By Bronwyn Cage
How does having $1 million to take a road trip around the United States with your best friend sound? Brothers Walter and Patrick Hessert are doing just that.
Million Dollar Road Trip, MDRT, is a yearlong cross-country journey that began July 4, 2010 in Kansas, the geographic middle of the US, and will end July 4, 2011 somewhere in the Northeast. MDRT’s mission is to celebrate small businesses throughout the country and inspire aspiring entrepreneurs. The MDRT crew stopped through Tuscaloosa during homecoming week.
“There are a multitude of people who are taking risks to create some enterprise whether it’s a business, arts project, or non-profit. We consider this the ‘good news’ of the American economy and we want to share their stories,” Patrick said.
MDRT is a cross-media advertising vehicle, named Alleroy, which is gridded into 10,000 squares; these squares are to be used as individual ads. The ad spaces cost $100 per square. Thus far the idea has raised $65,000 in advertising.
Hessert said, “Our goal is to be the most valuable marketing tool on the road this year and to promote American small business on a national-scale.”
During each stop the brothers seek out small local businesses, artists and entrepreneurs. Every other week they give out an ‘Inspiration Grant,’ which is voted on by their website viewers. The grant goes to an individual who inspires followers the most. The winner receives $500 and an advertising stream on their Airstream, Alleroy.
While getting the $65,000 in ads, the Hessert brothers have journeyed through 23 states and major cities such as, New York, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Dallas, Houston, Birmingham and Atlanta.
“The trip is staked around some of the most notable events in the country. We were in Tuscaloosa for the homecoming game and our future itinerary includes the Winter X-Games, JazzFest, Sundance Film Festival, the Rose Bowl, Kentucky Derby, and Indy 500,” Patrick said.
Their idea has become extremely popular and several small business owners are more then excited to be a part of it. The Hessert brothers want to inspire Americans everywhere to “dream big and act boldly.” They acknowledge that everyone has great ideas but making the move to put that idea to light takes someone special.
The brothers said they have learned to have any expectations when approaching each new destination. Each city gives off a different kind of vibrance and creativity, which keeps the trip going. Both, Patrick and Walter, agreed that their favorite stop thus far was Austin, Texas. Taking the time to travel the country shows an immense amount of dedication and belief in their vision.
“This is the greatest country in the world and the experiences and perspective gained from seeing every corner and meeting its people is vastly undervalued,” Hessert said.
Check out their website to see the small businesses that have bought ad space so far or to buy ad space yourself.
