Get ready to sharpen your financial savvy as Modern Campground invites you to another insightful MC Fireside Chats episode, airing live on August 19, 2026, at 2 PM ET, focusing on the intricate world of business operations and management within outdoor hospitality.
This week’s panel features a stellar lineup of industry experts, including OHI Board Member Jeff Hoffman, RV Industry Advisor Sandy Ellingson, Mike Harrison, Chief Operating Officer of CRR Hospitality, Angele Miller, Co-Founder of Creekside RnR Glamping, Robert Preston, CEO and Founder of Unhitched Management, and Casey Cochran, Vice President of Business Development at Campspot.
We are also excited to welcome John McMahon, Operations Director at Camp Door County RV Resort & Campground as a new member of the regular panel.
Joining this seasoned group is special guest Landan Dory, Founder of North Star Brokerage & Advisory, who is set to unravel the often-misunderstood complexities of campground transactions.
Dory will delve into a critical topic for anyone eyeing an acquisition or preparing to sell: “What Buyers and Sellers Get Wrong About Campground Valuations and Deal Structure.” This discussion is a must-attend for owners looking to maximize their investment or avoid costly missteps in a rapidly evolving market.
To tune in and get your questions answered live, mark your calendars for August 19, 2026, at 2 PM ET, by visiting the official MC Fireside Chats webpage.
Previous Episode Recap: August 12, 2026
The August 12, 2026, episode of MC Fireside Chats tackled the evolving landscape of outdoor hospitality, with host Brian Searl and a panel of experts exploring how macroeconomic trends are reshaping strategies for campground operators. The discussion highlighted a significant shift from transient RV business to extended and seasonal stays, challenging initial investment assumptions made during the post-pandemic boom.
Industry leaders, including Scott Foos of Horizon Outdoors and Tom Mason from IVEE Management, underscored the increasing financial pressures from rising insurance premiums, property taxes, and labor costs. They emphasized the necessity for operators to proactively adapt their accommodation mixes, with Zach Stoltenberg of LJA sharing examples of pivoting from underperforming RV sites to stick-built cabins and glamping units to attract new demographics.
Despite the hurdles, the panel collectively agreed that exceptional customer service and genuine guest connections remain paramount. Jayne Cohen of Campground Consulting Group stressed that even with institutional capital, the industry remains people-centric, while Chris Lambert of Streamside Parks highlighted the importance of staff understanding the ‘why’ behind procedures to enhance guest loyalty. Creative ancillary revenue solutions, such as partnering with local businesses for amenities, were also explored as viable alternatives to large capital expenditures.
Catch up on all the vital insights from last week’s discussion by watching the full episode here: https://moderncampground.com/fireside-chats/mc-fireside-chats-August-12th-2026
About MC Fireside Chats
MC Fireside Chats is a live podcast experience dedicated to the outdoor hospitality and outdoor recreation industries. Hosted by Brian Searl, founder and CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, the show offers engaging discussions with industry leaders, innovators, and experts shaping the future of camping, RVing, glamping, and outdoor recreation.
Airing every Wednesday at 2 p.m. (ET), the show follows a structured weekly theme to deliver deep dives into the most relevant topics:
- Week 1: Industry Trends & Insights
- Week 2: Enhancing Guest Experience
- Week 3: Business Operations & Management
- Week 4: Marketing, AI and Technology
Each episode features a panel of recurring guests, complemented by 1–2 rotating special guests, including industry analysts, campground owners, technology providers, sustainability advocates, and more. Whether exploring the latest market trends or innovative guest experience strategies, MC Fireside Chats delivers thought-provoking insights for professionals and enthusiasts across the outdoor recreation spectrum.
To explore previous episodes of MC Fireside Chats, visit: moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats.