“Casey’s Madness” Champion Crowned

“We have always been aware of our consumers’ loyalty and passion, but the entries submitted in this social media contest bring it to a whole new level,” says Casey’s brand manager.

Casey’s General Stores has named Justin VanLaere from Byron, Minn., champion of  “Casey’s Madness,” a social marketing campaign.

The contest focused on growing the brand’s online presence by engaging customers online. The campaign was a competitive, interactive, bracket-style contest built around creative user-generated content submitted through social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

“We are honored by all the support our customers have shown us throughout this campaign,” said Cory Hart, brand manager of Casey’s, which has more than 1,600 locations in a 10-state Midwest region. “We have always been aware of our consumers’ loyalty and passion, but the entries submitted in this social media contest bring it to a whole new level—we’ve encountered the strongest brand advocates through this social and digital interaction.”

VanLaere began his championship journey with the video “Like Taking Pizza from a Baby,” starring his son Paxson, and advanced through each round by submitting new videos such as “The Pizza Pirate” and “The Casey’s Kid.” It was VanLaere’s final submission, “The Race,” that edged out runner-up BJ Hoffman of Windsor Heights, Iowa and ultimately crowned him Casey’s Madness Champion.

With the help of over 25,000 public votes throughout the contest, VanLaere won prizes in every round including Casey’s pizza, donuts, gift cards, and the final prize of a $1,500 Best Buy gift card to buy a big screen television for March Madness basketball viewing.

“We are thankful for everyone who entered our Casey’s Madness contest, and Justin’s victory is well-deserved,” said Hart. “We plan to continue growing and engaging Casey’s social community over the months to come.”

To view more top Casey’s Madness tournament submissions, visit CaseysMadness.com.