I’m The Real Ron Popeil , inventor, TV marketer, businessman - but you can call me Ron.

It is true you invented the technology to keep heads alive in jars, but just haven't released it yet?

Still working on it! Send me your address so I can have someone come pick up your head.

You have coined so many phrases and memes, it's just amazing.

But wait, there's more...

...I also applaud your incredible work ethic. Do you have a book about your experiences?

The Salesman of the Century - however, I'm currently working on a book of the trials and tribulations of inventing, marketing and the problems related to having product produced in China based upon my experiences related to my newest invention - Ron Popeil's 5in1 Fryer.

I always thought you could have helped at Quirky.

The new book should be a really interesting inside look at a complex process.

Thanks for the reply :)

Quirky?

Quirky.com was the crowdsource invention company, eventually failed.

But the types of products they could have chosen to produce would have been greatly enhanced with someone with your instincts.

I think that is what is so cool, you seem to have a great feel for what will actually sell, and how to produce the media to get that appeal across.

Thank you for that. It depends upon the product whether the crowdsourcing will work or not. Always remember - is this product for just a few people or does it have mass appeal? The one that has mass appeal is more likely to succeed.

Hello!

What have been your impressions of the Weird Al tribute song to you?

"Mr. Popeil" by Weird Al certainly inflated my ego.

Mr. Popeil,

I once bought a pocket fisherman for a class camping trip. Before I left on my trip I discovered it was broken and I was forced to bring an unwieldy larger fishing pole with me.

Why did the pocket fisherman break, Mr. Popeil? Why? I didn't drop it. It just didn't work right out of the packaging.

P.S. Still a big fan of your other products.

I apologize. Sometimes during the manufacturing process a very small percentage of product is not produced to my liking. This happens with every manufactured product made today in mass. Even IPhones!

Hey Ron, it's an honour to get to talk to you. Can you give us any sneak peeks into some future products in the works?

Sorry, I can't allow the competition to know what I'm working on!

No problem! I can only DREAM about what you are coming up with. Good luck for the future :-)

Take a guess and I will tell you if you're right!

I hope you don't set this IAMA up and then forget it....

Edit: but wait, there's more!

Are all your products made in the U.S? And do you personally invent them or buy the rights to them from the person that did?

All my products are designed and created in the US. Most of my food dehydrators were in fact made in the US because it was not a labor intensive product to manufacture. Products where labor is a major factor are made in China. My family and a friend also contribute to my inventions.

Do you admire any of the TV pitchmen working today? What is the secret to making a good pitch?

Steve Bryant, Rick Domeier, Mark Gill, Billy Mays, and Montel Williams. The secret to a good pitch is being believable.

Ive got some bad news about Billy Mays...

I'm sure he's doing what he knows how to do best in Heaven! God bless.

Hi Ron, How do you differentiate from a good idea, a bad idea and a great idea?

A great idea appeals to a huge, mass market. A good idea only appeals to a medium sized market. And, a bad idea appeals to a very small market.

Have you been asked to appear on Shark Tank? That would be awesome.

The answer is yes, I have a friend who is associated with some of the Judges.

It would be terrific, you are the hero / prototype of virtually every entrant.

I do love the Shark Tank show and all and I mean all the judges.

Do you wake up in the middle of the night and have a new product come to you out of the blue or do you put years into thinking the next one?

I wake up in the middle of the night with ideas of how to improve my product or my advertising materials.

Hi, Ron! I've been watching your infomercials for as long as I can remember, and I still get excited to see the Showtime Rotisserie informercial. I purchased the product for my father over 10 years ago, and he still uses it to this day. I often tell people you're one of my idols because of your ability to invent and market so effectively. Are there any products that are on the market today that you were looking into creating? Have you had situations where you were beaten to market by a competitor? Any products in particular?

If it's already in the marketplace, I would have no need to create it. I've never had a situation where I was beaten to market by a competitor.

Hi Ron! You're obviously very passionate about the work you do. What hobbies do you have for when you want to unwind from inventing and marketing for a few hours?

Fishing is where it's at for me. I try to do it on my boat which is called Popeil's Pocket Fisherman.

Ever been courted for a reality show or position on a TV show?

Yes. I asked Simon Cowell what was the workload of taking on a reality show. His response was, "an awful lot", which caused me to not want to get involved.

Hey Ron! First off, thanks for doing this AMA. Its a great way of interacting with fans!

My questions to you are, Who is responsible for the 5 in 1 Fryer infomercials? Can you give us an insight as to what goes into producing one?

How did Flavor Flav get involved with the 5 in 1 Fryer infomercial? Who reached out to who and what was he like to work with?

I am solely responsible for all my unscripted Infomercials. I hire a studio, all the cameramen as well as an editor to assist me and I locate people who love to cook. I met Flavor through a friend and had the opportunity to watch him fry chicken in a frying pan. Later, he fried ribs and a turkey in my latest invention - the 5 in1 Fryer. His testimonials are real. It was at one of his July 4th, fireworks displays at his house in Las Vegas which is as big as some of the major hotels! His neighbors just love it!

So aside from marketing these goods, do you actually use the majority that you pitch?

Yes I do, but not all, all of the time. Too many products. I do use my 5 in 1 Fryer four times more than I do my "Set it and Forget It" rotisserie and that's every week.

Hi Ron,
Thanks for the AMA. Also for bringing "Set it and forget it" into our cultural lexicon.

What books are you reading right now?
Are you planning to go see the new Star Wars movie?

Peace out

Without Remorse by Tom Clancy. I do plan on seeing the new Star Wars movie.

Good morning Ron?

So we code name our software releases after famous scientists. Our first release is named Ron Popeil. So when talking about deliverables and features we say 'is that required for Ron?' So tell me, Ron, is it required? :D

If you say so! PS This made me and my assistant smile.

Was there an equivalent to infomercials on TV in the 60s/70s? What came closest? How about Radio?

The answer is no.

I watched your A&E Biography awhile ago, it was great. You inherited the business? How did you evolve it from the early days?

One, I didn't inherit the business. I was a regular customer of my father's products and I didn't get any special treatment other than he allowed me credit where other customers had to pay in advance or COD to receive merchandise from him. I helped create the Direct Response business. I evolved by talking to people all day long directly to then, letting Television do the same presentation which allowed me to reach millions of people versus a few thousand.

So how amazing is your workshop? Could you shoot a video tour?

Do a search for Brian Williams and Ron Popeil and you'll see it.

Hi Ron!

I’ve loved your products for years, and am incredibly impressed with your ability to create and sell products that I didn’t even realize I needed (and when we used them at home were even better than I expected…we used the rotisserie just last week to make wings). A few quick questions: * Where do you get the ideas for your products? * How do you identify the factors that get people to buy? Are they similar in today’s environment compared to how you sold when you were at the county fairs? * What was the single most important lesson you learned in your business life?

Thanks!

First answer: Where do I get the ideas for my products? I look for what's needed in the huge mass market.

Second: What gets people to buy is solving their problems. Solving problems has NOT changed over the years.

Third: The single most important lesson I learned in my business life is that common sense always prevails.

You sold your business. Are you going back into business with your 5 in Fryer?

Not really. I'm currently looking for someone or a company to buy that main product (which I think is my greatest invention). Know anybody?

What is the most successful product you have marketed?

Showtime Rotisserie ("Set it and Forget It")

That might be my favorite infomercial, 2nd favorite is the food dehydrator!

Go to www.5in1Fryer.com to see what I think is my best Infomercial yet.

What has been your favorite use of you or your likeness in media, and what makes it so? How about something in media you don't like?

By the way, I tell people to "set it and forget it" frequently, you aren't going to sue me are you?

In response to your question, "By the way, I tell people to "set it and forget it" frequently, you aren't going to sue me are you?" - Not today, not tomorrow, and not next week. But, maybe next year. LOL.

I enjoy watching movies and television shows where my face appears on the TV set within the scene of the movie or TV show.

I heard infomercials are frequently the only shows that will freely give permission for movies to have them playing in the background because of the free exposure, even in gory horror movies, but are there any movies where you would or did not give permission to show your infomercial in?

No. Any free publicity is good.

But I meant was there any one that stood out that you liked the most? For example, the Futurama episode or the Simpsons episode?

The Simpsons Episode.

Did you expect that infomercials would be so widely watched? They were a bit of a phenomenon in around 1990, we watched them multiple times even without buying the products.

Yes. I was surprised but in those days everybody watched TV - not like it is today with social media being what it is.

I'm really impressed with how long you've been in the business. How does the modern world of less television and more internet affect the way you market your products?

It's difficult. Now one needs retail, social media, and TV to get the job done right.

How did you feel about getting your very own Weird Al song?

Very flattered.

Mr Popeil,

I have an idea for a product and no idea where to start. What advice would you offer to someone with no manufacturing experience or start-up cash?

You must ask yourself first, how BIG is the marketplace? And, who will buy your product at a fair and reasonable price? Find someone who will feel about your product the same way you do and have him invest. Then go to Alibaba's website and they will assist you. But it's paramount that someone on your team speak Chinese!

Ron, what's your favorite product that you invented/pitched that never quite took off?

My Inside the Eggshell Egg Scrambler took off but not to the degree of my other products.

Hi Ron, what are some unique ways I can use the flavor infuser?

If you mean my Solid Flavor Injector, injecting whole cloves of garlic, fruits and nuts into a turkey, roast beef or leg of lamb.

What is your lab like? Is it closer to tinkering at home, or do you have a big building with a team of engineers?

I have a BIG kitchen.

How long do you plan to keep goin? I'm sixty-two and I seem to remember you back from my childhood. could that be correct? keep on doing it. never bought one of your products but really enjoy your shtick. You started a genre!

Until the day I die.

Hey ron, how is Lauren? I dated her briefly in middle school and met you once.

She's fine. She's living the life of Lauren.

Hi Mr. Popeil!

Long time Fan, first time poster.

I think of you as the primary motivator for why I got started on my current career.

What advice would you have to give to a young inventor and aspiring entrepreneur? Many thanks!

P.S; I have one myself and LOVE my 5-In-1 Fryer!

Don't do tomorrow what you can do today.

Do you let people invest in your new inventions?

No. But I am actively trying to sell what I think is my greatest invention, the 5 in 1 Fryer project which at this stage is turn-key. I do not want to run a business any more - I just want to invent and create the marketing.

Have you had a product fail (or wildly succeed) that greatly surprised you? Like something you thought would be a hit and wasn't, or something that you thought might not catch on but totally did?

Thanks for being on Reddit and congrats on the new product.

I'm happy to say no. But the reason and you can understand if you spend 2 1/2 years perfecting a product (the 5 in 1 Fryer took 14 years for perfecting), is the reason why all the products are successful but to different degrees. If you spend the time, you will make the dime!

Hi Ron,

What advice do you have for someone who doesn't have the funds to create a product that hasn't been made yet, and know that millions of people would use it? What steps do you recommend?

You also have to ask yourself, what will it cost to make and what will it eventually sell for at retail? Keeping in mind, you need advertising money and the retail store has to make money. After giving me those answers, then, I can guide you going forward.

Well, it's a phone app. So I wouldn't have to physically make the product. How can I move forward with this? I really appreciate your time!

Find someone (have them sign an NDA) with money to invest in your idea and "don't do tomorrow what you can do today". That's a rule I always live by and it's worked out well for me.

Hi Ron!

If you don't mind me asking...

What was the hardest sale that you lost, and what did you learn from it? Why do you consider that experience your hardest sale?

I was attempting to sell an invention many years ago and the perspective buyer said, "What kind of a partnership would you like to do, Ron?" And, I responded, "Partners are only good for dancing!" I lost the sale, but made a fortune marketing the product myself.

Did you know Mike Levey, from Amazing Discoveries?

Yes, very well.

Thanks. Can you write a memory or two about him? He was a pretty big cultural figure at the time, that has been too forgotten.

We were good friends and I respected him for what he accomplished.

Hi Ron,

Are/were there plans to make Hair In A Can in colours other than black?

Now if you'll excuse me, I set a chicken earlier and forgot about it. Time to eat.

There were many colors of GLH. Brown, Silver brown, Silver black, White, Blonde.....

Have you seen the documentary about K-Tel? What did you think of those guys? Quite the boom.

Smart, savvy guys that didn't trust each other. You can read between the lines.

Do you patent your products?

Absolutely!

Are you a fan of Dragon's Den or Shark Tank? What are your feelings when you see that someone has sunk a mortgage or two they can't afford into their terrible product? Ever come across people like that yourself? Must be heartbreaking.

I've only watched Shark Tank. I do come across people who trust their money with invention companies. And I believe that's a sure way of falling into the category you talk about. Sorry invention companies.

What is, in your opinion, the worst product that has achieved mainstream success?

I hasten to say anything is bad that achieved any kind of success but if forced to answer, I'd have to say the Chia Pet.

Have you ever caught a fish with your pocket fishing pole? My dad caught a nice catfish on the Mississippi River on his.

Are you kidding me? I caught a small Bonita last week.

What am I supposed to do after I set it?

Well if you don't know the answer to that question.....

Hi Ron! I remember watching you in the very first Ronco Food Dehydrator commercial. Does it really make homemade yogurt like you said back then? If so, what are the instructions?

What product would you say that got you into the marketing business? What products did you try to invent but didn't work?

How to make homemade yogurt? Go online and the recipes are very similar. All my inventions got me into the marketing business.

Was there any inventions that you thought would be a bust? Props to the Ronco Door Saver!

I never thought any of my inventions would be a bust! By knowing about my Ronco Door Saver, you're showing your age.

Hey, Ron! What are some common mistakes you've seen new businesspeople make? Also, what are some mistakes that you've made in doing market research for products to make? How do you find what people want?

Thanks in advance!!

Common mistakes that new business people make? They go to the expense of creating and inventing only to end up with a product that nobody wants. What do people want? Common sense must prevail.

What gave you the idea to start doing infomercials?

A better sales presentation can be made in around 30 minutes versus the maximum 2 minute direct response commercial that was only available to us in the 60's, 70's and 80's.

what sort of product have you wanted to create or market but will never realistically have the resources to do so (for example a rocket car)?

I'm sorry - but I'm no Elon Musk! He has the resources and I don't!

Hi Ron! Great to see you here doing an AMA.

Just wondering, after this AMA, will there be more??

Hopefully!

Ron, thanks for doing this. I am a huge fan of the "Set it and forget it" rotisserie. I have owned and used that thing for probably 20 years now. It's my favorite kitchen gadget, by far.

Question: I heard that the "set it and forget it" phrase was nixed from the commercials because of some frivolous law suits. Is that true?

If so, have you also experienced other frivolous suits that have caused you to change marketing tactics? I've heard something about a fryer marketed in Mexico but I can't recall the details.

Anyway, thanks a ton for the most amazing counter-top rotisserie ever made!

No it never had anything to do with a law suit. It happened in my unscripted Infomercial - I just picked up and ran with it.

I've enjoyed watching you in various infomercials over the years. If you had to go back and really back only one product personally, which would it be?

They are all my children and I treat them equally.

Hey Ron, I love my dehydrator. We made jerky on it for years. My kids are getting into backpacking so I think we are going to dust it off and crank it up again. Are fruit leather trays available for it now?

I sold Ronco in 2005 so I'm honestly not sure. They still sell that product so you can check their website or call their customer service.

Do you think you could market a bidet to reach American widespread acceptance? What would the tagine for that be?

Sit on it, and Forget it!

Have you invented anything that wound up not going to market?

No. My thoughts on marketing take place before I invent.

Hi Ron. What's the biggest hurdle for remaining a success in your industry? There seems to be hundreds of different people doing what you do, yet no one has your longevity? Is it talent, effort, luck?

All three!

GLH always seemed a bit crazy to me.

How much did you guys actually sell?

Enough to cover millions of Chia Pets!

Hi Ron! Has anyone ever referred to you as "Mr. Swanson"?

I don't think I've ever been referred to as a frozen turkey dinner.

It's a reference to Parks and Recreation. There's a character on that show called "Ron Swanson".

I did know that. And no, not yet.