Lori Severson, a seasoned campground owner and the executive director of the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO), is leveraging her extensive experience to contribute to the campground and private park industry through educational seminars.
With a dual role that spans over 27 years at WACO and 13 years at Champions Riverside Resort in Galesville, Wisconsin, Severson’s unique position allows her to share practical insights and strategies aimed at enhancing campground operations.
“I like to give seminars and share some of the best tips I’ve learned along the way with other campground operators,” Severson said, who led a seminar on Wednesday at the Mid-Atlantic Conference and Tradeshow.
Severson’s commitment to the industry extends beyond her immediate responsibilities in Wisconsin. Recognizing the importance of knowledge sharing and community building, she has embarked on a mission to offer seminars across the United States. Her upcoming presentations are scheduled for the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) Spring Meeting and Tradeshow from April 30 to May 1 in Conroe, Texas; and the Campground Owners Expo (COE) from December 4 to December 7 in Branson, Missouri.
The seminar, titled “Campground Victory: Energizing, Empowering, Excelling, and Boosting Your Business,” aims to equip campground operators with the knowledge necessary for success.
“We’re really trying to meet the needs [of] the park owners and operators,” Severson said.
“I’ve learned so much from her. I’ve learned how to manage my employees better. How to deal with customers better. How to plan, organize, and train better,” Sarah Krause, a WACO board member and campground owner, said. She attests to the value of Severson’s seminars.
Severson’s influence extends to improving communication and teamwork among WACO board members, demonstrating the applicability of her teachings across various aspects of campground management.
“The first training session in which I experienced Lori’s skills was so long ago I still had brown hair. Yet, I still remember every bit of it. I was astonished at the lengthy list of tips, insights, and Ah Ha revelations she added to my management tools,” Mary Arlington said, who serves as executive director for campground industry associations in Colorado, South Dakota, and Kansas.
Severson’s efforts are not solely focused on education. The COE, co-organized with industry consultant Bud Styer since 2021, serves as a platform for networking, fun, and the exploration of forming state associations for campground operators in regions without such organizations.
