Boost Your Business Know-How with MC Fireside Chats! Catch Brian Searl on February 19th, 2025, at 2 PM EST for another thought-provoking episode, presented by Modern Campground.
Brian will be joined by an expert panel of recurring guests, including: Jeff Hoffman, Board Member at OHI, Sandy Ellingson, a renowned RV Industry Advisor, Ali Rasmussen, CEO of Spacious Skies Campground, Chris Jeub, Owner of Monument Glamping, and Mike Harrison, Chief Operating Officer at CRR Hospitality.
In this episode of MC Fireside Chats, we’re diving into Business Operations and Management in campgrounds with special guests Kelly Jones, VP of RV Operations at Great Escapes RV Resorts, and Eric Stumberg, Co-Founder & CEO of TengoInternet.
Kelly Jones will discuss effective strategies for managing RV resort operations, focusing on staffing and guest satisfaction.
Eric Stumberg will explore the impact of reliable internet connectivity on business efficiency and guest retention in outdoor hospitality.
Join us for an insightful discussion on optimizing operations and driving success in the industry!
February 12th Episode Recap
The latest episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, brought together industry experts Kevin Thueson, Zach Stoltenberg, and Garrett Brown for a deep dive into campground development, investment strategies, and guest experience personalization.
Garrett Brown, owner of Cameron Ranch Glamping near Houston, Texas, introduced his property, which consists of four high-end glamping structures. Brown emphasized the importance of working with reputable architects to streamline permitting processes and plan for future expansions effectively. He highlighted the necessity of having a clear guest avatar in mind to tailor experiences that drive repeat bookings and word-of-mouth marketing.
Kevin Thueson, representing KCN Campgrounds, shared his experience in campground investment, managing KOA franchises, and scaling operations across multiple states. He stressed the value of detailed site evaluations before acquisitions and the importance of structured growth plans. Thueson emphasized that purchasing existing campgrounds offers insights into historical performance, ensuring a predictable investment return compared to ground-up developments.
Zach Stoltenberg announced the launch of his new independent outdoor hospitality studio in partnership with LJA, an established engineering firm. This new venture aims to integrate architecture, landscape architecture, and civil engineering to offer comprehensive design solutions for resort and hospitality development. Stoltenberg outlined the significance of a well-planned design process, ensuring long-term feasibility and compliance with zoning and permitting requirements.
The discussion touched on the importance of architects in campground planning, even for seemingly simple projects. Stoltenberg elaborated on the necessity of a phased site plan, future-proofing expansions, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. He emphasized that a structured design approach can prevent costly mistakes and expedite the approval process.
Thueson elaborated on KCN’s process of evaluating campgrounds before acquisition, analyzing guest demographics, and determining necessary infrastructure upgrades. He shared that market research, guest feedback, and competitive analysis play crucial roles in decision-making. Thueson also highlighted the importance of delivering high-quality experiences rather than merely competing on price.
Garrett Brown detailed his approach to guest experience personalization, explaining how Cameron Ranch Glamping incorporates private amenities like hot tubs and saunas to differentiate itself. He shared an innovative method of using AI-generated personalized songs for guests, which has significantly boosted engagement and word-of-mouth marketing. Brown emphasized that minor personal touches create lasting impressions, driving customer loyalty and increasing organic referrals.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the need for operators to understand and adapt to evolving guest expectations. Stoltenberg explained that consistency in branding, messaging, and guest experience builds trust, which is vital for long-term success. He stressed that effective campground development goes beyond physical design—it requires a seamless and engaging customer journey from booking to departure.
The conversation also highlighted the challenges of working with different planning and zoning authorities. Thueson shared his experiences navigating varying regulatory landscapes, emphasizing the importance of hiring professionals who understand local requirements. He reiterated that investing in expert consultation early on can save time and money in the long run.
As the episode wrapped up, the panelists agreed that the outdoor hospitality industry is continuously evolving, requiring operators to stay ahead of market trends and guest expectations. Brian Searl suggested a follow-up discussion on personalized guest experiences in a future episode, inviting Garrett Brown to share more insights on innovative engagement strategies.
This episode underscored the intricate balance between strategic planning, guest experience, and regulatory navigation in the outdoor hospitality industry. By leveraging professional expertise and innovative guest engagement techniques, campground operators can create sustainable and profitable businesses while enhancing the overall camping experience for guests.
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.