Electronic Retailer article, The Men Behind the Pitch

Electronic Retailer recently ran an article titled, “The Men Behind the Pitch,” all about Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan.

The article identifies Billy as the recognizable face behind such popular brands as OxiClean, Kaboom, Hercules Hook and the Mighty products (Mighty Putty and Mighty Mendit).

Paynich, the article’s author, talks about the similar beginnings of Mays’ and Sullivan’s careers: Mays was selling OxiClean on the boardwalk of Atlantic City while Sullivan was working the streets of London. Sullivan was then hired to sell the SmartMop on the Home Shopping Network (HSN) and a few years later, Mays was on HSN selling Orange Glo.

The origins of Pitchmen is also covered, including a chance opportunity with Discovery Channel producer Thom Beers which lead to Sullivan and Mays signing with them.

Both Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan treat Pitchmen with a greater respect than a basic TV show. Sully says, “I think if this show can inspire one person who’s lost a job or has tough times paying the bills to take his or her idea to fruition, then it will be really worth it.” Mays agrees, “This show is not just about pitchmen; it’s really about the people and the products they bring to us.”

Famed DRTV experts Anthony ‘Sully’ Sullivan and Billy Mays take you behind the scenes of Discovery’s new reality series, “Pitchmen,” which promises to bring new awareness to the industry that has turned them into commercial celebrities.