Ray Hartmann: I Love You!

Unreal asked for stories about RFT founder Ray Hartmann — and you delivered. Now, in commemoration of 30 years in print, we proudly present some of the glowing testimonials we received from a few of Ray's biggest fans.

• 

• 

Subject(s):

Ray Hartmann, Jon Stewart, The Daily Show, John Carney, KMOX, Bill Bidwell, tabloid journalism, crazy liberals

Even if you are a crazy liberal: I heard you all were taking a shot, I mean a "look," at Ray Hartmann. His controversial persona has ranged from crazy liberal activist to intelligent entrepreneurial businessman, as well as a few things I'm not going to mention. I worked for him for thirteen years, and in my opinion, all of these labels are true. He loves to argue. It continues to be one of his favorite sports, and he's good at it. His intelligence is surpassed only by his liberal bent on absolutely every topic but money. His business success would have been much different had his views on money been as liberal as his politics. Conversations with him are often one-sided. It takes a great deal of energy to out-think him, let alone out-speak him.

I think Ray's most pervasive characteristic (which, ironically, is absent in most discussions of him), is his strong sense of loyalty. He has a deep sense of allegiance to the causes he champions. In the thirteen years I worked for him, he never promised something that he didn't deliver. He never treated me unfairly. He never fired somebody who didn't deserve it. He would find ways to keep people employed even when their skills had diminished. He drove me crazy on many occasions, but he always treated me with respect.

Many of us who worked at the RFT when he was the boss viewed our co-workers as family. Like most families, we certainly had our share of idiosyncrasies. But there was a great deal of respect on all sides — respect that had been earned. And we had a lot of fun doing our jobs. Ray is one of those rare men: People who know him only through his public identity feel they know the real him. Many times when I was out in public with Ray, people would approach him as if he were their neighbor. They'd want to discuss a controversial topic and try to convince Ray of their viewpoint. His unique blend of humility, quirkiness and intellect makes him approachable.

I'm a little afraid to actually put this in writing, but when I watch The Daily Show, Jon Stewart reminds me a lot of Ray. Ray is absolutely a crazy liberal activist as well as an intelligent entrepreneurial businessman. He's also one of the most genuine, intelligent, witty and loyal people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Cindy Evens Badamo

Ray Hartmann: Friend of the working man: I've got three words for you at the RFT: Way off base. You followed a fine impulse to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the RFT, but lost your way entirely when you made a blatant stab at soliciting tabloid journalism to slam its founder. Sadly, this says a lot more about the current RFT editorial department and its leadership than anything negative you may dig up about Ray. I worked at RFT under Ray for over four years and he was above and beyond the best boss I have ever had (though he hated the title "boss").

I'm disappointed, though not surprised, that you'd be interested in encouraging negative stories, while the positive ones overflow from any of us who knew him. In addition to being a tremendous businessman who built a publishing giant from nothing, his moral character and liberal values are an example to us all on how to treat all kinds of St. Louisans with respect. I saw his generosity in action time and time again as he gave small businesses a break on their bills, even giving free ad space to non-profits and community groups. He treated us all with fairness and respect, doling out sports tickets and concert tickets to the editors and to the circulation folks who distributed the papers.

When Ray sold the paper to the New Times corporation, he even shared that wealth by writing large personal checks to each and every RFT employee. It was not something he had to do, but it was a reflection of his superior values and his devotion to his staff. In an age of hysterical media and divisive, simplistic political debate, you at the RFT would do well to look over your shoulders to the integrity of leadership that gave birth to the paper and its mission — and maybe learn a thing or two. Those of us who really knew Ray will remember him for who he is: an exceptional entrepreneur who poured his hard work, brains, integrity, charisma and heart into a business that was always more than a business. It was a dynamic, fun, inspiring place to work that I'll never forget. As for those of you who might write in with tawdry stories or jealous snipes, here are three more words: shame on you.
Julie Whitelock