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Ron Popeil

Inventor and Pitchman

Ronco

Ron Popeil is an inventor and TV pitchman best known for his direct-response marketing company, Ronco. Over the last 50 years, his products have pulled in more than $3 billion in retail. Born in New York City in 1935, Popeil is the son of an inventor. The first products Popeil sold came from his father’s factory. Although he was never close to his father, Ron Popeil got his start in business with Samuel J. Popeil’s kitchen products. In the mid-1950s, the rising medium of television caught young Popeil’s eye. While he was still experiencing success with his in-person sales pitches, he saw an opportunity ...

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