Hearts Powered by Horsepower

The Victory Junction Gang recently announced a site selection for its second, medical camping facility for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. The expansion of Victory Junction will be located built on 71 acres in Wyandotte County, Kansas, pending Unified Government review and approval.

Victory Junction Gang is a year-round facility that enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous donors to provide this experience free of charge to children and families.

 

 Victory Junction Gang at the Kansas Speedway [18:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Unstoppable, Rock Solid Growth

It was announced recently that a Kansas City, Kansas based Hard Rock Hotel and Casino was selected as part of the approval of legalized gaming in Kansas. This new Hard Rock location will be part of the Kansas Speedway complex.

While not everyone agrees with the strategy or the tactic of theoretically “state owned” gaming, this area will only continue its burgeoning growth as a very popular Midwest tourist and visitor destination.

The focus is on the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. I truly believe that we “ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” I don’t think we can even fathom how great this will be for the Kansas region, for the Kansas City metro and for tourism. The market force of powerful brands is literally unstoppable.

Wiping Up the Competition

I had the opportunity to meet Steve Larson of UL Enterprises. About six years ago, Steve Larson identified an opportunity in the automotive aftermarket for a wiper blade product to be offered for professional installers. A year ago, ULE began pursuing fast growth strategies beyond the oil change market to include a retail presence and big box retailers with a branded product line that includes both a licensed “Valvoline®” branded blade, as well as purchasing a NASCAR “Performance” brand sponsorship. Those were both big investments and as the business developed, they began to ask themselves, “Where do we go from here?”

We offered to help by bringing in some experts to offer their thoughts.

 

 Steve Larson of UL Enterprises [10:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

 

 Willie Engram of NASCAR [6:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

 

 Michael Peck of OPen Prairie [8:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

 

 Gary Heise, Dave Anderson & Michael Peck [18:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

NASCAR Performance

While working on a Best Business Case featuring Steve Larson of UL Enterprises, we had a chance to discuss the value of a NASCAR Sponsorship with Willie Engram. Willie told us about the brand extension value of NASCAR, especially when you’re selling an automotive product.

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 Willie Engram [6:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup