Jacob Hagofsky, the new millennial owner of Buttercup Woodlands Campground, represents an exciting shift in campground leadership.
At just 30 years old, Hagofsky purchased the 40-acre, 300-site campground earlier this month. His fresh vision epitomizes the energy of young entrepreneurs entering the outdoor hospitality industry.
Hagofsky’s journey in the world of camping and outdoor hospitality began over a decade ago. As a teenager, he started working at Buttercup, initially handling maintenance tasks.
What began as a summer job evolved into a career, with Hagofsky’s passion for the camping business growing over time. His dedication and hard work eventually led him to the position of campground manager, where he honed his skills in managing daily operations.
After nearly a decade at Buttercup, Hagofsky expanded his horizons by gaining experience at various other campgrounds and RV parks. His goal was always clear: to own a campground. When the opportunity to purchase Buttercup presented itself last year, Hagofsky embraced it, ready to take on the challenge of ownership.
As some established owners retire and sell their properties, a new generation of entrepreneurs with varied backgrounds and approaches is stepping into the picture. This transition of ownership allows for an influx of new perspectives, skills, and experiences while recognizing the value of what earlier generations built.
With this, there could be a balance of innovation with the legacy knowledge and community connections of veteran campground owners. This bridging of old and new looks to propel the industry forward in ways that engage today’s outdoor travelers while upholding timeless hospitality traditions.
As consumer interests evolve, new operators like Hagofsky have unique perspectives that provide valuable insights that existing owners can learn from as well.
By understanding what today’s campers seek in an outdoor experience, veteran and emerging owners alike can identify opportunities to update their businesses. Rather than a divide between old and new, this feedback loop allows campgrounds to organically adapt to changing demands, thereby fostering innovation that builds on proven methods while pioneering new possibilities.
Hagofsky served on the management team for the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA) and was an active member of the OHI Young Professionals (formerly the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds).
Featured image from Buttercup Woodlands Campground.