Running a campground is no small feat—there’s always more to learn! Join us this August 20 at 2 PM EST for MC Fireside Chats, where industry pros share their best tips to simplify operations and increase profits. Walk away inspired with fresh ideas to tackle challenges and grow your business.
We’re thrilled to welcome special guests: Rylan Blowers, CEO and Founder of Park Software; Will Kuntzelmann, Manager and Owner of Smugglers Notch RV Village; and Amanda Buswell, Regional General Manager for the Hoyt Family Businesses.
Host Brian Searl will be also joined by our regular industry voices: Jeff Hoffman, Board Member at OHI; Sandy Ellingson, a renowned RV Industry Advisor; Ali Rasmussen, CEO of Spacious Skies Campground; Mike Harrison, Chief Operating Officer at CRR Hospitality; Angele Miller, Co-Founder of Creekside RnR Glamping; and Robert Preston, CEO and Founder of Unhitched Management.
Whether you’re running a small family park or a large-scale resort, this episode will give you actionable ideas to boost efficiency, delight guests, and strengthen your bottom line.
August 13th Episode Recap
In the recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl, kicked off with a slightly chaotic but charming start as Searl navigated a remote studio setup. He introduced the diverse panel of guests, including returning speakers Zach Stoltenberg and Scott Foos, new recurring guest Jayne Cohen, and special guests Brian and Ann Konradi. A late but welcome addition to the chat was Casey Cochran from Campspot. A running joke about the exclusivity of their outdoor hospitality businesses set a friendly, casual tone for the conversation.
The special guests, Brian and Ann Konradi, owners of The Yurtopian, shared the origin story of their two glamping properties in Central Texas. They explained how they began with six Mongolian yurts in 2019 and have since expanded to a second location, running a total of 16 rental yurts and four for personal use. They highlighted the unique, hand-crafted nature of their yurts, which are imported from Mongolia through a company called Groovy Yurts. The conversation delved into the engineering and insulating properties of the traditional Mongolian design, which uses hand-stripped wood and sheep’s wool, making them both beautiful and comfortable in any climate.
Zach Stoltenberg, an associate principal for architecture at LJA, expressed his fascination with the Konradi’s yurts. He emphasized the importance of experience over just accommodation, a recurring theme of the chat. The unique story and cultural connection behind The Yurtopian’s structures, he argued, is what truly creates a memorable stay for guests. He also noted a growing trend among major hotel brands like Marriott and Hilton to partner with outdoor hospitality companies like AutoCamp and Under Canvas, a move he believes is driven by consumers’ desire for unique experiences and the ability to use their brand loyalty points.
Scott Foos, a managing partner with Horizon Outdoor Hospitality, added to this point, noting that glamping and traditional RV resorts appeal to very different guests. He and Jayne Cohen of the Campground Consulting Group both stressed the importance of properties understanding and catering to their specific target market. Jayne gave the example of the Dripping Springs area, which is known for weddings, suggesting that a couples-focused glamping spot like The Yurtopian could be as successful there as a family-centric destination like a Jellystone Park. She also shared her own concerns that an over-reliance on technology and automation could detract from the “human touch” that is essential to the hospitality business.
The conversation then shifted to the topic of customer loyalty. Brian and Ann Konradi explained that their guests are typically couples celebrating special occasions and that a significant portion of their business comes from repeat customers. They employ a simple loyalty strategy by offering a discount code on their digital guidebook for guests to use on their next booking. They also shared a heartwarming story of a couple who got engaged at their property and wrote about it in the guest book, a personal touch that both Brian and Ann cherish.
Casey Cochran from Campspot, the property management software company, addressed the potential for a loyalty program within their platform. He explained that Campspot is currently exploring a loyalty program for 2026, but they are cautious about creating one that would compete with parks for direct bookings. He highlighted the importance of their platform in expanding a park’s audience by helping new guests discover properties. Casey also brought up Campspot’s dashboard tool, which helps parks understand where their guests are coming from and how much they spend, providing valuable insights for targeted marketing.
The discussion circled back to the importance of the return on experience (ROX), a concept Zach introduced from an article by Jeremy Wells with Longitude. This idea, which Scott also contributed to, is an emotional ROI that prioritizes the guest experience over immediate profitability. The group agreed that a good experience is the best way to foster loyalty, and it doesn’t always have to be a complicated points-based program. Small, thoughtful gestures, like a complimentary snack basket or a personal note from the owners, can be just as effective.
In a surprise twist, Brian and Ann Konradi announced they are raffling off their Dripping Springs property through a platform called raffle.com. This unique exit strategy allows them to potentially earn more than they would from a traditional sale and provides an opportunity for someone to get into the glamping business without a major financial investment. The drawing will be held on September 30th, and they shared that they hope the winner will be someone who is passionate about the outdoor hospitality industry.
The chat concluded with final thoughts from the speakers, who all expressed their appreciation for the conversation and the opportunity to connect with each other. They emphasized that while loyalty programs and technology are important, a focus on guest experience and community building remains at the core of the outdoor hospitality business.
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: RV Industry, Outdoor Recreation & Activities
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.