What an experience

Mini Pearl meets Wienermobile

You never know who you're going to pick up when driving for Uber.  Today I got a ping followed by a text:  "I'm at the Dillons, next to the Weinermobile."  I had to LOL when responding and headed over.  That's not something you read everyday. Sure enough, there was a huge Oscar Meyer wienermobile in front of Dillons.

Out of the melee of photo-takers emerges John, dressed in red polo "weiner attire."  Yes, he's the driver or "hotdogger" of the wienermobile, and a big Uber fan.  Turns out he left the virtual reality tour gear back at the hotel and, once you park the 27 ft long weinermobile, it isn't moving for a few hours at least.  After a quick photo he hopped in and we were on our way.

Hotdogger John & his "car"

At first it was all I could do to be in awe of how he could toss out one hot dog pun after another.  He talked about the "buns of steel" and how he "relishes" the job.  I mentioned the photo going around social media where the weinermobile landed in a snowbank.  He said,"Yes it was a chili dog, but I prefer mine grilled." Really, these puns continued throughout the ride.  Apparently in preparation for getting the job he researched hot dog puns and was able to use them during the interviews, further solidifying his placement as one of 12 hotdoggers for the year.

John recently graduated with a degree in marketing and communications so being the top dog in the wienermobile is but one way to apply what he's learned.  This is a one year gig from June to June. And he even gets to drive the hot dog on his days off, although he prefers to not wear his work attire on days off so he can peacefully shop for groceries.

Why would anyone want this job?  Well it's a great testimonial to experiential advertising.  It crosses generational borders, grandparents have fond memories and bring their grandchildren. Everyone recognizes the wienermobile and it always puts a smile on your face - you're smiling now right? I know, don't pretend you aren't.

This didn't start out to be an article on the hotdogger but when you meet someone memorable you want to tell people about it. Which is why the wienermobile is so effective as at experiential marketing.  The first wienermobile was built in 1936  You can find more wienermobile facts on this link. 

By the way John said his next goal is to try and be on the Bachelorette, he figures his experience with the wienermobile will give him a quirky edge.  Personally, with his outgoing personality and being so dog-gone funny, maybe he should try being a comedian. Okay I had to try to land one on my own, I'll stick to driving.