Lake Stop Featured in Country Music Video
Added August 28, 2009
It’s not often that your store makes its way onto the music scene, but CarterEnergy customer, Lake Stop (Bonner Springs, KS), was featured this summer in a country music video. Pennsylvania-based singer Raina Bauman and her production company chose the site for her video “Harley Man,” which takes place at a gas station in the country.
“They found us while scouting various locations in the area,” said Shawn Choudry, owner and operator of Lake Stop. “Ours was the first location they came to that really resembled a country store. They liked the way it looked and they liked the name, as well as the people in the neighborhood. It practically sold itself.”
Shawn worked with the production team to negotiate a deal that was fair to both sides. One requirement was to make sure that both the BP brand and Lake Stop’s signage were featured in the video. “We’re never going to be QuikTrip, but we’re making sure we do all we can to make our own name in the industry,” he said.
The video shoot lasted a full day and almost 100 Harley-Davidson motorcycles were brought on site, with volunteers to drive them. “We had two pumps blocked off at a time, but with all of the people and the bikes, we didn’t get any outside customers in that day. We did, however, get some business from the crew and extras; they tried to do what they could,” said Shawn.
“I do think it’s important for operators to know that they should expect to lose some sales from regular customers if they’re in the same situation,” said Shawn. “However, the extra exposure can also be worth it.”
Lake Stop’s story was picked up in three local newspapers and mentioned on several websites, including the artist’s. “We had customers coming in the weeks following the shoot, mentioning that they had seen the story and congratulating us. It makes me feel proud when we hear customers refer to us as Lake Stop, and not ‘the BP in Bonner,’” he continued. “It’s what we’re always working for.”
As for the hassles that made up the day, Shawn said it was definitely worth it. “It was an amazing and great experience for my employees. It’s definitely something that not a lot of stores—I’ve been in the business ten years now—get to experience. We had a great time.”
This is the first video for Raina Bauman’s soon-to-be-released album, also titled “Harley Man.”
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Related Links:
See the "Harley Man" video, courtesy of Outpost Worldwide
Story from The Chieftan, July 30, 2009
Learn more about Raina Bauman
Shawn Chowdry Customer Success Story
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