MC Fireside Chats Modern Campground

In the recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, the conversation featured industry experts Scott Bahr, Sandy Ellingson, Mike Harrison, Jeff Hoffman, Casey Cochran, and Mark Koep. The discussion focused on the current challenges facing the outdoor hospitality industry, particularly for new park owners who purchased properties at inflated prices during the COVID-19 boom. Sandy Ellingson highlighted that many new park owners are now struggling due to high debt from purchasing properties at peak prices. These owners are facing declining occupancy rates and financial pressures, which contrast with the previous owners who did not have such high debt burdens. Scott Bahr emphasized the importance of understanding both macro and micro trends in the industry. He advised park owners to leverage data from various sources to make informed decisions and anticipate future trends. Jeff Hoffman echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for forward bookings and the use of modern PMS systems for better financial planning and forecasting. The conversation also delved into revenue management and pricing strategies. Mike Harrison and Casey Cochran discussed the necessity of dynamic pricing and targeted promotions, advising against blanket discounting. Instead, they suggested running specific promotions and leveraging ancillary revenue streams. Jeff Hoffman shared a practical approach to pricing, suggesting a tiered structure based on site quality and demand. Technology and education were identified as critical areas for park owners to focus on. Mike Harrison and Jeff Hoffman underscored the importance of staying updated with technological advancements and industry trends. They recommended that park owners invest in technology to enhance operations and guest experiences. Sandy Ellingson introduced “the Hub,” a new platform aimed at facilitating collaboration and innovation within the industry. Mark Koep advised park owners to utilize their existing guest email lists for targeted marketing, emphasizing the value of engaging past guests through email campaigns to maintain occupancy and drive repeat business. Casey Cochran highlighted the importance of allocating time to work on the business rather than just in it, exploring new marketing strategies, and leveraging technology. The panelists also discussed enhancing the guest experience by offering additional amenities and organizing events. They suggested that park owners look for ways to provide unique experiences that could drive additional revenue, such as rental services and partnerships with local businesses. Scott Bahr recommended that park owners actively listen to their guests to understand their needs and preferences better. Sandy Ellingson suggested revising deposit and cancellation policies to make bookings more attractive to potential guests. The episode concluded with each panelist offering practical advice. Mike Harrison emphasized the need to keep up with technology and industry trends, while Mark Koep advised using email marketing to engage past guests. Sandy Ellingson highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation, and Scott Bahr recommended asking questions and actively listening to guests. Jeff Hoffman stressed the importance of financial planning and forecasting, and Casey Cochran advised creating space and time to work on the business strategically. Overall, the episode provided valuable insights and practical tips for park owners to adapt and thrive in a challenging economic environment.

In this episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl is joined by Don Bennett, Jr., owner of Conesus Lake Campground; Melissa Baker, Director of Virginia State Parks; and Louis Thompson, Founder and CEO of Nomadic Resorts. Brian opens by explaining that this episode is unique, allowing for deeper conversations with the guests due to the extra week in the month, which provides an opportunity for a more intimate discussion with fewer guests. Don Bennett discusses his semi-retirement and the operations of his family’s two campgrounds in the Finger Lakes, along with their company, Murch Tourism. They distribute campground brochures and travel guides at consumer shows, with several upcoming events in Allentown, New York, Cleveland, and Hershey. Don also talks about his new role as the Executive Director of the Illinois Campground Association and their legislative goals, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing trends in the RV industry, such as the shift towards smaller units that are easier to manage and place less demand on campground infrastructure. Louis Thompson delves into the potential of 3D printing in building construction, mentioning a project in Texas where the first 3D-printed hotel is being built. He highlights the benefits of 3D printing for creating innovative designs but also expresses concerns about the impact on traditional building trades. Louis describes the trend of van life, where young people retrofit traditional vans into camper vans, and how Nomadic Resorts focuses on creating modular, luxury tented camps that combine comfort with sustainability and mobility. He showcases their innovative designs, including the Looper, a modular, luxury tent that can withstand severe weather conditions. Melissa Baker explains her role as Director of Virginia State Parks, overseeing 42 state parks with various camping accommodations. She discusses the planning process for state parks, which involves public input every ten years to guide the development of camping facilities. Melissa highlights the differences between state and private campgrounds, emphasizing that state parks offer more primitive camping experiences but do have some amenities. She notes the challenges of accommodating larger RVs and the trend towards smaller, more customized units. The conversation shifts to the increasing popularity of smaller RVs and custom-built units. Don confirms this trend, mentioning the customization of Sprinter vans and the conversion of old school buses into mobile tiny homes, known as “schoolies.” He notes that smaller units are easier to manage and place less demand on electricity, which is beneficial for campgrounds and state parks alike. Don also highlights the importance of providing a variety of experiences for campers, emphasizing the need to offer activities and amenities that enhance the outdoor experience. Louis showcases Nomadic Resorts’ innovative designs, including the Looper and the Seed Pod. The Looper is a modular, luxury tent that combines comfort with sustainability and mobility, designed to withstand 140 km/h winds and featuring high-quality materials for longevity. The Seed Pod is a tent suspended from trees, designed for nature reserves and environmentally sensitive areas, offering an immersive nature experience with minimal environmental impact. Louis explains that these designs aim to provide the luxury and comfort of a hotel room while maintaining a strong connection to nature. The discussion touches on the balance between providing unique, high-end accommodations and maintaining a natural camping experience. Don mentions the challenges of zoning and capital investment, especially for campgrounds open only part of the year. He highlights the need for campground owners to be creative and innovative in offering new experiences to attract and retain guests. Louis and Brian agree on the growing demand for unique accommodations and the potential for innovation in the RV and camping industry

In a recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, an insightful discussion unfolded featuring Greg Wallman, Owner and President of Space Craft; Devon Wilson, CEO and Founder of RV SnapPad; and Jeff Wertz, Product Business Manager at Spartan RV. The conversation provided a deep dive into the evolving RV and campground industries, touching on various technological advancements, market trends, and the challenges these sectors face in keeping up with rapid growth and innovation. Greg Wallman began by highlighting the importance of technological integration in RVs and campgrounds. He emphasized the growing demand for reliable Wi-Fi and electrical infrastructure to support remote work and leisure activities. Wallman noted that many of their customers now live and work full-time in their RVs, which necessitates advanced networking capabilities. This trend is pushing manufacturers to innovate and adapt quickly to meet the evolving needs of RV users. Jeff Wertz from Spartan RV echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of information technology in the RV industry. He pointed out that even families are increasingly using RVs for extended travel while maintaining their work commitments. Wertz also discussed the growing interest in electric vehicles (EVs) and the integration of lithium batteries to extend boondocking capabilities. This shift towards more sustainable and efficient power solutions is a significant focus for manufacturers and chassis providers like Spartan RV. Devon Wilson of RV SnapPad added that the market is indeed getting younger, with more people embracing the flexibility of remote work. This demographic shift is driving demand for RVs equipped with modern conveniences and smart technologies. Wilson also shared his company’s experience with artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in customer service. He described how RV SnapPad is leveraging AI to handle standard queries and improve customer interactions, though they remain cautious about over-reliance on technology, ensuring the human element remains a core part of their service. The conversation delved into specific innovations in RV design, with Wallman sharing some cutting-edge developments. He mentioned water makers that extract water from the air, advanced blackwater processing systems, and recycling showers designed for long-term sustainability. These innovations are particularly beneficial for boondocking, allowing RV users to stay off-grid for extended periods without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Jeff Wertz elaborated on the role of Spartan RV in supporting these technological advancements. He explained how the company is involved in integrating larger alternators and advanced power systems to support the increased electrical demands of modern RVs. Wertz also touched on the potential future integration of electric vehicle technology into RVs, noting the challenges and opportunities this presents, especially in balancing the need for large water tanks and other amenities with the space and weight constraints of EVs. Brian Searl, the host, steered the conversation towards future-proofing campgrounds. He inquired about the steps campground owners could take to stay ahead of the curve. Wallman and Wertz both agreed that investing in robust electrical infrastructure and reliable information technology is crucial. They emphasized that campers increasingly expect high-quality internet access and ample power for their devices, making these elements essential for attracting and retaining customers. The discussion also touched on the potential impact of AI and robotics on the RV and campground industries. Searl posed a thought-provoking question about the hypothetical scenario of employing robots if they could perform tasks perfectly tailored to the business’s needs. Wallman and Wertz were open to the idea but highlighted the importance of validating the capabilities of such technology. Wilson, on the other hand, expressed a...

In the recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, guest host Scott Knepp fills in for regular host Brian Searl. Scott is joined by esteemed colleagues in the RV and outdoor hospitality industry: Greg Emmert, Senior Strategist at Camp Strategy; Jon Adams, owner of Sandusky Milan RV Park; and Steven Kramer, founder of Campground Support. Scott kicks off the episode by thanking Brian Searl for taking a well-deserved vacation and sets the tone for a fun and informative discussion with the guests. Greg Emmert opens the conversation, jokingly acknowledging Scott as a smarter and better-looking version of Brian. Greg expresses excitement about the upcoming discussion with Jon Adams and Steven Kramer. Scott introduces Jon Adams, owner of Sandusky Milan RV Park, and Steven Kramer, who manages a campground and founded Campground Support, a company providing remote support for campgrounds. Both guests share their backgrounds and express enthusiasm for the conversation. Scott initiates a discussion on mobile applications that have proven beneficial in campground management. Greg shares his experience with the OnX app, which he uses for hunting and identifying property boundaries, and the Merlin Bird ID app, which uses AI to identify bird songs. Steven introduces ClickUp, a productivity app he uses to manage tasks and schedules efficiently. Jon emphasizes the importance of clean restrooms in attracting and retaining guests at his park. He shares how investing in clean and well-maintained facilities has been a key factor in the success of Sandusky Milan RV Park. Greg and Steven echo this sentiment, highlighting that clean restrooms are crucial in the hospitality industry. Scott asks Jon about managing and prioritizing various projects at his park. Jon explains how he addresses existing infrastructure issues first and plans projects during the off-season to avoid disruptions. He shares his approach to budgeting and making improvements that enhance guest satisfaction. The conversation shifts to common challenges in campground management, particularly staffing and managing guest expectations. Steven discusses how Campground Support helps address these challenges by providing remote support for phone calls and reservations, allowing campground staff to focus on on-site tasks. Greg introduces the concept of revenue management and dynamic pricing, emphasizing the importance of adjusting rates based on demand and occupancy levels. Jon and Steven share their experiences with dynamic pricing and how it has helped increase revenue and optimize occupancy at their respective parks. As Memorial Day approaches, the guests discuss their preparations for the peak season. Jon talks about organizing events like food trucks, cornhole, and karaoke to enhance the guest experience. Steven mentions the importance of having adequate staffing and addressing any technical challenges to ensure a smooth operation during the busy season. The episode concludes with each guest sharing what they are excited about in the near future. Scott looks forward to a family cruise and celebrating a 10/10/10 Good Sam rating for a property in Alabama. Greg is eager to go birdwatching, taking advantage of the peak migration season. Steven and his wife are excited about their upcoming vacation, while Jon is preparing to celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary. Scott wraps up the episode by thanking the guests for their insights and contributions. He invites listeners to stay tuned for more episodes of MC Fireside Chats, promising more valuable discussions on outdoor hospitality and campground management. The episode ends with a reminder to email show suggestions and to visit Modern Campground for the latest industry news.

In the recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, sponsored by Horizon Outdoor Hospitality, Mike Harrison stepped in as the guest host. The episode, which focused on glamping, featured discussions with Zach Stoltenberg, Valerie Pifer, Karey McDowell, Peter Rodriguez, and Matt Bragstad. Zach Stoltenberg, from Clockwork emphasizes their role as a one-stop shop for developing outdoor hospitality sites from land acquisition to opening. Peter Rodriguez, president of ekō Solutions LLC, talks about his modular building company in North Alabama, which converts shipping containers into various structures for glamping sites and more. Valerie and Karey represent Progress Park Airstream Resort and Event Center in Louisville, Kentucky. They discuss their mix of glamping and event hosting, including their approach to the Kentucky Derby week, which attracts visitors for a multi-day experience involving local attractions and events. Matt Bragstad Founder and CEO of Your Glamping Adventure passionately talks about his venture into glamping with his wife and friends. They have developed two properties focused on providing a luxurious outdoor experience, emphasizing the rapid growth and success of their business. The guests discuss various challenges and innovations in outdoor hospitality. Matt and Peter share insights on zoning and regulatory hurdles, while Valerie and Karey discuss community engagement and the importance of aligning with local expectations and regulations. Attention to details like guest amenities, including pet-friendly options and wellness activities, is highlighted as essential for enhancing the guest experience. Matt and Peter elaborate on the importance of integrating local services and attractions to enrich the stay. Zach discusses the evolving definitions of glamping and the broad spectrum of accommodations it can encompass, from luxury tents to converted shipping containers. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on guest experience over mere accommodation. Future plans for the guests’ businesses include expanding their offerings and continuing to innovate in creating memorable experiences for visitors. They discuss the potential for new amenities like outdoor kitchens, communal dining areas, and wellness facilities. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the uniqueness of each glamping site and the personalized experiences they offer, which distinguishes them from traditional hotels and other hospitality offerings. The discussion underscores the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the glamping industry.

In the recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, guest host Cara Csizmadia, who is also the president of the Canadian Camping and RVs Association and a former co-host of the show, returns to lead a dynamic discussion. The episode, recorded on May 1, 2024, coincides with the opening day for many campgrounds, adding a festive note to the discussion despite some areas facing challenging weather conditions. Cara opens the episode with a warm welcome and shares her enthusiasm for returning to the show. She introduces the recurring guests: Jeff Hoffman, Scott Bahr, Christine Taylor, and Sandy Ellingson, each an expert in their respective fields within the outdoor hospitality industry. Scott Bahr of Camp Consulting Group, who has over two decades of experience in market research within the industry, discusses the recent trends he has observed. He notes that last year’s disruptions, particularly adverse weather, significantly impacted campground bookings. Scott anticipates a growing trend toward more spontaneous travel among campers, driven by a shift in consumer behavior that favors flexibility and short-notice travel plans. Jeff Hoffman from Camp Strategy talks about the operational and financial aspects of running campgrounds. He highlights a shift back to pre-COVID booking windows, which have narrowed significantly compared to the extended booking periods seen during the pandemic. Jeff reassures campground owners that despite a slower booking pace, the industry remains healthy, and there has been little resistance to recent price increases, suggesting that consumers have adjusted to the new pricing norms. Christine Taylor, who brings a legal perspective from her extensive experience in the camping industry, discusses the crucial role of legal support in managing a campground. She stresses the importance of having robust legal advice to navigate the complex landscape of outdoor hospitality, touching on issues like business fraud and the essential nature of legal services in preventive practices. Sandy Ellingson, enriches the discussion with her insights into dynamic pricing strategies. She explains the financial benefits of minor rate increases and the impact of adaptive cancellation policies on consumer booking behaviors. Sandy’s expertise highlights how slight adjustments in pricing and policies can significantly enhance revenue without alienating guests. Throughout the episode, the conversation delves into innovative solutions being implemented by campgrounds to adapt to changing consumer expectations. This includes flexible cancellation policies and creative approaches to managing long-term stays to avoid legal and operational complications. The panelists discuss the balance between being open to guests and managing the business aspects efficiently to maintain profitability and guest satisfaction. The episode wraps up with Cara thanking the guests for their insights and reflecting on the vibrant discussion that covered both the opportunities and challenges facing the outdoor hospitality industry today. The blend of expert opinions provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies that campground owners can employ to navigate the current market dynamics and legal landscape, ensuring the continued success of their businesses. This rich conversation not only addresses the immediate concerns related to the opening day of the season but also broader trends that could influence the future of camping and outdoor hospitality.