Billy Mays Day in Valparaiso – One Year Later
On September 4th, 2008, Billy Mays planned a little trek out to the little Chicago suburb of Valparaiso, IN to shoot a little video. Below is the result of that effort.
What he didn’t plan on was, well, everything else. After the video shoot, Mays and the livemercial video team traveled up the commercial park road to attend the livemercial-hosted party.
Surrounded by industry members, area tech companies, media, and friends and fans, Mays listened along with everyone else as livemercial CEO Johnny Mathis thanked everyone for coming to the gala before handing the podium over to Matt Murphy, director of economic development for Valparaiso, IN.
Murphy initially talked about the prosperity of the Region’s technology companies before surprising Billy Mays with an award.
The award: Valparaiso city Mayor Jon Costas declared September 4th “Billy Mays Day,” in Valparaiso.
Then something rare and beautiful happened, Billy Mays was humbled speechless.
As Murphy handed him the official certificate which declared the day in his honor, Mays struggled to collect himself amidst the cheering crow and camera flashes. And for those who thought Billy Mays was less than sincere in that moment, all one had to do was listen to him fumble over the end of the closing line he scraped together on the spot.
“
I’m shocked and surprised and touched,” Mays said. “I wish I could stay longer, but this is a clean city.”- (source – NWITimes.com)
livemercial will continue to celebrate the life and legacy of our friend, Billy Mays. Our affection and support will forever go out to his friends and family.
Heaven has never been so clean.
Next Up for Livemercial – 2009 Pitch to the Pros at ERA D2C Convention
It’s BACK! “Pitch to the Pros” is coming to the ERA D2C Convention adventure at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas from September 13-15, 2009.
And this time, the stakes are raised. Check back to blog.livemercial.com next monday as we share r plans in greater detail.
Happy 51st Birthday, Billy Mays
Livemercial would like to take this moment to Billy Mays-shout, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY,†up to the sky in honor of the late, great infomercial king. Today would have been his 51st birthday and though our friend passed on not quite a month ago, his presence still entwines into much of what we do. Not a day goes by when we do not think of him.
Still thinking of you, buddy.
Below are some of our favorite videos Billy Mays so graciously recorded with us. We hope you enjoy them as much as we have.
The classic, “Billy Mays at The Office.”
Billy and Anthony Sullivan giving a live Dual Saw presentation at 2009 ERA Miami. This also marked Billy’s debut into live streaming video.
And then the very next day, Billy Mays did his second-ever live streaming video performance when he pitched ZorbEEZ to the visitors.
Courtesy of the Jeff and Jer show in San Diego, CA, Billy pitches livemercial’s “Pitch It to the Pros” contest while being egged on by Anthony Sullivan.
And in the last video we were fortunate to shoot, Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan announce the 2009 livemercial “Pitch It to the Pros” Response Expo winner: Treasure Chest Pets by Lisa Lloyd.
Happy 14th Birthday, Cody Mathis
While we’re at it, jovial “Happy Birthday,†well-wishes goes out to Cody Mathis, son of livemercial CEO Johnny Mathis, Jr. Cody got to spend time with us today in the livemercial office, meet the crew, and look on as the staff shot video footage with the 50 Companies to Watch film crew for the upcoming 2009 Indiana “50 Companies to Watch,†awards banquet next month in Indianapolis.
Remembering Billy Mays
Billy Mays, the reason many of us have grown to love infomercial products, passed away in his home this morning. As reported on FoxNews.com and confirmed by his son’s twitter stream, @youngbillymays, Billy Mays was found unresponsive in his bed.
Our hearts go out to our dear friend as well as to the Mays family. News of his passing was something we simply didn’t see coming on this sunny Sunday morning. I don’t even think it has hit us yet.
According to a couple news outlets, the family requests privacy at this time. Those same outlets report that no one in the family suspected anything as Mays returned home last night from another OxyClean shoot in Philadelphia.
Thoughts and prayers to the Mays family,
- the crew at livemercial
Here’s How I Will Best Remember Billy Mays
This was shot on September 4, 2008, the city of Valparaiso, IN officially crowned the day “Billy Mays Day.” The video was made to present the judging rules for ERA 2008, but what most of us will remember was the electric fun that went into shooting this video.
Billy Mays was a gregarious and generous man. Humble and gracious to the end. A true Amercian icon.
Billy Mays – July 20, 1958 – June 28, 2009.
Have a Favorite Billy Mays Moment?
Do you have a favorite Billy Mays Moment? Please let us know. Chances are we’ll post it.
Still Want to Pitch It to the Pros?
So maybe San Diego was a bit far for you to travel to pitch your ideas to Billy Mays, Anthony Sullivan and the executive team at livemercial. Or perhaps you were in the area and couldn’t make you way over to the Bayfront Hilton. If this is the case, here is a taste of what you missed out on:
Still want to Pitch It to the Pros? Not to worry! livemercial’s “Pitch It to the Pros” has continued. All you have to do is video tape yourself pitching your product or idea and then upload it to livemercial’s site at this link. And if your video is choosen, you will hear from our team of experts.
Don’t be afraid to be original, but please be tasteful. And, don’t worry if your video isn’t edited by a post-production facility. Webcam pitches will do just fine.
And “Good Luck” to everyone who participates!
Billy Mays & Anthony Sullivan Jeff n Jer Showgram Radio Segment
Courtesy of Jeff n Jer Shogram on 94.1 FM in San Diego, below is the recording of Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan. An enjoyable listen, the show covers a wide range of topics including livemercial, Pitch It the Pros, and how Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan met. Also, we find out that Billy Mays and Jeff were inspired to go into their respective career fields by the same pitchmen – Tommy Matasko.
Laughs, loves, and “the blackest beard in America” can all be heard in this clip.
And then they asked Billy n Sully about Vince n ShamWOW...
“I’m not the Beasties Boys or Run-DMC / I’m Billy Mays and I’m gonna knock you to your knees. ShamPOW!” – Billy Mays
But, WAIT, There’s MORE!
Anthony Sullivan leaks a special announcement: Billy Mays to appear on Dancing with the Stars even after his hip surgery. Was Anthony being serious? Listen in and find out more.
If for no other reason then you can listen to hear Billy order breakfast through a drive-thru at a McDonalds!
Billy and Sully Pitching on Jeff and Jer ShowGram
Courtesy of the Jeff & Jer Showgram on Star 94.1 FM in San Diego, below is a clip of Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan pitching to the public about livemercial’s “Pitch It to the Pros,” held during Response Expo 2009.
It’s classic Billy Mays. Take a look:
Pitch to the Pros Response Expo 2009 Winner Is “Treasure Chest Pets” by Lisa Lloyd
And it’s all over. It’s all over. So many ingenious, spirited inventors pitched their products that we almost had trouble keeping it all straight – through we did.
Through the melee, the madness, the circus, and the celebration it was decided – after careful consideration – that the winner of livemercial’s Response Expo 2009 “Pitch It to the Pros” is none other than ”Treasure Chest Pets”. The inventor of “Treasure Chest Pets,” Lisa Lloyd, will not only receive the glorious “Pitch It to the Pros” trophy as well as a DVD copy of her pitch but will also receive a one-on-one strategy session with top livemercial executives. And from there, the sky is the limit. Here was “Pitch it to the Pros” winning pitch:
Overall, a big, “thank you” goes out to the people who made Response Expo 2009 such a wonderful experience. An equally-as-heartfelt “Thank You’s” goes out to Billy Mays, Anthony Sullivan, the Bayfront Hilton, Wendy Robbins, and especially to the overwhelming support and participation given by each and every inventor who helped make “Pitch it to the Pros” such a rousing success. You indeed are the innovation and inspiration that continues to drive the industry each and every year. May all your ideas be prosperous!
Remember that you can watch recorded streaming video of all the pitches right here on livemercial.com. And keep tuning in to livemercial.com for more information on Pitch It to the Pros, Response Expo, and more!
Pitch It to the Pros – Day 2 – Still Time to Sign Up!
Pitch It to the Pros Day 2 is about set to get going at the Response Expo 2009 in San Diego. Like Day 1, Pitch it to the Pros Day 2 will start promptly at 12pm PST. The winner will be announced by none other than Billy Mays at 4pm PST!
If Day is anything like Pitch It to The Pros Day 1, then we’ll have no clue just what out-of-the-box ideas will be pitched. Check out Wendy Robbins as she introduces Dean and his product to pitch: Â SaberTooth Screwdriver.
There is still time for inventors to sign up and pitch their ideas. Either sign up at the livemercial booth or go online at livemercial’s signup page for more information.
Got twitter? tweet about the show using #response2009 or #livemercial
Pitch It to the Pros Response Expo 2009 Winner to Be Announced by Billy Mays, Johnny Mathis
This just in:Â livemercial’s “Pitch It to the Pros” winner will be announced on the Response Expo 2009 conference room floor at 4pm, Thursday, May 21st, 2009 by none other than Billy Mays! Along with livemercial CEO Johnny Mathis, Billy Mays will be announcing which “Pitch to the Pros” participant will receive the free DVD copy of their pitch along with a free one-on-one strategy session with livemercial executives.
How to Sign Up for “Pitch It to the Pros”
1) Walk up to Booth 301 and tell them you want to pitch. But if you want to better assure your chance to pitch to Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan then…
2) Sign up online at livemercial.com/pitchmen.
“Pitch It to the Pros” QuickFacts
When: Both May 20 and 21, 2009, 12pm to 3pm
Where:
2009 Response Expo, Booth 301
Hilton Bayfront Meetings and Convention Space
1 Park Boulevard
San Diego, California, United States 92101
Cost: free
Inventors Pitch to Billy Mays, Anthony Sullivan, and livemercial at Response 2009 in San Diego, CA
Calling all inventors, now is your chance to “Pitch It to the Pros”!
On May 20th and 21st, 2009, Discovery Channel’s “PitchMen” stars Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan, along with livemercial, Inc., the leader in online direct response, will be welcoming the public to pitch their products and ideas during the 2009 Response Expo at the Hilton Bayfront Meetings and Conventions Space in beautiful San Diego, California.
Dubbed “Pitch It to the Pros,” prospective pitchmen will have 5 minutes to pitch their concept at the livemercial booth before the panel of direct response leaders including the livemercial executive team. The pitches will be videotaped, so pull out all the stops!
Livemercial will announce the winner at the convention floor. Winners will receive a DVD copy of their pitch as well as as a one-on-one strategy session with livemercial executives.
Awards to be announced Thursday, May 21st, by livemercial and Billy Mays.
Pitch It to the Pros QuickFacts
When: Both May 20 and 21, 2009, 12pm to 3pm
Where:
2009 Response Expo, Booth 301
Hilton Bayfront Meetings and Convention Space
1 Park Boulevard
San Diego, California, United States 92101
Cost: free
“We’ve seen thousands of pitches since we launched in 2003, and there’s really no certain way or set of rules to pitching a great idea,†said Johnny Mathis, CEO of Livemercial. “We’re excited to see what San Diegans are dreaming up and look forward to formally reviewing the strongest idea.â€
