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Thursday, July 16, 2009

Billy Mays: King of all Pitchmen

By Jim Ziebarth James Ziebarth

William Darrell "Billy" Mays, Jr., the most famous television advertisement pitchman, will be remembered for pitching Oxi Clean, Orange Glo, and numerous other cleaning, and maintenance products. His distinctive beard and unique persona produced one of the most recognized television presences in the United States.

Billy Mays Jr. began his journey on July 20, 1958. He was born in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. His high school years were spent at Sto-Rox High School. Billy May attended college at West Virginia University. He was not destined to be a college graduate. Billy Mays dropped out to work for his father. His father owned a hazardous waste company. In 1983, Billy moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey to start the next chapter of his life.

Billy Mays's move to Atlantic City introduced him to his future career...pitchman. Billy started pitching products such as Washamatik. Washmatik is a portable cleaning device. He "pitched" to anyone who would listen or could be drawn into listening. Soon, the world would realize that Billy Mays had found his calling.

Atlantic City's pitchmen built the Billy Mays we know and love. These pitchmen taught Billy how to draw in a crowd and develop a pitch that would "seal the deal". Billy Mays soaked up their suggestions like a sponge. When he was ready, he took his show on the road. Criss-crossing America selling various products at auto shows, home expos, and fairs.

In 1993, Bill Mays became friends with Max Appel. Max Appel was another pitchman with whom Billy had cultivated a rivalry. Appel had moved from pitchman to entrepeneur by founding Orange Glo International. Max Appel realized the greatness that was Billy Mays. He hired Billy to pitch his line of cleaners on the Home Shopping Network. Billy moved to St Petersburg, Florida to pitch products such as OxiClean, Orange Glo, and Kaboom.

Mays Promotions, Inc. introduced Billy Mays to the world of entrepeneurship. He founded Mays Promotions, Inc. out of his Odessa, Florida home. Billy Mays served as the company's CEO. He achieved success by becoming known as the world's greatest pitchman. Companies would pay top dollar to have him pitch their products. Inventors would pitch their inventions to him, hoping that Billy Mays would turn them into millionaires.

Billy Mays was destined to become a TV superstar. With business partner Anthony Sullivan, he entered into a contract with Discovery Channel to produce "Pitchmen". Pitchmen is a documentary that provides a behind the scenes look at infomercials. From reviewing new inventions to choosing the best one and filming an infomercial.

June 28, 2009 is a day that will live in infamy. Billy Mays's wife found him unresponsive. At 7:45 a.m., he was pronounced dead. It is thought, he passed away during the night. News reports stated that early indications pointed to heart attack.

Billy Mays's autopsy was performed by Dr. Vernard Adams. Dr. Adams is the coroner for Hillsborough County, Florida. His autopsy found that Mays was brought down by hypertensive heart disease. A heart attack had ended the world's greatest pitchman.

Billy Mays was a pitchman to the end. At his funeral in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, Billy Mays was buried in a shirt bearing the OxiClean logo. His career was seen throughout the service. Pallbearers wore khaki pants and blue shirts, just as Billy had during his commercials.

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