As the curtain falls on 2024, MC Fireside Chats presents its much-anticipated finale episode, offering a compelling exploration of the year’s key developments in Outdoor Hospitality and Recreation. Hosted by Brian Searl, Founder & CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, this episode will bring together leading voices from the industry to share their reflections, insights, and a forward-looking perspective on what lies ahead.
The upcoming finale episode on December 18th, 2024, at 2 PM EST, will feature a remarkable panel of industry leaders, including Sarah Krause from Kinney Lake Campground, Kaylee Pace from Big Tex Campgrounds, Richard Chandler from Glacier Valley Campground, Amir Harpaz from Harp Development, Matt Bragstad from Your Glamping Adventure, Derry Green from The Secret Garden Glamping, Suzanne (Soo) Hammond from Top of the Woods, and Marcia Galvin from the Northeast Campground Association.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from some of the most influential voices in the industry as they reflect on 2024 and look ahead to what’s next. Tune in to the final episode of the year to gain valuable insights and inspiration for the future of Outdoor Hospitality and Recreation!
December 11th Episode Recap
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..
About MC Fireside Chats
MC Fireside Chats is a weekly show devoted to the outdoor hospitality industry. The show is hosted by Brian Searl, the founder and CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground.
Airing live every Wednesday at 2 p.m. (ET), MC Fireside Chats features guests from the camping and RV industry who share their take on the current state of the camping, glamping, and RVing sectors as well as upcoming innovations in RV parks, campgrounds, outdoor resorts, glamping, and the RV industry.
