In this episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl welcomed Josef Hjelmaker, CEO of Electric Outdoors, Robert Preston, CEO and Founder of Unhitched Management, and Matt and Karina Torres, owners of Bayshore RV Park, to discuss their experiences and insights into the outdoor hospitality and RV park industries. The conversation covered everything from business growth and sustainability to unique guest experiences and the future of the industry. Robert Preston shared his journey from a military pilot to a real estate investor, now owning 14 RV parks through Climb Capital and Unhitched Management. His focus is on fostering a sense of community within his parks, providing spaces where guests can disconnect from daily life and reconnect with nature and each other. He emphasized the importance of safe, clean, and welcoming environments in creating a successful RV park experience. His management philosophy revolves around treating employees well so they, in turn, provide exceptional hospitality to guests. He also spoke about his approach to acquiring and scaling parks, explaining that his growth is based on finding good deals while ensuring that each new acquisition enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of his existing properties. Josef Hjelmaker introduced Electric Outdoors, a company focused on sustainability and innovation in outdoor hospitality. His company develops portable, self-sustaining destination platforms that generate their own energy, manage water, and handle waste independently. The units, designed to be placed in remote or off-grid locations, offer a new way to camp without requiring traditional infrastructure or permits. He explained how these platforms provide flexibility for landowners and park operators, allowing them to create new camping experiences in places previously inaccessible to RVs and traditional campers. The conversation also touched on the growing role of electric vehicles in outdoor recreation, with Josef discussing how his technology supports off-grid stays while accommodating the needs of EV travelers. He highlighted the importance of digital integration, explaining how his platforms use connectivity to enhance user experience through booking, energy management, and local activity recommendations. Matt and Karina Torres shared their experience of acquiring and revitalizing Bayshore RV Park on the Washington coast. Their journey began when Matt, a former framer and general contractor, and Karina, with a background in property management, combined their skills to turn their park into a thriving business. They emphasized the importance of hands-on management, directly engaging with guests to provide personalized service and a welcoming atmosphere. They spoke about their approach to balancing long-term and transient guests, their focus on creating unique experiences such as easy access to crabbing in Willapa Bay, and their strategy for reinvesting profits back into the park. They also discussed their long-term goal of eventually hiring a dedicated manager so they can expand to additional properties while ensuring their guests continue to receive the same level of care and hospitality. The discussion highlighted the changing landscape of the outdoor hospitality industry and the increasing importance of offering more than just a place to stay. The guests agreed that creating meaningful experiences for visitors, whether through high-touch customer service, sustainable accommodations, or fostering a sense of community, is key to long-term success. Brian Searl noted that the industry has thrived for years with minimal effort due to economic conditions, but moving forward, park owners will need to be more intentional about guest experiences to maintain and grow their businesses. He pointed out that travelers are looking for something unique, and parks that can deliver on that will be the ones that stand out in an increasingly competitive market. The conversation also touched on the challenges...

The January 22, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, brought together a panel of experts to discuss the RV industry, glamping, and outdoor hospitality trends. Panelists included Eleonore Hamm, President of RVDA Canada; Shane Devenish, Executive Director of the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association; Angele Miller, Co-Founder of Creekside RNR Glamping; and Greg Emmert, Consultant at Camp Strategy. The conversation delved into consumer trends, industry challenges, and the need for better storytelling in the RV and glamping sectors. Brian introduced the revamped show format and engaged panelists in a light-hearted discussion about the new intro. The group shared their respective roles and perspectives within their industries. Eleonore and Shane highlighted their focus on advocacy, education, and industry collaboration in Canada, while Angele shared her experiences running a glamping resort, emphasizing the importance of meeting rising consumer expectations. Angele discussed the increasing consumer demand for luxury amenities such as saunas and hot tubs at glamping resorts. She noted that guests are seeking highly personalized experiences, making it crucial for operators to continuously innovate. Brian and Greg agreed, noting that the RV park and campground industry is experiencing a similar shift toward high-end, customized experiences. Greg emphasized the importance of campground owners identifying their “why” to stand out in a competitive market. He encouraged operators to focus on unique offerings that resonate with guests. Angele shared how her resort builds customer loyalty by personalizing experiences, such as remembering special occasions, which Greg praised as a model for other operators. Eleonore and Shane spoke about their advocacy efforts in Canada, particularly in light of challenges like pending legislation and economic uncertainty. They highlighted the close collaboration among Canadian RV associations, contrasting it with the larger, more segmented U.S. market. The panel discussed economic concerns, including inflation, exchange rates, and potential tariffs, and their impact on consumer confidence. Shane expressed cautious optimism about RV sales in 2025, while Eleonore noted that affordability remains a key message in their marketing efforts. Angele shared insights on how economic pressures are affecting the glamping industry, with some operators scaling back or closing for the winter. The conversation turned to managing consumer expectations and addressing negative feedback. Shane and Greg discussed the challenges of dealing with complaints, emphasizing the need for empathy and perspective. Angele added that proactive communication and attention to detail can help mitigate dissatisfaction and build loyalty. The group explored trends in RV manufacturing, with Shane noting that consumer demand drives product offerings. Eleonore pointed out that while fifth wheels showed growth in 2024, manufacturers respond to a variety of consumer preferences, from lightweight towables to larger, more luxurious units. Greg drew parallels between the RV industry’s challenges and Angele’s approach to affordability in glamping. While RV manufacturers face logistical and economic hurdles in building affordable units, Angele shared how her resort strikes a balance between luxury and cost-effectiveness to remain competitive. Brian raised concerns about how the RV industry’s positive stories, beyond shipment numbers, are underrepresented in campground-related media. Eleonore and Shane agreed on the need for broader communication, with Eleonore suggesting better integration of resources to share meaningful industry insights. The panelists expressed cautious optimism for 2025. Shane predicted stable demand for RVs, while Angele anticipated steady interest in outdoor experiences, albeit with shifts in consumer spending. The group agreed that adaptability and a focus on consumer needs would be critical for...

The January 15, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats delivered an insightful discussion on the intersection of business operations, innovation, and the future of outdoor hospitality. Hosted by Brian Searl, the session brought together industry experts, including Jeff Hoffman, Brent Parker, Mia Johnson, and Mike Sorensen, each contributing their perspectives on challenges and opportunities within the campground and RV park sectors. Brian began with an acknowledgment of the show’s new format and lightheartedly commented on the chaos of setting up his studio, mentioning his attempts to improve with new additions like a fiddle-leaf fig plant. After briefly introducing the guests, Brian set the tone by highlighting the focus on business operations and management strategies. Jeff Hoffman, a recurring guest and managing member of Camp Strategy, outlined his consultancy’s role in helping campgrounds achieve profitability. Jeff emphasized that 2025 would be critical for the industry, predicting shifts in revenue streams, camper demand, and operational challenges. He highlighted trends in RV sales, noting a rise in used sales, which he attributed to tighter budgets among consumers. Jeff called for the panel’s input on how demand and revenue might evolve, especially concerning long-term and transient site utilization. Mia Johnson, a seasoned campground broker and attorney, drew from her extensive experience, explaining that in regions like the Northeast, demand for seasonal sites remains robust due to stringent regulations limiting new campground development. She elaborated on her legal and brokerage background, sharing insights into helping campground owners grow revenue and value. Mia noted a growing trend of investors entering the industry, which she believes will reshape ownership and operations in the next decade. She also stressed the importance of long-term strategic planning and leveraging software tools to optimize business decisions. Brent Parker, owner of Open Campground, shared his unique perspective as a provider of cloud-based property management software. Brent explained his observations of campgrounds transitioning from short-term to long-term stays, driven by the desire for stable income and reduced operational complexity. He described how his software allows parks to recoup costs efficiently, emphasizing flexibility in pricing models to accommodate different campground setups. His insights on the benefits of passing certain costs directly to guests resonated with the discussion. Mike Sorensen, CEO of Wild Energy, addressed the critical issue of utility metering, particularly electricity. He explained how metering benefits both campground owners and guests, providing accurate billing and reducing overall consumption. Mike shared a case study highlighting the financial advantages of implementing utility meters and the importance of regulatory compliance in billing practices. He also hinted at future developments, such as water metering, to help campgrounds manage expenses and conserve resources. The discussion delved into evolving trends in campground operations, particularly the growing divide between transient and long-term stays. Mia emphasized that conversion between these models requires thoughtful planning, considering factors like existing reservations and market demand. Jeff and Brent discussed how operational costs and revenue potential influence these decisions, highlighting the complexities of balancing profitability with guest satisfaction. Brian skillfully facilitated the conversation, adding humor and insights while steering the discussion toward critical industry topics like leveraging technology for efficiency and meeting changing consumer expectations. As the session wound down, the panelists reflected on opportunities for innovation, such as utilizing AI, modernizing Wi-Fi infrastructure, and enhancing guest experiences through smarter operational strategies. The episode concluded with a lighthearted

The January 8, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, kicked off the year with an engaging discussion on enhancing guest experiences in outdoor hospitality. The panel, featuring Kevin Thueson, Joe Duemig, Casey Cochran, Scott Foos, Brittany Mathis, and Lelah Campo, explored themes of personalization, technology, and operational excellence, offering diverse strategies for meeting evolving camper expectations. Kevin Thueson opened by sharing his journey from owning a single KOA franchise to managing nine properties under KCN Campground. He highlighted the importance of continuously revisiting guest touchpoints, adapting to changing expectations, and empowering his team to deliver memorable experiences. Kevin emphasized that scalability doesn’t mean sacrificing personalization; instead, it requires a disciplined focus on guest feedback and operational refinement. Joe Duemig, CEO of AppMyCommunity, underscored the value of technology in enhancing guest engagement. He encouraged campground owners to regularly test their booking systems to identify and eliminate friction points. Joe shared how individualized mobile apps can simplify communication and streamline operations, making it easier for campgrounds to deliver tailored experiences while maintaining efficiency. Casey Cochran from Camp Spot brought a data-driven perspective to the discussion. He explained how tracking booking trends and guest feedback can inform operational decisions, from optimizing site descriptions to improving conversion rates. Casey stressed the need to balance automation with personal touches, noting that technology should serve as a tool to enhance—not replace—the human element of hospitality. Personalization was a key theme explored by Scott Foos, CEO of Horizon Outdoor Hospitality. He described how small gestures, such as staff helping with a campfire or offering personalized greetings, can create meaningful connections with guests. Scott emphasized that these interactions are often what set exceptional campgrounds apart, fostering loyalty in an industry increasingly driven by guest expectations. Lelah Campo, owner of two campgrounds in Connecticut, shared her approach to blending automation with human touch. She described the use of tools like pre-arrival texts to proactively address guest concerns and policies like travel credits to manage cancellations. Lelah stressed that technology must enhance both the guest and staff experience, noting the importance of regularly evaluating systems to maintain relevance. Brittany Mathis echoed the importance of thoughtfulness in building guest loyalty, sharing how small, creative gestures like personalized stickers for returning guests can have a significant impact. She also highlighted the importance of empowering her team to handle difficult interactions while ensuring they feel supported. Brittany’s focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere has helped her campground stand out as a community-oriented destination. The panel collectively addressed the growing challenges of cancellations and demanding guests, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and setting realistic policies. Kevin and Scott pointed out that empowering staff to handle conflicts creatively not only strengthens guest relationships but also boosts team morale, fostering a positive and resilient work culture. Data and feedback emerged as essential tools for continuous improvement. The panelists advocated for tracking booking and cancellation trends while leveraging post-stay surveys to refine operations. Scott highlighted the importance of combining data-driven insights with real-world interactions to ensure that feedback translates into actionable enhancements. The discussion concluded with a vision for the future of outdoor hospitality, where personalization becomes the cornerstone of guest experiences. The panel envisioned a world where AI-driven insights and tailored communication redefine service standards,...

The final 2024 episode of MC Fireside Chats brought together a dynamic panel of outdoor hospitality experts reflecting on the year’s achievements and sharing strategies for 2025. Hosted by Brian Searl, the panel included Sarah Krause, Kaylee Pace, Richard Chandler, Amir Harpaz, Matt Bragstad, Derry Green, Suzanne (Soo) Hammond, and Marcia Galvin. A key theme throughout the discussion was guest experience enhancements through storytelling, community involvement, and innovative offerings. The conversation opened with Matt Bragstad of Your Glamping Adventure, who celebrated a remarkable year marked by quadrupled accommodations. He attributed this success to social media influence and tourism partnerships, expressing confidence in glamping’s growing popularity heading into 2025. Building on the theme of adapting to market changes, Amir Harpaz from Harp Development predicted a shift toward long-term camping due to affordability concerns and evolving traveler preferences. He emphasized balancing park amenities with revenue strategies to remain competitive. Richard Chandler, owner of Glacier Valley Campground, echoed this sentiment by highlighting his campground’s success through themed events and a boosted social media presence. His proactive approach to extending the camping season and maximizing midweek occupancy became a focal point of his 2025 goals. Infrastructure upgrades and customer service also played a key role in operational success. Sarah Krause of Kinney Lake Campground shared her experience of a strong comeback year, supported by a top-tier team and planned improvements such as a customer-focused reservation system and a new campground management course. The discussion then turned to innovation through storytelling. Derry Green of The Secret Garden Glamping in the UK credited social media-driven storytelling for transforming his business, fueled by an investment from a reality TV pitch. He hinted at ambitious international expansion plans. Expanding on the power of authentic experiences, Suzanne (Soo) Hammond of Top of the Woods in Wales highlighted her eco-friendly corporate retreats and upcoming ventures, including a nature spa and a YouTube cooking channel. She underscored the value of local partnerships in shaping guest experiences. Kaylee Pace of Big Tex Campgrounds offered a personal perspective on managing business growth while raising a family. Hiring a manager allowed her to focus on strategic improvements inspired by industry conferences, setting a strong foundation for future growth. The discussion concluded with Marcia Galvin, President of the Northeast Campground Association, emphasizing nostalgia-driven family camping at Normandy Farms. Looking ahead, she stressed the importance of staff retention and meaningful guest engagement as essential pillars of long-term success. The conversation concluded with a collective focus on improving guest experiences through thoughtful design, innovative amenities, and personalized marketing strategies. The panel’s shared enthusiasm underscored a promising future for the outdoor hospitality industry in 2025.

In this episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl, welcomed special guests, Laura Mooney, co-owner of Mohican Treehouse Resort in Ohio, and Bret Bullock, owner of Pine Harbor Campground in Wisconsin to discuss the evolving dynamics of outdoor hospitality, marketing innovations, and adapting to industry changes. Laura Mooney opened by describing her journey from purchasing rural property to establishing Mohican Treehouse Resort. Initially intended for family recreation, the property evolved into a premier treehouse getaway featuring custom-built accommodations. She highlighted the importance of creative marketing and leveraging media exposure, including being featured on the TV show Treehouse Masters. Bret Bullock shared his experience running Pine Harbor Campground, a seasonal operation with a focus on traditional camping. He discussed the initial challenges of entering the campground business, noting how the COVID-19 pandemic spurred unexpected growth as people sought outdoor escapes. Despite the plateau in recent years, he emphasized the significance of consistent upgrades and targeted advertising. The conversation shifted toward marketing strategies. Mooney emphasized the value of branding and search engine optimization (SEO), sharing how her team maintains an aggressive digital marketing strategy despite seasonal slowdowns. Bullock expressed interest in enhancing visibility through advertising and collaborating with local organizations to drive traffic. Both guests reflected on the financial challenges of operating in a weather-dependent industry. Bullock recounted how severe flooding in neighboring Minnesota disrupted his campground’s summer season. Mooney described how shifting economic conditions required constant monitoring of bookings and pricing adjustments. A key highlight was the discussion on ancillary revenue streams. Mooney detailed creative add-ons at her resort, such as private chef services, romance packages, and pet-friendly accommodations. Bullock acknowledged the potential in diversifying revenue but expressed a desire to maintain the campground’s traditional, rustic atmosphere. The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as a central theme. Host Brian Searl demonstrated how AI tools like ChatGPT can assist campground owners in marketing, business planning, and operational efficiency. Mooney shared how AI had already influenced her business, including naming new accommodations, while Bullock expressed enthusiasm about exploring AI-driven marketing solutions. The group explored the future of SEO and online visibility, emphasizing the growing role of voice search and AI-powered platforms. Mooney voiced concerns about adapting to emerging digital search trends, noting that staying competitive now requires more proactive digital engagement than ever before. The episode concluded with actionable advice for outdoor hospitality entrepreneurs: invest in marketing, embrace technological advancements, and continuously adapt to changing customer expectations. Both Mooney and Bullock underscored the importance of building a strong brand and creating memorable guest experiences. Overall, the December 11, 2024 episode of MC Fireside Chats provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing outdoor hospitality operators today, with practical lessons on resilience, innovation, and future-focused business strategies.

The December 4, 2024, episode of MC Fireside Chats explored the challenges and opportunities facing the outdoor hospitality industry as it prepares for 2025. Hosted by Brian Searl, the episode featured insights from Scott Bahr, Sandy Ellingson, and Mike Harrison, who collectively emphasized the importance of adapting to shifting consumer behaviors and market conditions. The conversation highlighted key trends, including the decline of traditional camping formats and the growing popularity of alternatives such as glamping and car camping. These shifts underscore the need for campground operators to rethink their strategies and embrace innovation. Scott Bahr opened the discussion with a deep dive into the data, revealing a consistent decline in traditional RVing and camping interest over the past two years. While some markets remain stable, the overall outlook for 2025 suggests a continued downturn. Bahr highlighted how economic factors such as inflation and interest rates, combined with an oversupply of parks, have amplified the challenges. He urged park owners to analyze consumer trends closely and adapt their offerings to align with changing preferences. Mike Harrison provided additional insights into the economic pressures facing the industry. He pointed out that developers and operators who overpaid for properties during the pandemic-driven boom are now grappling with underperformance. Harrison stressed the importance of realism and adaptability, particularly for operators looking to succeed in a more competitive and cost-conscious environment. He advocated for a focus on long-term stays and building partnerships with niche markets, such as traveling professionals and seasonal workers, to ensure stable revenue streams. The conversation also explored how marketing practices must evolve. Harrison and Searl both emphasized the need to leverage technology, including AI, SEO, and social media, to reach broader audiences. However, they noted that traditional strategies, such as Google Ads, are losing relevance as consumer behavior shifts toward more sophisticated, AI-driven search tools. Searl warned that operators must prepare for a rapidly changing digital landscape where visibility will depend on enhanced online presence and targeted messaging. Sandy Ellingson highlighted the need for inclusivity and accessibility in the industry. She stressed that attracting younger generations and first-time campers requires rethinking the entry points into outdoor hospitality. Ellingson pointed out that many parks have eliminated tent camping in favor of higher-revenue RV sites, which may exclude potential new campers. She encouraged operators to embrace emerging trends like car camping and package experiences to draw in diverse demographics, particularly Gen Z, who seek authentic and community-oriented experiences. Another key theme was the role of technology in driving efficiency and enhancing guest experiences. Ellingson noted that while larger resorts are already utilizing advanced tools, smaller mom-and-pop parks lag behind. She urged operators to invest in solutions that streamline operations, improve booking processes, and create memorable guest experiences. These innovations, she argued, are crucial for staying competitive in an increasingly sophisticated market. The group also addressed the need for campground operators to focus on experiential offerings. As consumers prioritize experiences over traditional camping, operators must create multifaceted revenue streams. Examples included food and beverage services, guided outdoor activities, and immersive amenities that add value to a guest’s stay. This shift could also help parks generate loyalty, as guests are more likely to return when they feel they are receiving a comprehensive experience. Bahr and Harrison acknowledged the resistance to change among some operators, particularly smaller park owners. This reluctance to adopt modern practices, such as embracing alternative...

This week’s episode of MC Fireside Chats focused on the evolving RV and campground industries, with host Brian Searl joined by Eleanor Hamm of RVDA of Canada, Shane Devenish of CRVA, and special guest Daniel Clarkson from Navico Connect. The conversation highlighted current trends, key takeaways from recent conferences, and how technology is shaping the future of outdoor hospitality. The episode opened with reflections on the RVDA convention, where Eleanor and Shane discussed key sessions on artificial intelligence, fixed operations, and dealer education. Eleanor noted the success of the Dealer of the Year award and the value of networking opportunities, which remain central to the event’s impact. Shane added that while attendance from Canadian delegates was slightly down, the overall participation increased, signaling strong industry engagement. Daniel Clarkson introduced Navico Connect’s integrated RV systems, which enhance the user experience by automating functions, improving safety, and streamlining power management. He explained how Navico’s lithium-ion battery technology reduces risks and supports off-grid adventures, while features like power regulation prevent electrical issues at campgrounds. Daniel emphasized the systems’ adaptability for both OEMs and aftermarket installations. Upcoming regulatory changes, such as the 2026 mandate for ground fault disruptors, were discussed in detail. Drawing from Navico’s expertise in marine systems, Daniel explained how the transition would improve safety without causing major disruptions. The team explored how campground owners could benefit from these innovations while preparing their infrastructure to accommodate the new standards. Eleanor shared her experience attending the National Campground Conference, emphasizing the openness and collaboration among campground operators. She highlighted the willingness of industry veterans to share knowledge and support newcomers, a dynamic that stood out compared to other trade shows. Shane echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of creating spaces for campground owners to connect and learn from one another. The panel also discussed opportunities to expand and improve conferences, such as increasing representation from additional provinces and building out trade show components. Suggestions included hosting more association-specific events and integrating educational sessions more strategically to keep attendees engaged with exhibitors. Daniel detailed Navico’s commitment to enhancing the RV experience with features like app-based control of lighting, heating, and energy consumption. He also discussed the potential for Navico’s systems in the RV rental market, highlighting tools that allow fleet owners to monitor and manage vehicles remotely. These innovations align with a growing industry focus on convenience and efficiency. The conversation reinforced the role of technology in improving customer satisfaction, with Daniel addressing practical concerns like range anxiety and campground power compatibility. Navico’s ability to integrate proven marine technologies into RV systems has positioned the company as a leader in advancing RV functionality and safety. As the episode closed, the guests reflected on the unique dynamics of the RV and campground industries, emphasizing the importance of education, innovation, and community in driving growth. The panel expressed gratitude for the opportunities these conferences and discussions provide, especially in fostering collaboration across sectors. This episode marked the conclusion of the podcast’s RV industry-focused series. The team expressed appreciation for their partnerships and looked ahead to the evolving landscape of outdoor hospitality with optimism and enthusiasm.