Tom Peterson

Thomas Howard Peterson (February 23, 1930 – July 25, 2016) was an American retailer, pitchman, and television personality from Portland, Oregon. He opened his first store in 1964, which expanded into a regional chain specializing in consumer electronics, home appliances, and furniture by the 1970s. Peterson became a well-known figure in the Portland area during the 1980s due to his distinctive television commercials and unconventional promotional tactics. His local fame led to several cameo appearances in the films of director Gus Van Sant.