Blacksford RV Rentals, a premium provider of recreational vehicles, has experienced remarkable growth following its acquisition by Cortina Partners on May 1, 2023. With a strategic focus on enhancing its services and expanding its reach, Blacksford has more than tripled its annual revenue and significantly increased its fleet size.
Cortina Partners, known for its diverse investments across various sectors including air medical services and adventure travel, took a majority stake in Blacksford, which has locations in Bozeman, Montana, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
This partnership has propelled Blacksford into new heights of operational success, with revenue soaring from $441,000 to $1.43 million between May 2023 and March 2024. During this period, reservations also saw a steep increase, rising from 77 in the first quarter of 2023 to 177 in the first quarter of 2024, according to a press release.
The leadership of David Greenberg and Becky Goodell, who represent Cortina on Blacksford’s Leadership Team, has been crucial. Both are not only seasoned professionals in the RV travel industry but also co-founders of AdventureGenie, an AI-based RV trip-planning application. Their expertise has undoubtedly contributed to the strategic decisions driving Blacksford’s growth.
In addition to internal growth, Blacksford has recently partnered with RVshare, America’s largest RV rental marketplace. This partnership is anticipated to increase Blacksford’s customer base by at least 50%, enhancing its market presence significantly.
“Being part of RVshare’s platform should expand our potential customer universe by at least 50%,” stated Jeff Onouye, general manager of Blacksford and former vice president of Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
Blacksford is not only expanding its customer base but also its geographic footprint. Bruce Jacobs, another major owner and co-founder, announced plans to open a new Blacksford location in Phoenix, Arizona, in October.
The company also has visions of further expansions into new cities in 2025 and beyond, illustrating its ongoing commitment to growth.
The impact of such expansions is significant, not just for Blacksford but for the RV industry as a whole. According to a 2022 economic impact study by the RV Industry Association, the RV sector contributed approximately $140 billion to the U.S. economy, supported nearly 680,000 jobs, and generated over $13.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.
As Blacksford RV Rentals continues to evolve under the guidance of Cortina Partners, its trajectory highlights the dynamic nature of the RV rental market and the potential for substantial economic contributions through strategic partnerships and expansions.
For more information on Blacksford’s offerings and future plans, visit their website at www.blacksford.com.