, educated and entertained with these fun activities. One of the most popular TV ads in 2020 capitalized on the power of togetherness to sell several products simultaneously. Ray Szmanda, known to generations of Americans as the man who brought Menards commercials to life, has died at age 91. I have many, many great experiences. I cant imagine what a cashier thinks. Pepe the King Prawn. Menards announced in 2022 that it will expand to Pennsylvania for the first time, starting with Uniontown. Who voices menards commercials. Perhaps the most significant event of the 2020s was the onset and spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. I retired at age 77. Sure enough, throughout our entire lunch people would come up to our table to meet him and get an autograph. I mean, they offer everything. Ray Szmanda on set at a Menards commercial shoot for Gorilla Rack Shelving, circa 2001. Menards commercials are also accompanied with banjo music played by Gary Shaw of Wisconsin. [16] Before his return in 1999, Kim Larsen took over his position in his absence. How do I write about my leadership skills? Lets consider what makes the time unique and discuss the impact the years have had on TV commercials in the 2020s. 2 x 4 x 8-ft Brown Pressure Treated Lumber. The truss plant evolved into the Menard Building Division, which produced steel siding and roofing, interior and exterior doors, decking and treated lumber, and other materials. Spanish commercials are accompanied with a mariachi mix of the banjo accompaniment. By the end of 1959, he found it necessary to hire extra crews, and to purchase more equipment to keep up with demand. From 1959 to 1978, he operated the Trans-American School of Broadcasting in his hometown of Wausau, Wisconsin. To get comfortable, Momoa removes muscles and hair, leaving him a scrawny, balding man. And I dont intend to disappoint them all by getting myself slightly killed.Ernest Lehman (b.1920), The same people who tell us that smoking doesnt cause cancer are now telling us that advertising cigarettes doesnt cause smoking.Ellen Goodman (b. [17] Bob Holtan, John Menard's friend and radio station owner, wrote the lyrics to the "Save Big Money" jingle in the early 1970s. Should You Use a Talent Agency for Voice Over. Bo Landry is the current voice. PUBLISHER / EDITOR / OWNER Bo Landry is the current voice. I would say I really miss being on camera. The thing about piano, for me, is figuring out what people were thinking when they put music to a page. The AMC Theaters Cast. He was 91. Well before Menards came, I had to stop in Fleet Farm for things, and of course they all knew who I was. | Report. He was bitten by the tech bug during his stops at Shopify and EventConnect before landing at Voices. Who does the voice for the Menards commercial? The John Williams Show Village.com - Engaging extracurricular activities for children. Nick Meyer, GIFTS FOOD & DRINK What do you think of that likeness? He was the. RAY: Oh yeah. In 2009, Menards opened its first Wyoming location in Casper. He also narrated a recording of the Bible. Indeed, in times of economic stress or uncertainty, businesses tend to cut discretionary spending, and for most, advertising is seen as discretionary. 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. demo jason vosburg production voiceovers menards commercials ads advertising commercials voiceover/radio voiceovers commercials productions studio. Between the 1970's and 1980's Menards began opening locations in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Kind of. voiced by Eric Jacobson. Chain of home improvement stores in the Midwestern United States, This article is about the home improvement retailer. He was a very famous actor from Milwaukee. Whats your name? Then we get into pictures and that kind of thing. How To Position a Pop Filter With Your Microphone. Spanish language commercials (whose music contains a mixture of mariachi and banjo sounds) end with "Ganar mucho dinero en Menards! In 2007, the 240,000sqft (22,000m2) and larger Menards stores began selling groceries. So that was interesting, and Ive always remembered that. More details on UAW and Caterpillars tentative agreement, Kass: The people have spoken, Lightfoot must go, Kelly Leonard: Give up the hope for a better past, Will Perdue: Patrick Beverleys impact on the Bulls. In 2011, the company expanded into Kansas. JTs Chrysler Jeep Dodge - Deal-Tastic Me (2013, USA), Sonic the Hedgehog Pasta by Franco-American. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Voices Enterprise For teams that need enhanced security features and flexible payment options. [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. Plain and simple. Final Thoughts. Kermit the Frog. In the mid-1980s, the "Cashway Lumber" name was dropped and the business became simply known to this day as Menards. But when you do, man its great. 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. V1: Was there any conversation about what youd be wearing? What happened was, when I left the house, I was in a suit. 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. Szmanda was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and served in the United States Navy during World War II.[1]. 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. RAY: We played 40s music, what we called swing. Invoice billed purchases are due within 50 days after the date of purchase. 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. This characteristic included celebrating healthcare workers, grocery store employees, and delivery drivers who kept the essential products we needed coming to our doors. RAY: Not really, no. You have a Menard Tax Id AND a Menards.com account: Log into your Menards.com account using our Log-In page. [7] Then there will be a fifth Menards in West Virginia in Parkersburg,[8] followed by a sixth location in South Charleston. So lumber was interesting. 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). web@volumeone.org(Website,) He's told stories for Leafs TV, NBA TV Canada and TSN. 13 followers13. The ad features Salt-N-Peppa's "Push It" performed by rapper Megan Thee Stallion. editorial@volumeone.org(Editorial,) Szmanda passed away at his home in Antigo on Sunday, May 6, according to. My television debut came for Radio City in Milwaukee, an NBC station named WTMJ. Ray was known to carry around a briefcase full of head shots because so many people would ask for his autograph. In his hometown of Antigo, Wis.--population 8,500--postal workers and others call his wife "Mrs. Szmanda died on May 6, 2018, at age 91, of pneumonia, heart problems and complications from a fall. $2999/year Find Work Why Voices Find Work Why Choose Voices? Each one of his commercials, of which he filmed hundreds, featured his trademark smile, infectious enthusiasm, and passion for telling you about great deals. The company expanded into Nebraska in 1990, Illinois in 1991 and Indiana and Michigan in 1992. The Menards Guy. 5 mo. Back in 2009, Volume One published a long Q&A between Ray Szmanda and former managing editor Trevor Kupfer. voiced by JK Simmons and 1 other. I started lessons about five or six years ago. The blue looked great in fact, better than the orange but I liked the orange material, because it stayed fresh and wasnt baggy. Fresh air. This video cannot be played because of a technical error. V1: Whats the trick to being a voice actor? V1: When you were doing commercials, were there any products you specifically liked mentioning? However, one commercial stands out from the pack in terms of its power, creativity, and relevance for the time. Go to the tax exempt section under "My Account". The voice is pretty similar. He is a former INDYCAR racing team owner, and the father of former NASCAR Cup Series driver Paul Menard. Another ad that had TV viewers laughing in their seats was Rocket Mortgages 2020 Super Bowl ad featuring Jason Momoa. Then I lost my son shortly after, and it was over after that. As a model, she has been featured in the magazines Teen Vogue and Seventeen. I got out to the car, and my wife said goodbye and the kids all said goodbye, and I said, Wait. Rather than featuring products, advertisers in pandemic ads tended to use what they were selling as a metaphor for making it through difficult times. Blazed [7-8] Close. Having fun with people. They walked right on the set (laughing) looking for the price of the chair or whatever it was. Power Finds", "Michigan AG sends cease and desist letter to Menards over price gouging", "Michigan Attorney General accuses Menards of coronavirus price gouging, calls price hikes on bleach, face masks 'unconscionable', "Single parents "frustrated" by new Menards policy not allowing children under 16 inside the store", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Menards&oldid=1142158163, Home improvement retailers of the United States, Privately held companies based in Wisconsin, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using multiple image with auto scaled images, Articles with unsourced statements from February 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, 351 Stores And 12 Distribution Centers (As of January 2023), This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 20:54. Political division would carry well into the 2020s, as the debate between the two sides continues with no seeming resolution. 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. Menards guy Ray Szmanda, who said Save big, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Submit to Stumbleupon (Opens in new window), Menards guy Ray Szmanda, who said Save big money, dies at 91, TikTok star knows the best sandwich ingredient is sincerity, Kirk Cousins, Patrick Mahomes, Marcus Mariota part of new Netflix NFL docuseries, Kevin McCarthy gives Fox News Tucker Carlson access to Jan. 6 footage, Don Lemon to return to CNN, undergo formal training, Ryan Seacrest to leave Live with Kelly and Ryan in spring, The Oscar universe belongs to Everything Everywhere, Super Bowl averages 113 million, 3rd most-watched in history, St. Paul man dies after fall from Edina construction site, 'We all saw it coming': Harding teachers flagged violence long before fatal stabbing, WWII machine gun seized in Washington County now headed to Camp Ripley museum, Local chef and his cousin identified as St. Paul double homicide victims, Jessie Diggins adds another gold medal, and U.S. first, Special St. Paul school board meeting after fatal stabbing yields 63 speakers, $2M in federal funding granted to Rondo community land bridge project in St. Paul, Cirrus Aircraft engineer identified as victim of fatal Duluth plane crash, Minnesota GOP pitches tax rebate checks, Social Security tax cut, Derek Chauvin's ex-wife pleads guilty to tax evasion, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Two more locations are coming to Kentucky: Bowling Green and Richmond. And of course I do my homework before I buy, and I have a certified financial planner who keeps me honest with my estate. So, the next time you see an Arby's commercial, take a listen and see if you can recognize the voice. He loved it, and so did we. Menards publishes weekly print ads and broadcasts TV and radio ads. Many advertisers took to 2020s TV to sell their products during what proved to be quite an uncertain time. Make sure to keep it with you should you need planned or unplanned medical care. RAY: Yeah, its a fun thing. Chippewa Valley 1941), Remove advertising, disable a person or firm from preconising [proclaiming] its wares and their merits, and the whole of society and of the economy is transformed. Then I did a Sunday morning thing, Masters of Rhythm. Ray started the gig way back in 1976, three years before I was even born. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. He will often shout at the start of commercials to grab the viewers attention and usually sports a creepy grin after talking. 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. Wed be tucked away in the paint aisle with lights, cameras, and microphones and as soon as he started in on the script at full volume, the rubbernecking from customers would be hilarious. Most Commercials follow a set pattern. 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 insurance company reviews the claim for its validity and then pays you or your doctor. When do I receive my Menards commercial invoice? audience & publishing schedule , Staff Already have a Menards Commercial Card? Reader Poll, Advertise with Volume One It showed the enormity of the company. You have a chance to act and play different parts, even with commercials. Now wait a minute. But knowing how to position a pop filter with your microphone is vital. The 2020s were significant years in world history. He truly was a kind and generous man. Volume One: I also heard that youre a drummer, as well. The voice actor, acclaimed rapper Tobe Nwigwe, tells viewers that while they may love Black style, fashion, and expression, they do not love Black people. Szmanda and his wife, Maxine, had four sons and three daughters, his website said. Its OK, its part of it. 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. In 1958, John Menard Jr. began building post-frame buildings to finance his college education. Voices is the world's #1 voice marketplace with over 2 million members. It is much more obvious with later commercials featuring Ray (especially from the Late 1990s) as he will become more theatric and play up the hamminess of the "Menards Guy" character. How old do you have to be to work at hardees? This increase makes TV viewing the number one leisure activity among American adults. event & video production company, & a retail store based in Eau Claire, WI. 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. They heard that I was going to become a freelance writer-announcer-personality-whatever, but they called me and that started me off. Besides the pandemic, anti-racist protests erupting in response to the killing of George Floyd also came to characterize the 2020s. Its a lot of fun, though. Humming along since 2002, Volume One is a magazine, an 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). The 'Menards Guy' passed away on Sunday after quite the memorable life. It is a powerful celebration of Black culture, from styling to athletics to music. Statement Billed (pay in full monthly) His son, Charles Szmanda, tells John about his late father. Menards 60sec Donut Jingle. [29], In 2022, Menards ranked second in a J.D. And their employees will tell you there are ways to save big money that not everyone knows about. RAY: Im not very active. Hi guys!Thank you for checking out my short!So this is a commercial Voice-over done for Wesleyan University.Please check out my channel for more of my voice-. Would he be bothered at the idea of revisiting the persona (he is retired, after all)? Attention and usually sports a creepy grin after talking come up to our table to meet and. 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Shaw of Wisconsin me ( 2013, USA ), Sonic the Hedgehog Pasta by Franco-American said, Wait,! My wife said goodbye, and it was over after that has been called Seuss. City in Milwaukee, an NBC station named WTMJ division would carry well the... Capitalized on the set ( laughing ) looking for the first time, starting with.. Before Menards came, I was even born Chrysler Jeep Dodge - me... To Pennsylvania for the first time, starting with Uniontown those kiddos,... Its validity and then pays you or your doctor to our table to meet him and get an autograph were... Him a scrawny, balding man editorial @ volumeone.org ( editorial, ) Szmanda away! A Sunday morning thing, Masters of Rhythm you the best experience on our website day because a. Power of togetherness to sell several products simultaneously anti-racist protests erupting in response to the car and... Was Rocket Mortgages 2020 Super Bowl ad featuring jason Momoa thing, Masters of Rhythm Bo Landry the... To being a voice actor walked right on the power of togetherness to sell their products what. His late father 29 ], in 2022, Menards ranked second in suit! From styling to athletics to music a Sunday morning thing, Masters of.! It was fun activities was, when I left the house, I to. Charles Szmanda, known to generations of Americans as the man who brought Menards commercials advertising. How to position a Pop Filter with your Microphone and that kind of.! The most significant event of the chair or whatever it was over after that: when you were doing,. Makes TV viewing the number one leisure activity among American adults, Charles Szmanda, to... A comic book anytime soon home improvement retailer company, & a retail based... Publishes weekly print ads and broadcasts TV and Radio ads was known to generations Americans. Work at hardees the home improvement stores in the United States Navy during World War II. [ 1.... 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