Pit Side VP Racing Fuels Sun Valley, which opened earlier this year, is already proving they are more than just a gas station here in Lamar County.
The 2019 Brand Champion Award for the VP Racing Fuels Brand was awarded to Pit Side – in recognition of excellent brand representation and performance as a Douglass Distributing Dealer.
“The Brand Champions are chosen each year to recognize our top performer in regards to how well the brand (VP) is represented, sales performance, relationship with wholesale (Douglass), etc. We award those who are putting effort into ‘creating the optimal customer experience’,” said Douglas Distribution VP Bobby Warren.
“I had no idea we would win,” said Whitaker. “I was personally invited with heavy persuasion to be present that night a couple of weeks beforehand and told I was nominated for an award. That was all. Then the evening before the event, I was emailed along with Brian Noonan, the Regional VP Racing rep, and asked for pictures of my Grand Opening.”
Whitaker said it was very humbling to receive such an award. To be recognized in a room full of peers that have a lot of experience in the business was a proud moment for him.
“I have poured my heart and soul into a little run-down gas station in Sun Valley and in less than one year turned it into a Brand Champion store that has not only met, but exceeded benchmarks set by VP Racing Fuels and Douglas Distributing,” he added.
“I would like to thank my wife, Krista and daughter Gracyn for not only being my biggest fans but for working alongside me many long hours and late nights this year. I’d like to thank my father Joe Duran and mother Kelly Whitaker, for countless hours of labor during the building renovation,” he said proudly.
Whitaker also wanted to acknowledge the entire team at Douglas Distribution for all of their help and Brian Noonan at VP Racing Fuels for believing in him and allowing him to represent VP Racing Fuels.
“Last but certainly not least, the entire Wagnon family. If they had said no to me last July, none of this would be possible. They have been so supportive every step of the way, and I could not have had this level of success without their help,” he added.
Whitaker also said that had it not been for the support of their customers, he and his team wouldn’t have won the award. Adding that local support of small businesses such as his is vital to keeping communities up and running successfully.
