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Travis High School alum lands dream job as Oscar Mayer Hotdogger
Fort Bend ISD (January 23, 2025) – Travis High School class of 2020 alum Akira Potts has landed her dream job of becoming one of Oscar Mayer’s highly-sought after Hotdoggers which includes driving the iconic Wienermobile.
As an official spokesperson of the Wienermobile, Potts represents the Oscar Mayer brand in all forms of media and at thousands of events.
She was chosen as one of 12 Hotdoggers from more than 7,000 applicants.
Every year, the company opens applications to find the best of the best to represent their brand. The Oscar Mayer Hotdogger Program is a one-year assignment that begins and ends the first week of June.
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree, preferably in public relations, journalism, communications, advertising or marketing, and have excellent communication skills, be outgoing and friendly, and have a passionate personality.
Potts earned a degree in Communication and Public Administration & Policy, with minors in Sociology and Leadership & Public Service, as well as a certificate in Multicultural Studies, from the University of Missouri.
It was during her time there that she discovered her passion to become a Hotdogger.
“Meat” Akira Potts
How did you become a Hotdogger?
I first heard about the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile as a freshman in college. I was walking to class and saw the Wienermobile drive by. From that point on, I was hooked. I thought it was such a cool and unique vehicle and I had to learn more about it. I was in a unique position where the Wienermobile came through “Mizzou’s” campus a few times a year, so I was able to see it a lot. Every time the Wienermobile was close by, I would stop to get a picture and talk with the Hotdoggers. The more I learned about them and everything that comes along with being a driver of the Wienermobile, the more I became interested in becoming a Hotdogger myself. I was mainly drawn to the position because of all the fun interactions we get to have with people and all the travel we do. Once my senior year rolled around, I knew I wanted to apply.
How did your classes in Fort Bend ISD help prepare you for what you are doing now?
Looking back at my time at Travis, I found that a lot of classes helped pique my interest for this type of job and helped me build a foundation of knowledge that I used throughout college and even now during my time on the “Hotdog Highways.” As a student, I chose the business endorsement, so I took classes where I learned a lot about advertising, marketing and public speaking in addition to many other things. These skills have been vital as I essentially run my own PR firm on wheels. Every week, my co-pilot and I host events that allow people the opportunity to see the Wienermobile and get their very own “wienermobilia.”
Are there rules about where you can and cannot drive and/or park the Wienermobile?
Driving a 27-foot-long hotdog on wheels comes with its challenges and limitations. While we have a chance to go everywhere on this “coast-to-coast weenie roast,” we do have to pay very close attention to ensure we’re not scratching our buns. Being 11 feet tall, there are some things that we can’t do in the Wienermobile. We must always be aware of the clearance levels when traveling under bridges and overpasses. Car washes and fast-food drive-thru’s are also things we normally cannot go through.
How many miles does the Wienermobile get to the gallon?
The Wienermobile gets miles of smiles per gallon!
What’s the funniest reaction you’ve gotten from other drivers or pedestrians?
It’s always fun to see the different reactions we get from people when they first see the Wienermobile drive by. There is no shortage of people waving and taking pictures as we pass them on the highways or pulling in behind us when we stop for gas to ask for their very own Wiener Whistle.
One day, I drove the Wienermobile to a park near our hotel to get in my early morning run. As I was completing one of my laps, I saw a school bus full of kids pull into the parking lot and more than 20 kids rushed out to see the Wienermobile and take pictures! That was probably one of my favorite instances because the bus driver recognized how special it was to see the Wienermobile and took time to stop on their way to school to let the kids create a special memory.
Do you get free hotdogs?
We eat ”BUNS and BUNS” of hotdogs on the road!