Hey guys! Ever find yourself humming, "588-2300, Empire!"? Yeah, me too! That jingle is seriously iconic, and the man behind it, the Empire Carpet commercial guy, is practically a legend. But have you ever stopped to wonder, "What ever happened to him?" Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the history of Empire Today and uncovering the mystery of the commercial's famous face and catchy tune.

The Rise of Empire Today

Before we get to the carpet commercial guy, let's rewind a bit and talk about the company that made him famous. Empire Today, originally known as Empire Carpet, has been around since 1959. It was founded by Elmer R. Rich, who started out selling carpets door-to-door. Talk about a hustle! Over the years, Empire grew from a small local business into a major player in the flooring industry, offering everything from carpets and hardwood to laminate and tile. One of the keys to Empire's success has always been its marketing. They understood the power of advertising and weren't afraid to put their name out there. And that's where our famous commercial guy comes in.

Empire Today's marketing strategy has always been about creating a memorable brand. They wanted to be the first name that popped into your head when you thought about new flooring. To achieve this, they invested heavily in advertising, particularly television commercials. These commercials weren't just informative; they were designed to be catchy and unforgettable. This approach helped Empire Today stand out in a crowded market and build a strong brand identity. The "588-2300, Empire!" jingle, combined with the image of the commercial guy, became synonymous with the company. It was a brilliant way to make their phone number stick in people's minds, ensuring that potential customers would remember how to reach them when they needed new flooring. The effectiveness of this marketing strategy is evident in the continued recognition and recall of the jingle and the commercial guy, even years after the commercials stopped airing regularly. This enduring legacy underscores the power of a well-executed marketing campaign in building brand awareness and customer loyalty.

Unmasking the Carpet Commercial Guy

Alright, let's get to the burning question: Who is the Empire Carpet commercial guy? Drumroll, please… It's Lynn Hauldren! Yes, that's right! Lynn Hauldren, a Chicago-based actor and singer, was the face and voice of Empire Carpet for over 30 years. Can you imagine being the voice of a brand for that long? That's serious dedication! Hauldren's friendly demeanor and catchy delivery made him a household name, and he became an integral part of Empire's brand identity. He wasn't just selling carpets; he was selling trust and reliability. His consistent presence in Empire's commercials helped build a sense of familiarity and comfort with the brand. People knew they could count on Empire because they saw the same friendly face representing the company year after year. This long-term association with the brand solidified Hauldren's place in advertising history and cemented his legacy as the "Empire Carpet commercial guy." His contribution to the company's success is undeniable, as he helped transform Empire Carpet from a regional player into a national brand.

Lynn Hauldren's journey to becoming the face of Empire Carpet is an interesting one. He wasn't initially cast as the "carpet guy." In fact, he was a seasoned performer with a background in theater and music. Hauldren had been working as a jingle writer and voice-over artist for years when he was approached to audition for the Empire Carpet commercial. His natural charisma and ability to deliver a memorable performance quickly won him the role. What set Hauldren apart was his genuine enthusiasm and his ability to connect with the audience. He wasn't just reciting lines; he was embodying the spirit of the brand. His friendly smile and warm voice made him instantly likable, and his catchy delivery of the jingle ensured that it would stick in people's heads. Hauldren understood the power of repetition and consistency in advertising, and he embraced his role as the "carpet guy" with unwavering dedication. He took pride in his work and always strove to deliver the best possible performance. This commitment to excellence is what made him such a beloved and recognizable figure. His legacy as the Empire Carpet commercial guy lives on, inspiring future generations of actors and advertisers.

The Magic of 588-2300, Empire!

That phone number… it's permanently etched in our brains, isn't it? The "588-2300, Empire!" jingle is one of the most successful and memorable advertising jingles of all time. But what made it so effective? Well, for starters, it was incredibly simple and repetitive. The melody was catchy, and the lyrics were easy to remember. But more than that, the jingle was delivered with so much energy and enthusiasm that it was impossible to ignore. Lynn Hauldren's delivery of the jingle was a masterclass in advertising. He understood the importance of rhythm, tone, and inflection in creating a memorable message. He also knew how to connect with the audience on an emotional level. By making the jingle fun and engaging, he ensured that people would not only remember it but also associate it with positive feelings about the Empire brand. The jingle's success can also be attributed to its strategic placement in Empire's commercials. It was always the last thing viewers heard, ensuring that it would be the last thing they remembered. This clever use of repetition and placement helped to solidify the jingle's place in advertising history.

The jingle's enduring popularity is a testament to its effectiveness. Even today, years after the commercials stopped airing regularly, people still remember the "588-2300, Empire!" jingle. It has become a cultural touchstone, a symbol of a bygone era of advertising. The jingle's success has also inspired countless parodies and imitations, further cementing its place in popular culture. It is a reminder of the power of a well-crafted advertising message and the importance of creating a memorable brand identity. The legacy of the "588-2300, Empire!" jingle lives on, inspiring future generations of advertisers and marketers. It is a timeless example of how to create a message that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impression. The jingle's success is a reminder that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective.

Where Is He Now?

Sadly, Lynn Hauldren passed away in 2011 at the age of 79. But his legacy as the Empire Carpet commercial guy lives on. He may be gone, but he's certainly not forgotten. His voice and face are forever ingrained in our memories, and the "588-2300, Empire!" jingle continues to be a cultural touchstone. Even after his passing, Hauldren's impact on the advertising industry remains significant. He demonstrated the power of a consistent brand image and the importance of connecting with audiences on an emotional level. His friendly demeanor and catchy delivery made him a beloved figure, and his legacy as the Empire Carpet commercial guy will continue to inspire future generations of advertisers and marketers. Hauldren's story is a reminder that even the simplest advertising messages can have a profound impact on popular culture.

Lynn Hauldren's contributions to the advertising industry extend beyond his role as the Empire Carpet commercial guy. He was a talented jingle writer and voice-over artist, and he lent his voice to numerous other commercials and advertising campaigns. He was also a dedicated performer who took pride in his work and always strived to deliver the best possible performance. Hauldren's versatility and professionalism made him a sought-after talent in the advertising world, and he worked with some of the biggest brands in the industry. His success is a testament to his talent and his unwavering commitment to excellence. Hauldren's legacy as a performer and advertiser will continue to inspire future generations of artists and marketers. He is remembered not only for his catchy jingles and friendly face but also for his dedication, professionalism, and his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.

The Enduring Legacy of Empire Today

Empire Today is still going strong, continuing to provide flooring solutions to homes across the country. While they may have moved on from the iconic "588-2300" jingle, the spirit of their early advertising remains. They understand the importance of creating a memorable brand and connecting with customers on a personal level. Empire Today's success is a testament to the power of a well-executed marketing strategy and the importance of building a strong brand identity. The company's early commercials, featuring Lynn Hauldren and the catchy "588-2300" jingle, played a crucial role in establishing Empire Today as a household name. These commercials not only helped to promote the company's products and services but also created a lasting emotional connection with customers. The legacy of these early advertising efforts continues to shape Empire Today's marketing strategy today.

Empire Today's commitment to customer satisfaction is another key factor in its enduring success. The company understands that providing high-quality products and services is essential for building customer loyalty and maintaining a positive brand reputation. Empire Today also invests heavily in employee training and development, ensuring that its staff is knowledgeable, professional, and committed to providing excellent customer service. This dedication to customer satisfaction has helped Empire Today build a strong base of loyal customers who trust the brand and continue to choose Empire Today for their flooring needs. The company's success is a reminder that building a strong brand requires not only effective marketing but also a commitment to providing high-quality products and services and ensuring customer satisfaction.