In the next insightful session of MC Fireside Chats, we will once again dive into the heart of the RV and outdoor recreation industry. Our host, Brian Searl, will be joined by recurring guests: Phil Ingrassia, President at the National RV Dealers Association (RVDA); Eleanore Hamm, President at RVDA of Canada; Shane Devenish, Executive Director at the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association; and Susan Carpenter of the RV Women’s Alliance.
The episode simply wouldn’t be complete without the indispensable insights of our special guests, Alexander and Steve Rappleyea from Drive Home RV, alongside Greg Peterson of Roam Adventure Trailers.
Alexander and Steve are primed to delve into the intricate workings of their family-run business, shedding light on the multifaceted services they offer.
Simultaneously, Greg Peterson is geared up to give us an inside look into the unique, cutting-edge trailer designs that make Roam Adventure Trailers stand out in
Mark your calendars for an exhilarating episode on July 26th at 2 pm EST, as we bring you a live broadcast on Facebook and YouTube that you won’t want to miss!
Next week’s episode of MC Fireside Chats is sponsored by AccessParks, a leading broadband service provider that caters to hundreds of thousands of guests every month in RV parks, lodges, and some of the largest national parks across the country.
July 19 Episode Recap
On the previous episode of MC Fireside Chats last July 19 presented by Modern Campground host Brian Searl was joined by recurring guests Nate Thompson from KCN Campgrounds and Scott Knepp from IVEE Group and special guests Justin Hogatt and Adam Lendi from Beyonder Camp, Mark Lemoine from St. Joseph KOA Holiday and Shannon Connolly of Roamstead.
The conversation begins with Shannon discussing her experience of acquiring a park and the challenges she faced in the process. She mentions the difficulties of dealing with weather-related delays and other issues such as plumbing and septic problems. She also expresses her envy of the more favorable weather conditions in Tennessee and Michigan for construction.
Mark shares his experience of managing a successful seasonal park. He talks about the work involved in maintaining the park, including physical work, marketing, and financial management. He also mentions how his life situation has changed over time, with his children growing up and leaving home, which has allowed him and his wife to travel and enjoy their time.
Adam and Justin discuss their approach to acquiring parks and managing properties. They mention that they started with cash-flowing properties that would generate income from day one. They also talk about their interest in properties that have potential for expansion and development. They mention that they are now starting to get into the ground-up development space.
The participants discuss the different types of clientele they encounter, from mom-and-pop folks looking to sell or maintain their parks, to institutional investors with large hotel portfolios. They also mention the importance of high-end reporting and sophisticated property management system capabilities for attracting sophisticated clients.
The conversation shifts to the topic of pricing and the balance between raising prices to match the quality of services and amenities provided, and keeping prices affordable for long-time guests. Mark mentions that as the quality of their park improved, they were able to raise prices, and most guests were willing to pay more for the improved experience.
The participants discuss the competition from state and federal parks, which offer amenities similar to those of private parks but at lower prices. They also discuss the demand for high-end amenities and experiences, and the importance of understanding their demographic and the market they want to target.
The video ends with the participants expressing their appreciation for the discussion and looking forward to future events and discussions. They also mention the importance of providing a high-quality experience for their guests, who often stay for several days, and the opportunities and challenges that come with managing a park.
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.
To listen to previous episodes of MC Fireside Chats, visit: https://moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats/
