Ray
"The Menards Guy"
Szmanda
(1926–2018)
If you lived in the Midwest between the years of 1976-1998, you will almost certainly recognize the face and voice of Ray Szmanda. Szmanda was affectionately known as "The Menards Guy" after spending more than 20 years as the television pitchman for Menards®. Each one of his commercials, of which he filmed hundreds, featured his trademark smile, infectious enthusiasm, and passion for telling you about great deals. With the news of Ray's passing on May 6, 2018, Menards® would like to pay tribute to an invaluable member of our Menards® family, Ray Szmanda.
"The Menards Guy"
Szmanda
(1926–2018)
If you lived in the Midwest between the years of 1976-1998, you will almost certainly recognize the face and voice of Ray Szmanda. Szmanda was affectionately known as "The Menards Guy" after spending more than 20 years as the television pitchman for Menards®. Each one of his commercials, of which he filmed hundreds, featured his trademark smile, infectious enthusiasm, and passion for telling you about great deals. With the news of Ray's passing on May 6, 2018, Menards® would like to pay tribute to an invaluable member of our Menards® family, Ray Szmanda.
Ray
"The Menards Guy"
Szmanda
(1926–2018)
"The Menards Guy"
Szmanda
(1926–2018)
If you lived in the Midwest between the years of 1976-1998, you will almost certainly recognize the face and voice of Ray Szmanda. Szmanda was affectionately known as "The Menards Guy" after spending more than 20 years as the television pitchman for Menards®. Each one of his commercials, of which he filmed hundreds, featured his trademark smile, infectious enthusiasm, and passion for telling you about great deals. With the news of Ray's passing on May 6, 2018, Menards® would like to pay tribute to an invaluable member of our Menards® family, Ray Szmanda.
Making His Mark:
Prior to joining the Menards® team, Ray was an accomplished television and radio broadcaster. His talent and work ethic led him to found the Trans-American School of Broadcasting where he helped train aspiring broadcasters.
Menards®, meanwhile, had about eight stores in operation and was looking for a spokesman to engage with viewers. After just one audition, Ray was hired for the job in 1976. From that point on, Ray's appearances on TV captured the attention of viewers while the number of Menards® stores continued to grow.
Prior to joining the Menards® team, Ray was an accomplished television and radio broadcaster. His talent and work ethic led him to found the Trans-American School of Broadcasting where he helped train aspiring broadcasters.
Menards®, meanwhile, had about eight stores in operation and was looking for a spokesman to engage with viewers. After just one audition, Ray was hired for the job in 1976. From that point on, Ray's appearances on TV captured the attention of viewers while the number of Menards® stores continued to grow.
Making His Mark:
Prior to joining the Menards® team, Ray was an accomplished television and radio broadcaster. His talent and work ethic led him to found the Trans-American School of Broadcasting where he helped train aspiring broadcasters.
Menards®, meanwhile, had about eight stores in operation and was looking for a spokesman to engage with viewers. After just one audition, Ray was hired for the job in 1976. From that point on, Ray's appearances on TV captured the attention of viewers while the number of Menards® stores continued to grow.
Prior to joining the Menards® team, Ray was an accomplished television and radio broadcaster. His talent and work ethic led him to found the Trans-American School of Broadcasting where he helped train aspiring broadcasters.
Menards®, meanwhile, had about eight stores in operation and was looking for a spokesman to engage with viewers. After just one audition, Ray was hired for the job in 1976. From that point on, Ray's appearances on TV captured the attention of viewers while the number of Menards® stores continued to grow.
A Trusted Voice:
By the 1980s, Ray had become a recognizable figure in the Midwest. His white hair, a Menards® polo shirt or sweater, and thick black-rimmed glasses combined with an enthusiastic delivery of the slogan Save BIG Money at Menards® had even earned him recognition while off-duty. This level of attention was appreciated by Ray, and he enjoyed meeting and taking photos with his countless fans.
By the 1980s, Ray had become a recognizable figure in the Midwest. His white hair, a Menards® polo shirt or sweater, and thick black-rimmed glasses combined with an enthusiastic delivery of the slogan Save BIG Money at Menards® had even earned him recognition while off-duty. This level of attention was appreciated by Ray, and he enjoyed meeting and taking photos with his countless fans.
Retirement:
The 1990s saw an increase in duties for Ray, as Menards® expanded into new areas of the Midwest. With each new store's opening came a new audience for Ray to work his magic on, right up until his initial retirement in 1998. After that point, he continued to make periodic appearances in advertisements and at store openings until 2002.
Even in his retirement from commercial appearances, Ray has remained an important figure in Menards® stores, with his likeness appearing in various places throughout every store. He is also the namesake of the Ray's List clearance and bargain item program, which brings you incredible deals on quality products.
The 1990s saw an increase in duties for Ray, as Menards® expanded into new areas of the Midwest. With each new store's opening came a new audience for Ray to work his magic on, right up until his initial retirement in 1998. After that point, he continued to make periodic appearances in advertisements and at store openings until 2002.
Even in his retirement from commercial appearances, Ray has remained an important figure in Menards® stores, with his likeness appearing in various places throughout every store. He is also the namesake of the Ray's List clearance and bargain item program, which brings you incredible deals on quality products.
Retirement:
The 1990s saw an increase in duties for Ray, as Menards® expanded into new areas of the Midwest. With each new store's opening came a new audience for Ray to work his magic on, right up until his initial retirement in 1998. After that point, he continued to make periodic appearances in advertisements and at store openings until 2002.
Even in his retirement from commercial appearances, Ray has remained an important figure in Menards® stores, with his likeness appearing in various places throughout every store. He is also the namesake of the Ray's List clearance and bargain item program, which brings you incredible deals on quality products.
The 1990s saw an increase in duties for Ray, as Menards® expanded into new areas of the Midwest. With each new store's opening came a new audience for Ray to work his magic on, right up until his initial retirement in 1998. After that point, he continued to make periodic appearances in advertisements and at store openings until 2002.
Even in his retirement from commercial appearances, Ray has remained an important figure in Menards® stores, with his likeness appearing in various places throughout every store. He is also the namesake of the Ray's List clearance and bargain item program, which brings you incredible deals on quality products.
A Beloved Figure:
Ray's legacy serves as an inspiration to us all; after all, the enthusiasm and joy evoked in his commercials was not just for show. It was, in fact, just Ray being Ray. We invite you to take a minute to enjoy some of our favorite photos and videos of Ray Szmanda, The Menards Guy.
Ray's legacy serves as an inspiration to us all; after all, the enthusiasm and joy evoked in his commercials was not just for show. It was, in fact, just Ray being Ray. We invite you to take a minute to enjoy some of our favorite photos and videos of Ray Szmanda, The Menards Guy.