Catch MC Fireside Chats on September 18th, 2024, at 2 PM ET, featuring a dynamic panel of experts discussing the future of camping. From groundbreaking technologies to emerging trends, this episode will explore the shifts transforming campground operations. Get ready to level up your outdoor hospitality game!
Host Brian Searl will also be joined by recurring guests Joe Duemig of App My Community, Greg Emmert from Camp Strategy, Rachel Williamson from KCN Campgrounds, and Tom Mason from IVEE Group. Ali Rasmussen, CEO of Spacious Skies Campgrounds, will join the panel as a new member, bringing her innovative leadership and forward-thinking approach that have redefined campground experiences across the region.
We’re excited to welcome an incredible lineup of special guests, including Sarah Krause, General Manager of Kinney Lake Campground; Peter Bingeman, President of Country Gardens RV Park; John Cascarano, Founder of Blue Metric Group; and Zackry Cooper, Vice President of Investor Relations at Blue Metric Group, who will all be joining the show.
Don’t miss this chance to hear from industry leaders and get valuable insights into the future of camping. Tune in for practical ideas and strategies to improve your campground operations and stay ahead in outdoor hospitality!
September 11th Episode Recap
The September 11th, 2024 episode of MC Fireside Chats was guest-hosted by Greg Emmert, co-founder of Camp Strategy. The panel included industry professionals such as Susan Weems-Smith, Gordon Cook, Tess Leach, Angele Miller, and Chris Jeub, who discussed their unique approaches to outdoor hospitality and glamping.
Greg opened the conversation by introducing each guest, starting with Susan Weems-Smith, who operates a glamping site in Texas. Her property, Sena on Lone Man Creek, offers a luxurious African-inspired experience that allows guests to enjoy Texas wildlife and nature while being surrounded by luxury amenities like an outdoor shower and hot tub.
Next, Gordon Cook shared his family-owned Al’s Highway Cabin and RV Park in Pipe Creek, Texas. His property offers a mix of log cabins, bell tents, and even a school bus converted into a glamping space. Gordon emphasized the laid-back, nature-rich atmosphere that draws guests to his campground, highlighting the exotic wildlife that roams his property, such as axis deer, zebras, and even lemurs.
Angele Miller, co-founder of Creekside RNR Glamping in Atlantic Canada, shared her resort’s emphasis on nature and conservation. With a variety of accommodations, including majestic domes and a lobster fishing boat, Angele’s property offers a Nordic spa and an array of activities like canoeing and paddleboarding. She noted the increasing demand for high-end glamping experiences and emphasized how marketing plays a crucial role in setting expectations for guests.
Chris Jeub, who runs Monument Glamping in Colorado, discussed how he fell into glamping by accident but has since embraced the opportunity to offer what he calls “hassle-free camping.” While initially trying to emulate luxurious glamping experiences, Chris realized his passion was in providing simple, convenient, and enjoyable outdoor experiences. He shared his journey of expanding and legitimizing his glamping operation, emphasizing the importance of offering an experience that resonates personally with him and his wife.
Tess Leach of Ranchlands, a large-scale ranch management operation, brought a unique perspective to the panel. Operating in Wyoming, Ranchlands combines traditional ranching with hospitality, offering immersive nature experiences. Guests stay in safari-style tents on their ranch and can participate in workshops, guided trips, and horsemanship programs. Tess emphasized how ranching is a dying industry, and through hospitality, they aim to preserve it while educating guests on its importance.
Throughout the discussion, a recurring theme was the importance of authenticity and creating experiences that reflect the passions of the property owners. Susan Weems-Smith highlighted how personal connections with guests enhance the experience at her glamping site, while Gordon Cook mentioned how simplicity and genuine hospitality are at the core of his campground’s success. Chris Jeub, in particular, discussed how he and his wife adjusted their offerings to attract the type of guests they enjoy hosting, emphasizing the need for personal alignment in hospitality.
Angele Miller, on the other hand, stressed how marketing and continually elevating the guest experience have been key to her success in attracting a high-end clientele. For her, maintaining the balance between luxurious amenities and natural surroundings is essential in meeting guest expectations.
The conversation also touched on challenges faced by glamping operators, such as permitting and development, as highlighted by Chris Jeub’s experience in solidifying the legal aspects of his property. Tess Leach emphasized the importance of clear pre-arrival communication, especially for guests participating in physically demanding activities on the ranch.
As the episode wrapped up, the panelists discussed their future plans. Tess announced the launch of Ranchlands’ book and nonprofit, while Angele mentioned her plans to franchise Creekside RNR Glamping. Chris shared that he would be attending the upcoming Glamping Show in Colorado, where he would be speaking and sharing insights on the industry. The conversation concluded with a sense of optimism and a shared passion for outdoor hospitality, each operator committed to offering unique, authentic, and memorable experiences for their guests.
About MC Fireside Chats
Hosted by Brian Searl, CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, MC Fireside Chats airs live every Wednesday at 2 p.m. (ET). The show brings together industry experts to discuss the latest in camping, glamping, RVing, and more. For a recap of previous episodes, visit moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats.