Outdoor hospitality operators can find lessons in business strategy from unexpected places, according to Damien Harmon, president of Subway North America, who delivered the opening keynote at the Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) on Nov. 10.
Harmon framed his message around the conference theme, “Race to Greatness,” emphasizing that success is built on intentional planning, disciplined execution, and leveraging networks, rather than relying solely on top-down metrics.
“Every single one of us, every single day…acknowledging that you are a race and you’re deciding what goals you wanna apply for that race,” he said.
He used his daughter’s marathon training as an analogy for phased goal setting. Harmon described how she broke her race into distinct segments, started conservatively, and maintained focus throughout.
“She had her starting goal, she had her end goal, she had a midterm goal…she was crystal clear throughout the entire training period what specifically her plan was going to be,” he said.
The lesson for operators: strategic planning in phases can help ensure consistent progress, whether in property development, staffing schedules, or marketing campaigns. Early wins and structured milestones reinforce confidence and clarity across teams.
Harmon also stressed the value of understanding and leveraging strengths, both personal and organizational.
He drew parallels to his work transforming Subway, Best Buy, and Bridgestone retail operations. “Leverage the people. There’s a network, there’s a group around you,” he said, highlighting the importance of team collaboration and external support.
For campground and RV park operators, this approach translates to identifying the unique strengths of each location, staff member, or service offering. Applying these strengths intentionally can elevate guest experiences and operational efficiency.
Persistence and discipline were recurring themes.
Harmon noted that sticking to operational plans, even when initial results are slow, is critical. “Greatness is not only found at the finish line, it’s discovered in every single decision to keep going,” he said. This advice resonates in seasonal industries like outdoor hospitality, where consistent execution underpins long-term success.
Harmon reinforced the value of building a supportive network, noting that even experienced operators can benefit from collaboration. Engaging peers, mentors, or suppliers can uncover solutions and drive innovation.
The keynote underscored that operational success is not only about end results but also about continuous, deliberate action. For private campground owners, RV park managers, and glamping operators, this translates to measured execution in service, amenity offerings, and guest engagement.
OHCE 2025 continues through Nov. 12, offering additional sessions focused on leadership, innovation, and industry best practices. Operators attending the event have opportunities to network with peers, explore products on the expo floor, and gather actionable insights for 2026 planning.
Sponsored by Northgate Resorts, the opening keynote set the tone for a conference emphasizing possibility-driven professional development. Operators left with a framework for thinking of their business as a race: plan strategically, leverage strengths, persist through challenges, and surround themselves with a supportive network.
Modern Campground is on site at OHCE 2025, providing comprehensive coverage of the event for private campground owners, RV park operators, and glamping resort managers.
Featured image by Brian Searl/Modern Campground