Schultz Out at Penton
Ray Schultz has resigned as editorial director of Penton Media’s Chief Marketer Network, effective April Fool’s Day.
No replacement has been named because nobody could figure out exactly what he did.
Sorry. I know it sounds rough, but old habits die hard. That’s exactly how I’d write it about someone else.
The truth is that after almost 15 years as editor of Direct and related titles, both online and in print, I’m ready for a change. Given the choice, I decided to join all of you in seeking a new business model.
Why now?
In talking with an ex-colleague who left here for a startup, I was reminded of remarks made by our former CEO John French. John said that he had taken the firm about as far as he could—that it was time for a new set of eyes. And that he needed a new challenge.
What am I planning to do?
I’m going to finish my book on the history of direct mail in America. And I’ll pursue my new model, which hopefully will involve me in both business and editorial. I’ll continue working with the Chief Marketer Network on projects and in an advisory capacity.
Thanks to all my friends and colleagues in and out of Penton Media. Our products will continue to be produced by the same well-seasoned team of professionals. I’ll write something touchy feely at a later time.
Meanwhile, please feel free to contact me at ray.schultz779@gmail.com.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Sorry to see you go Ray. Continuing in the spirit of your note, I suppose now that Richard Levey will take over and all articles will be written in rhyme?
March 13th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Ray,
We’ll miss you. I wish you the best in your new adventures. Changing business models is simultaneously invigorating and terrifying. I have been in the process for the last year.
I look forward to seeing the next level.
Take care,
Debra Ellis
http://www.wilsonellisconsulting.com
March 13th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Always a great catchy headline, and a wry sense of humor, my friend- you are the best.
Partnering with you over the last 15 years has been a wonderful adventure. We have accomplished much together, and I have learned so much from you in the process.
I’m not going to get too gushy here, for your role may be changing, but the partnership continues.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Ray you’ve been such a fixture in the DM editorial world and a huge friend of the Caples Awards through the years…it’s going to be hard to see you doing anything else for anyone else. Thanks for all your insights and help for the industry and Caples and I’m sure Andi’s looking down saying “Ray what the heck are you doing”…and we both know she always had an opinion. Looking forward to your next steps. Good Luck!
March 13th, 2009 at 8:51 am
I’m sorry to see you go Ray. You are a man of a few words when I see you at conferences and I suspect you are a “deep thinker”.
I loved your opening editorial and always looked forward to reading it.
Most of all, you are a quality person. I never heard anyone say otherwise about you, and when the top person at an organization is fine…the whole product is better for it.
So, I will miss you, as will the whole industry.
March 13th, 2009 at 9:07 am
I can’t believe the DM world won’t have you at the helm poking and proding for the real truth in news. Over the past 20 years I have found you to be a man of integrity. I trust (hope) there is someone else ready to take up the role. Enjoy your new projects, Ray. Am confident that you’ll be making headline news of your own soon!
March 13th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Ray - how can you leave us at such a perilous (and therefore interesting) time!? I know you’ve been threatening to finish that book for years, so I guess moving from “daily Ray” to “bookshelf Ray” is an acceptable tradeoff. I know your staff will miss you - and your readers even more so. Its been a pleasure!
March 13th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Leave…? You…? Well, my friend, change can be very good. You have been one of my heroes for a long time. Why? Because you are, in brief, a man/professional of integrity and keen intellect. I wish you all the best as you move forward. Undoubtedly, we’ve not seen the last of Mr. Schultz.
March 13th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Best of everything to you, Ray. I look forward to reading your book. You have accomplished a great deal over the years — both in print and in the many lives you have touched. I hope to keep in touch with you and your endeavors.
March 13th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Look forward to seeing your next chapter - best of luck!
March 13th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Say it ain’t so, Ray! This is a premature April Fool’s joke, right? It’s like the guy who fakes his own death so he can find out at his funeral what people reallly think of him. If it is so, I am very saddened. You’ve become an institution in our industry. It’s like the end of an era. DIRECT won’t be the same without your cogent, inspired, knowledgeable, cut-to-the-chase comments and commentry. I’ve been following your career since you were with DM NEWS and have watched you grow as a journalist, as a purveyor of insightful sentiments, and as a conscious of an industry. It won’t be the same without you. I hope we can stay in touch. And if you need any help with your book on the industry, let me know. I have a few stories you ought to know…
Ralph Stevens
President
Ralph Stevens & Associates, LLC
March 13th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Ray, all the best to you! You will be sorely missed - your keen perspective in your editorials is always spot on. And, I particularly love the “in memorium” articles you’ve written when one of the movers and shakers of the industry passes away.
I’m looking forward to your book.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:34 am
It’s a sad day in Mudville, Ray. Strong industries have strong watchdogs, and that’s what you were, in addition to being a consummate professional and a stand-up guy. Since you’ve said you’re not out of the DM game entirely–a great relief to many–I won’t say the DM industry has lost one of its strongest watchdogs. But DM journalism certainly has. I look forward to seeing what you cook up next!
March 13th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
RAy, Since I started in this business 10 years ago you have been required reading, and now that I’m publishing my own newsletter effort, your writing is a model for me. Your nose for news, bull, and empty suits and bloated egos that needed poking seemed to me pretty good. I’ll enjoy reading whatever comes out of your pen or word processor. Best of success.
Charlie Prescott
March 13th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Ray, your words have informed, advised and intrigued me for nearly 20 years … You have served as important eyes, ears and voice of the direct marketing industry during a time of exciting and extreme changes and challenges. Thank you, Ray — I appreciate your input and impact over these years, and I wish you well in all of your future pursuits. Follow your passion!
March 14th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Looking forward to reading your history of Direct Mail. Think some of the newbies in DM will believe the national direct marketing conferences only had about 300 people at them when they started? Amazing how our industry has grown since I joined it 35 years ago and you are one of the people who made it grow! Good job!
March 14th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Hope your book Editor insists on putting an entry in the Index, and a then contributes a page or two in the book under the heading “Schultz, Ray”. We will miss your good work Ray.
People say that you only ever know what someone did for an organization or for a job when he or she leaves, but in your case I think we all know what you contributed, every day/week/month. And, you did it so very well.
Au Revoir Ray!
March 16th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Thank you for all of the great insights shared over the years and am I looking forward to the book. I did the same in December after 25 years of planning marketing programs for all types of clients I stepped sideways from the pack. Now the new media landscape presents incredible challenges and opportunities that I have the luxury to explore on my own, The post recession world of DM and marketing looks incredible for neoteric marketers.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
The headline grabbed me, but I stayed for the story. Ray, I’m happy for you. It’s time. Hope to run into you on the streets of NY more often now. Or maybe on Oprah.
March 23rd, 2009 at 10:53 am
Ray,
Good for you!
Now’s a good time as any to reinvent yourself; do something else with your life.
Be happy. I wish you all the best.
Les Gore
March 28th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Sorry to hear this is no April Fool’s joke…Gonna miss you brother…..thx for the memories!
jim capanna
The Total Maling System
856-628-8800 ext. 35
March 30th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
You will indeed be missed, Ray, although I’m sure we’ll see your byline often in the years to come. Best of luck with the book, and with your new career!