Voting Station

Earl Scheib

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Entrepreneur

The Resume

    (February 28, 1907-February 29, 1992)
    Born in Los Angeles, California
    Opened a car painting and collision repair shop (1937)
    Company expanded to 200 shops in 40 states at its peak
    Known for commercials in which he announced 'I'm Earl Scheib, and I'll paint any car, any color for $29.95. No ups, no extras.'
    Price in commercials increased over the years, reaching $119.95 shortly before his death

Why he might be annoying:

    His company had a reputation for shoddy paint jobs.
    Employees were reportedly hired solely for their sales skills, with knowledge of car painting or repair not a requirement.
    His company was investigated by the FTC over reports that, despite the 'any car, any color' tagline, only certain colors were available at the bargain price.
    His son Donald noted, 'In truth, he hated doing those television spots.... Yoou'd have to drag him feet-first into that studio, screaming.'

Why he might not be annoying:

    When he opened his first paint and body shop, his prices were so much lower than the competition that a traffic jam formed outside the store, requiring police assistance.
    He was one of the first company owners to serve as his own pitchman.
    According to Faye Dunaway, during the filming of 'Little Big Man' Dustin Hoffman would stay loose between takes by imitating Scheib's commercials.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 10 Votes: 10.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 12 Votes: 83.33% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 4 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 7 Votes: 71.43% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 12 Votes: 75.00% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 11 Votes: 63.64% Annoying