Ron Popeil (1935–2021), Ronco founder and infomercial pitchman
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2 min readRon Popeil was the founder of Ronco and an inventor known for his informercials for products like the Veg-O-Matic and the Pocket Fisherman.
- Died:July 28, 2021 (Who else died on July 28?)
- Details of death:Died suddenly at a hospital in Los Angeles at the age of 86.
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Ronco
Popeil founded Ronco in 1964, building on what he learned from his father, an inventor and businessman who developed the Veg-O-Matic. The younger Popeil and Ronco became known for gadgets including the Inside-the-Shell Egg Scrambler, Mr. Microphone, and Smokeless Ashtray. Popeil himself advertised Ronco’s products in late-night informercials, perfecting the art of convincing consumers they needed an Electric Food Dehydrator, Cap Snaffler, or Ronco Rhinestone Stud Setter.
Popeil became known for catchphrases: The Showtime Rotisserie made it easy to cook meat so buyers could “Set it and forget it!†In an ad for the Veg-O-Matic, Popeil enthused, “It slices! It dices!†And any product could be made more enticing with “But wait! There’s more!†A pioneer of television sales, Popeil owned Ronco until 2005, when he sold it to spend more time with his family. He continued inventing products after the sale, including the 5 in1 Turkey Fryer & Food Cooking System.
Notable quote
“If I create a product,I can market it as well as or better than anyone on the planet. I have the confidence and the passion. People see that, and they know it is real. When you make your own products and you put your name on them, you better have something good, or else when you walk down the street, people will be throwing stuff at you.†from a 2009 interview for Inc.
Tributes to Ron Popeil
Full obituary: The New York Times
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