Ray Hartjen is a writer and musician who lives in Pleasanton, California, where he and his wife, Lori, raised their adult children, Olivia and Raymond.

In a professional career that has spanned parts of five decades, Ray has pivoted on many occasions, from investment banking to pharmaceuticals, from consumer electronics to SaaS software. One constant throughout his career path, however, has been storytelling.

In the past, Ray has been a frequent source for quotes from the national media on both the consumer electronics and retail industries. Additionally, as a contributor to a number of online outlets and platforms, including his rayhartjen.com site, he has spun his fair share of yarn on topics as far ranging as sports — primarily football, hockey and auto racing — and business, particularly revenue team functions like sales and marketing. Ray’s previous work includes being the coauthor of Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh, published in 2022 by Morgan James Publishing and available at all major booksellers.

Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in March of 2019, Ray is a cancer fighter every day of the week that ends in a ‘y.’ And, with the soundtrack of life playing continuously in his head, Ray also performs and records with his two-piece acoustic band, the Chronic Padres.

A native of Texas, Ray holds an undergraduate degree from Eastern Kentucky University and an MBA from the University of Washington.

As one always to welcome a chat with others, especially fellow cancer patients, please feel free to connect with Ray at www.rayhartjen.com, on Twitter @RayHartjen, via email at rayhartjen@gmail.com, or via voice or text at (925) 895-5441.

Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), YouTube

Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh Tom O’Lenic and Ray Hartjen

Me, Myself, and My Multiple Myeloma: A Behind-the-Scenes Look For Patients, Caregivers, & Allies Ray Hartjen

The Indy 500: 30 Days in May Hal Higdon

Scholastic Publishers

International Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

Cinema Therapy with Alan Seawright and Jonathan Decker on YouTube

Ted Lasso TV series seasons 1 - 3 (2020 - 2023) on Apple+

Franklin Covey Leadership Organization

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: 30 Anniversary Edition Stephen R. Covey