Modern Campground invites outdoor hospitality professionals to dive deep into the strategic intricacies of managing and upgrading properties during its next MC Fireside Chats episode, airing Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 2 PM ET, presented by Modern Campground.
This week’s panel, focusing on Business Operations and Management, will feature distinguished recurring guests, including Jeff Hoffman, Board Member of OHI, RV Industry Advisor Sandy Ellingson, Mike Harrison, Chief Operating Officer of CRR Hospitality, Angele Miller, Co-Founder of Creekside RnR Glamping, and Robert Preston, CEO and Founder of Unhitched Management.
Listeners eager to navigate the complexities of property transformation will gain invaluable insights from Jon Thatcher, Owner of Shady Oaks Camping. Thatcher will share his firsthand experience optimizing operational efficiency during significant park renovations, elaborating on practical steps involved in upgrading campsite infrastructure while ensuring a seamless guest experience and fostering strong community ties through periods of change and renewal.
Complementing this practical approach, Wendy Heineke, Principal of Hospitality Across America, will shed light on the critical foundational elements required for successful ventures. Heineke will discuss the nuances of pre-opening operations and developing scalable staffing frameworks, offering actionable takeaways for operators looking to refine their business strategies from the ground up.
Previous Episode Recap
The May 13th, 2026 episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, delved into the evolving landscape of experiential outdoor hospitality, exploring how campground owners and resort developers are crafting unique, immersive guest experiences.
The conversation kicked off with Jeremy Johnson of Kona Hills Campground, who challenged the limitations of current dynamic pricing software, highlighting its inability to account for unique property characteristics and seasonal variations. Zach Stoltenberg from LJA further expanded on pricing complexities, noting the difficulty in applying traditional hotel models to experience-based stays and enthusiastically sharing a unique design project in Utah involving accommodations excavated directly from solid rock, alongside the growing trend toward non-RV glamping units.
Special guest Travis Chambers from OutpostX captivated listeners with his vision for immersive, movie-set micro-resorts designed for complete disconnection, sharing his successful high-occupancy Utah location and future plans for an Avatar-inspired jungle resort in Puerto Rico. He detailed effective marketing through medium-sized travel influencers and addressed the logistical hurdles of remote builds with a mobile construction crew.
Rounding out the discussion, Joy de Vos of Foxtrot Dairy Store and Campground presented her truly unique approach, offering educational stays on her working dairy farm in British Columbia, complete with farm animal interactions, an 1800s-style general store, and even cow milking, driven by her desire to connect city dwellers with agriculture and her long-term goal of a farm-themed glamping village. Ultimately, the panel converged on the idea that the future of outdoor hospitality lies in compelling storytelling and delivering authentic, non-commoditized experiences.
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.