In the recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, a new focus for the Week 4 show was introduced, shifting away from the RV industry to concentrate on marketing, AI, and technology. Host Brian Searl, CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, opened the show by explaining this new direction and the reshuffling of some recurring guests. He noted that Phil from RVDA of America and Eleonore from RVDA of Canada would now appear on the Week 1 show, which covers data, trends, and analytics. Greg Emmert, the founder of Verio Outdoor Hospitality Consulting, was introduced by Brian, who joked that he was kept on the panel out of pity. Greg then introduced himself and his consulting firm, which helps clients build their operations “strategically and with soul.” He and Brian also made light of the new website Brian’s team is building for his company. Kurtis Wilkins, a new recurring guest from Rjourney RV Resorts and Advanced Outdoor Management, was welcomed to the show. He clarified that he goes by “Kurtis” professionally to distinguish himself from another “Kurtis” in his office. He explained that his company has 41 branded locations and over 12,000 RV pads, with a focus on front-end sales and the monetization of camping. Sam Dagenhard, the founder and CEO of Campfire Ranch, was introduced as a special guest. He described his company as an outdoor hospitality brand based in Gunnison, Colorado, which is building a collection of properties with a focus on “subscale” locations of 30 rooms or less. He said this allows for a high-touch, intimate experience where they can know guests by name. He also stated that his company offers a range of experiences from camping to backcountry trips, always located near prime outdoor recreation spots. Sam later revealed that he grew up RVing and camping and began putting his ideas on paper after moving to Los Angeles, where he found himself limited by state park and national forest campgrounds. He started organizing large, informal group camping trips to places like Joshua Tree, which inspired him to design an ideal campground for his generation. He took a leap in 2019, leaving his job in sports marketing at Red Bull to find his first location, intending to build a brand that would eventually span coast to coast and offer a unique, one-of-a-kind experience. The discussion began with a topic brought up by Kurtis Wilkins, who spoke about the transition from traditional SEO to what his team is calling “AEO,” or AI Engine Optimization. He noted that 13% of search traffic had recently been diverted away from Google, which is a significant change being discussed in many marketing departments. Brian Searl responded by sharing his belief that traditional SEO is “dead” because as AI gets smarter, it will be impossible to “trick” Google. He argued that the new focus should be on providing valuable content that AI systems can easily understand. He then asked Sam Dagenhard about his recent experience with a website redesign and SEO report. Sam said that in the beginning, SEO was all about inserting keywords into copy, which felt “wonky.” He has now learned that other factors like speed and security also play a role. He explained that his company is still young, and their initial website on Squarespace was a prototype for a 17-site campground where SEO happened “by accident.” As his company has grown, they are now transitioning to a more robust website and are in the copywriting phase. He found it interesting to see how much AI was already picking up about his business during a brand discovery audit. He believes it is crucial for his internal team to write the website copy to maintain the authentic, high-touch relationship they have with guests. Kurtis Wilkins agreed with Sam’s starting point, acknowledging that his experience with SEO 10 years ago was the same. He said that good SEO has always been about providing what Google wants and doing it in a structured way. He emphasized the importance of localized content...

June 18th Episode Recap This episode of MC Fireside Chats, guest-hosted by Mike Harrison of CRR Hospitality, brought together a diverse panel of outdoor hospitality experts to discuss current trends, challenges, opportunities, and the unique aspects of their respective properties. The discussion highlighted the varied experiences within the campground industry, from long-standing family businesses to niche, destination-focused operations, and the ongoing impact of external factors like legislation and economic shifts. Mike Harrison, Chief Operating Officer of CRR Hospitality, introduced himself and his company, which owns, manages, and consults on outdoor hospitality assets. He expressed excitement about guest hosting and noted the show’s weekly rotation of panelists and topics, covering trends, markets, challenges, and opportunities. Jeff Hoffman, a founder of Camp Strategy, a consulting firm for campgrounds, shared his extensive experience, revealing he has owned his current campground since 1968, making him the most tenured in the group. His firm offers services from due diligence and feasibility studies to coaching for profitability. Kaleigh Day, owner of Surf Junction Campground in Ucluelet, BC, described her unique, forested property located near the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Her campground features traditional tenting and partially/full-service sites, along with amenities like hot tubs, a sauna, flush toilets, and hot showers. A key differentiator is her surf school, operating out of the national park, alongside surf rentals, a general store, and a coffee shop. The campground has about 90 campsites across 72 acres, utilizing about 40, keeping the rest wild. Kaleigh explained that Surf Junction’s revenue model relies on a “trifecta” of camping, surf lessons, and surf rentals. Keeping camping prices relatively low helps attract more campers, especially in the shoulder season, with additional revenue generated from add-ons like coffee, merchandise, and crucially, surf lessons and rentals, often bundled in packages. She noted that the surf school builds community and loyalty, with campers returning annually and bringing friends and family. Kaleigh’s family acquired the pre-existing Surf Junction 13 years ago when it was smaller, and they have since expanded the offerings and visibility of the surf school. She highlighted the campground’s destination appeal, being a five-and-a-half-hour journey from Vancouver, involving a ferry and a long, winding road, meaning visitors specifically choose to come to them. Reservations open in January and are typically full for the summer by June. Stephen Saint Fort, owner of Fort Welikit Campground in Custer, South Dakota, described his 22-acre property just outside Custer, near Custer State Park and Black Hills National Forest. His campground has 100 sites, with 71 being RV sites ranging from 30-amp water and electric to 50-amp pull-throughs. A unique feature is that no two sites are alike, and the campground is heavily treed, with deer and turkey frequently seen. Stephen proudly introduced their “Camping barrels,” unique sleeping cabins that look like giant whiskey barrels, special-ordered from Norway. These barrels offer a mattress, electricity, a light, and a fan, positioned close to a bathhouse, and guests bring their own bedding. He decided to offer them as a more affordable, single-night option than full-service cabins, and they have been unexpectedly popular. Jeff Hoffman then discussed a concerning legislative trend in Ohio, where a bill could allow county commissioners to take two-thirds of bed tax revenue for discretionary use, rather than for the visitors bureau. He shared his experience on his county’s visitors bureau, which grew from $250,000 to $4 million in revenue, and now faces demands from the county. Mike Harrison echoed these concerns, citing similar issues in Arizona where a proposed five-point bed tax increase would make a small town’s taxes among the...

On the June 11th, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl of Insider Perks and Modern Campground led a vibrant discussion with a panel of industry experts on the evolving landscape of outdoor hospitality. The conversation delved into crucial topics ranging from the practicalities of developing off-grid glamping sites to the profound importance of curating a transformative guest experience. The episode brought together recurring panelists and special guests, each offering unique perspectives from their respective corners of the industry, creating a comprehensive overview of current trends, challenges, and opportunities. The show welcomed back its knowledgeable recurring guests, who consistently provide valuable insights. Scott Foos, representing Horizon Outdoor Hospitality, a third-party management and consulting firm, offered his analysis on market trends and operational strategies. Zach Stoltenberg of LJA, a multidisciplinary design firm, shared his expertise on the planning and design of outdoor resorts. Joe Duemig, the owner of App My Community, brought his perspective on technology and guest communication within campgrounds and resorts. Joining the panel were two special guests, both operators of distinctive Canadian glamping properties. Elizabeth McIntosh, the co-founder of Back Forty Glamping in Ontario, provided a look into the world of creating a luxury, four-season dome resort from the ground up. Also featured was Sarah Cruse, the General Manager of the remote and exclusive Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island, who shared her passion for creating deeply restorative and nature-based experiences for guests. The conversation kicked off with Zach Stoltenberg identifying a significant industry trend: the increasing client demand for off-grid and remote resort sites. He explained this push is driven by both the economic desire to avoid costly infrastructure development and the experiential appeal of secluded locations. Zach highlighted innovative solutions like those from Electric Outdoors, a company producing self-contained units with their own power and water systems, which could revolutionize how operators utilize undeveloped land and create unique, low-impact accommodations. Responding to the off-grid theme, Sarah Cruse detailed the operations of Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, a property that has successfully operated off-grid for 25 years. She explained how the resort, accessible only by floatplane or boat, is a self-contained village that recently invested in British Columbia’s largest solar panel installation to harness the power of nature. Sarah’s story underscored the immense appeal and viability of such ventures but also served as a caution, noting that the “wild west” era of development has passed and that securing permits for such a project today would be incredibly challenging. Elizabeth McIntosh of Back Forty Glamping echoed the sentiment regarding regulatory hurdles, sharing her own complex journey with permitting in Ontario. She explained how the process of trying to fit their unique dome structures into existing, conventional building codes ultimately shaped their business model, forcing them to pivot to a higher-end, luxury offering to justify the extensive investment in infrastructure like a massive septic system. Her experience illustrated a common struggle for innovators in the glamping space and highlighted how external constraints can define a brand’s niche. A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the art and importance of the guest experience, a topic Sarah Cruse spoke about with palpable passion. She described her role as stewarding a “heart property” where the goal is to facilitate a “transformational state” in guests by disconnecting them from devices and reconnecting them with nature and each other. She emphasized that true hospitality is “heart-forward,” starting with a happy, engaged staff who genuinely care, which in turn creates an authentic and...

In the previous episode of MC Fireside Chats on June 4, 2025, host Brian Searl welcomed guests including recurring contributors Rafael Correa, President and CFO of Blue Water; Simon Neal, founder of Camp Map; and Scott Bahr from Cairn Consulting Group. A special guest for the session was Jayne Cohen, founder and CEO of Campground Consulting Group and its sister company, Glamping Consulting Group, who—despite Brian’s playful jest about her youth—celebrated her 50th year in the industry. The discussion immediately turned to pressing industry concerns when Rafael Correa highlighted a recent Baltimore Sun report about Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania. Camping at this large Army Corps-run recreational lake was reportedly shut down due to staffing cuts linked to “Doge inefficiency efforts.” This closure significantly impacted local businesses, with some experiencing a 40-50% downturn over Memorial Day weekend, underscoring the ripple effects of such decisions on local economies and the potential risks to state and national park accessibility. Scott Bahr elaborated on this, noting an “enthusiasm gap” among potential guests stemming from a “dark cloud” over national parks, citing news of over 5,000 anticipated staff layoffs. He differentiated this concern from purely economic anxieties, explaining that while people understand macroeconomic pressures, they are more deterred by factors that diminish the on-the-ground experience. The perception that staff cuts will lead to a lesser experience weighs more heavily on travel decisions than economic factors alone, creating a cumulative negative effect. The conversation then explored whether park closures and staff shortages or broader economic concerns were more heavily influencing camper behavior. Rafael shared a contrasting experience from Blue Water’s home base in Ocean City, Maryland. Despite initial concerns about federal government layoffs and return-to-office mandates affecting their key feeder markets (DC, Northern Virginia, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh), their properties were experiencing significant growth. He attributed this to the affordability of outdoor hospitality and Ocean City’s appeal as a blue-collar, drive-to beach destination, suggesting that economic uncertainty might be playing to their strengths. Scott Bahr concurred, emphasizing the advantage of drive-to destinations, as people are likely opting for shorter, less uncertain trips. Jayne Cohen, drawing on her extensive industry experience, supported these observations. She noted that during economic uncertainty, travelers prioritize accessible, easily cancellable, and affordable options, bringing back the “150-mile sweet spot” for travel distances, reminiscent of 2019 trends. She asserted that camping remains an affordable vacation choice, often driven more by desired location and activities than by price alone. Campers, she argued, can tailor their trips to their budgets, perhaps by forgoing restaurant meals if campsite fees are higher in a preferred area. The discussion then shifted to the crucial concept of value proposition in camping. Rafael emphasized that it’s not just about affordability but the overall value, including amenities like water parks and organized activities not typically found at budget hotels. Jayne Cohen added that, in her experience, the most expensive sites, like waterfront ones, often book up first precisely because of their perceived value, offering experiences that would be significantly more costly in other accommodation types. Brian Searl underscored the necessity for campgrounds, especially independent ones, to effectively communicate this value through their marketing efforts. Exploring how to communicate this value, Rafael stressed the importance of visual storytelling – high-quality lifestyle photos and videos that allow potential guests to imagine themselves at the property. He also advocated for leveraging micro-influencers and the authenticity of Facebook Lives to connect

On May 28th, 2025, another insightful episode of MC Fireside Chats unfolded, hosted by Brian Searl of Insider Perks and Modern Campground. This particular session was dedicated to the RV industry and outdoor recreation, bringing together a panel of recurring experts and special guests to dissect current trends, share operational experiences, and forecast future developments. Brian warmly welcomed the audience and introduced the day’s lineup, setting the stage for a comprehensive discussion that spanned from high-level industry statistics to on-the-ground business strategies. The episode featured its regular contributors from the RV Dealers Association (RVDA): Eleonore Hamm, President of RVDA of Canada, and Phil Ingrassia, President of RVDA of the US. Eleonore outlined her association’s focus on education, advocacy, and ensuring the profitability and sustainability of Canadian RV dealers. Phil echoed these sentiments, highlighting the US RVDA’s mission to support dealers and collaborate with manufacturers and suppliers on initiatives like the Go RVing program, which promotes the RV lifestyle in their respective countries. Their presence provided a crucial overview of the North American RV market landscape. Joining the seasoned regulars were two special guests making significant waves in their local outdoor hospitality sectors. Ilia Smirnov, owner of Cape Fear River Adventures and the Cozy Heron Glamping Resort, was introduced first. Located near Raleigh, North Carolina, Ilia’s businesses offer a unique blend of river-based activities and distinctive glamping accommodations. Following Ilia, Lisa Green, the General Manager of the Decatur Wheeler Lake KOA Campground in Alabama, shared her experiences. Lisa described her campground as an activity-driven destination, emphasizing her journey into the industry and the strategies she has employed. The discussion kicked off with an industry update from Phil Ingrassia and Eleonore Hamm. Phil shared that April’s wholesale RV shipments in the US saw a pleasant 4% increase compared to the previous year, though he noted that retail sales for April were not yet available and had been lagging slightly, with March retail sales down about 14% year-over-year, indicating an inventory build-up as dealers prepared for the season. He acknowledged that consumer sentiment, influenced by job prospects, the stock market, savings, and gas prices, plays a significant role in RV sales, predicting that the year would likely end up similar to the last. Eleonore Hamm provided the Canadian perspective, noting a similar trend where wholesale shipments outpaced retail sales. She explained that Canadian dealers had been rapidly building inventory due to concerns about tariffs and counter-tariffs, particularly the 25% counter-tariff on US-manufactured motorhomes that came into effect on April 9th, though towables were fortunately excluded. This uncertainty led to a cautious approach from dealers, with new unit sales down about 10% year-over-year by the end of March. Eleonore elaborated on the complexities of these tariffs, linked to HS codes where motorhomes are classified under automotive, and mentioned ongoing advocacy efforts to government to remove motorhomes from this tariff. Both Phil and Eleonore agreed that the late spring and early summer period is crucial for sales volume. Shifting to consumer behavior, Brian Searl inquired about RV ownership and usage. Phil Ingrassia revealed that data on RVs in operation, a proprietary number, has been growing consistently, even through the pandemic and beyond. He estimated that the number of RVs in operation has increased from around 3.5 million in 2010 to over 6.5 million currently. This indicates that people are holding onto their RVs and renewing registrations. He also mentioned that Go RVing research shows many pandemic buyers have developed a fondness for RV travel and intend to continue, debunking some fears of a mass exodus from the lifestyle....

The May 21st, 2025 episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, convened a panel of esteemed recurring and special guests to delve into pivotal topics within the outdoor hospitality and recreation industry. The familiar voices joining the conversation included Mike Harrison of CRR Hospitality, a company focused on owning and operating luxury upscale RV and glamping resorts, as well as providing third-party consulting. Ali Rasmussen, co-founder of Spacious Skies Campgrounds, which owns and operates campgrounds along the East Coast from Maine to Georgia, also returned, expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming season. Rounding out the recurring panel was Jeff Hoffman from Camp Strategy, a consulting firm dedicated to helping campground owners achieve profitability. This episode welcomed two special guests. Heidi Doyle from Utility Supply Group (USG) introduced her company as a key electrical distributor for the outdoor hospitality sector, serving RV parks, campgrounds, marinas, and glamping resorts. Heidi emphasized USG’s commitment to not just supplying products but also ensuring safety and compliance by actively working with the National Electric Code and UL standards for power outlets. The second special guest was Jim Omstrom, co-founder of Open Road Resorts. Jim shared that Open Road Resorts owns a growing portfolio of campgrounds across the United States, including locations near Dallas, Santa Fe, West Yellowstone, and Omaha, with a focus on acquiring and developing more properties. Before diving into the special guest segments, Brian prompted the recurring panelists for any pressing industry topics. Mike Harrison immediately highlighted the continued and accelerating growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the camping sector. He referenced a recent generational camping report indicating that 30% of campers have already used AI for search, a figure expected to rise to 75% in the coming years. Mike stressed the importance for industry players to stay ahead of the curve as generative search and Google’s prioritization of AI are set to revolutionize how campers find and book their stays. Jeff Hoffman echoed Mike’s sentiments, noting the rapid learning capabilities of AI and its daily improvements, particularly when actively trained. Ali Rasmussen added her experience, mentioning a demo she encountered built within ChatGPT that functioned as an itinerary and trip planner for one of their campground locations, showcasing the practical applications of AI for enhancing guest services. Beyond AI, Ali Rasmussen, also a board member of OHI (Outdoor Hospitality Industry), brought a critical legislative issue to the forefront: the Credit Card Competition Act. She explained that this bipartisan bill aims to address the duopoly of Visa and MasterCard, which has led to escalating credit card swipe fees – a significant expense for campground owners, often ranking in their top five operational costs. Ali detailed the unique impact on campgrounds, where multiple transactions (booking, changes, cancellations, re-bookings) can incur non-refundable swipe fees, even when guests are refunded. Mike Harrison and Jeff Hoffman shared that they had previously lobbied in Washington D.C. on this very issue, underscoring its importance. They urged listeners to visit OHI’s social media pages for links to contact their representatives and voice their support for the act, emphasizing that it affects all businesses accepting credit cards, not just RV parks. Heidi Doyle mentioned that for Utility Supply Group’s larger transactions, credit card fees are often passed on to the customer, while smaller orders’ fees are absorbed. Brian acknowledged the pervasiveness of these fees, even with third-party payment systems. The conversation then shifted to a deeper dive with the special guests. Heidi Doyle elaborated on Utility Supply Group’s long-standing presence in the industry, noting their 26-year history initiated by Wade Elliot. She explained USG’s...

In a recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl of Insider Perks kicked off the conversation by lightheartedly addressing his scratchy voice and acknowledging the absence of several regular panelists, including Joe Duemig, who was attending a conference in Australia, Scott Foos, who had a meeting, and Kevin Thueson, who was traveling. Despite these absences, Searl enthusiastically introduced the two featured guests: John Handy, co-owner of Treebones Resort, and Devon Towle, Founder and CEO of Global Glamping, also known as Sir Glamps-a-lot. John Handy shared the 20-year journey of establishing Treebones Resort in Big Sur with his wife Corinne. He recounted the serendipitous rezoning of their oceanfront property to commercial use and their subsequent decade-long exploration of creating a unique lodging experience. Handy explained that the concept of “glamping” didn’t even exist when they began, but their vision was to offer an experience that combined the closeness to nature of camping with the comforts of a hotel, leading them to discover yurts. He highlighted the significant financial risks they undertook with business and construction loans, contrasting their approach with the revenue-sharing models discussed later. Handy emphasized that the success of Treebones lies in its unique location, the dedicated on-site staff, and the array of amenities, including fine dining with a sushi bar and lodge restaurant, massage, yoga, a pool, spa, and jacuzzi, all while maintaining a low carbon footprint. Devon Towle, or Sir Glamps-a-lot, detailed his entrepreneurial journey, starting from a background in architecture and housing consultation to founding Global Glamping. He shared how his initial foray into glamping began with a single yurt on raw land in Montana, which surprisingly led to recognition as one of the best Hipcamps in the state. This experience highlighted the potential of the industry and the need for guidance, prompting him to establish Global Glamping. Towle proudly mentioned the company’s growth to 15 resorts with over a hundred short-term rentals and their specialization in eco-tourism development. He was particularly excited to be calling in from their Guardian Ranch location in San Diego, showcasing 3D-printed tiny houses from Azure Printed Homes, emphasizing the rapid construction and eco-friendly nature of these units made from recycled materials. The conversation then shifted to the topic of bootstrapping versus seeking investment capital. Towle shared his experience of creatively financing his ventures, including a “Glamping Rev Share” model that allowed him to partner with landowners and structure providers. He emphasized that the barrier to entry in glamping can be significantly lower than traditional real estate investments, allowing entrepreneurs to start with modest means and grow creatively. Searl resonated with this, sharing his own experiences of building his business without significant initial investment and highlighting the flexibility and potential rewards of a bootstrapped approach. Both Handy and Towle agreed on the importance of agility and the ability to pivot in business. Handy used a compelling ship analogy, stating that a ship in a harbor is safe but not fulfilling its purpose, and that forward motion is necessary for steering. He shared examples of unforeseen challenges like road closures and economic shifts that require constant adaptation. Towle echoed this, emphasizing that nothing ever goes exactly to plan and that perseverance and the willingness to pivot are crucial for entrepreneurs in the often unpredictable world of eco-tourism and glamping. The discussion touched upon the role of technology in their businesses. Handy highlighted how Starlink internet and advancements in battery storage systems have been game-changers for Treebones, especially given their off-grid location. He also spoke about their adoption of Azure 3D-printed homes as an eco-conscious lodging option.

In a recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl led a comprehensive discussion on the evolving landscape of the outdoor hospitality and recreation industry. The episode featured recurring guests, industry experts who appear regularly on the show, and special guests who brought specific insights to the conversation. Recurring guests Scott Bahr, Simon Neal, and Mark Koep offered their perspectives on current trends and challenges. Mark Koep, in particular, focused on the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for marketing strategies within the industry. He argued that traditional methods, such as relying heavily on Google search, may become less effective as AI-driven search results gain prominence. Brian Searl expanded on this point, noting the increasing sophistication of AI and its capacity to generate synthetic data, which could further disrupt established online business models. The guests emphasized the importance of campground owners and operators staying informed about AI and adapting their strategies to remain competitive. The discussion then shifted to the physical aspects of campgrounds, with Scott Bahr raising questions about the trend towards developing very large RV parks. He expressed concern about their long-term sustainability and whether they might become obsolete like shopping malls. This sparked a broader conversation about the ideal size and design of campgrounds, with panelists weighing the benefits of large-scale operations against the appeal of more intimate, niche-focused experiences. Mary Arlington, a special guest with extensive experience in the campground industry, shared her insights on this topic. She acknowledged the existence of very large parks but emphasized that many successful campgrounds focus on creating a strong sense of community and catering to specific customer needs. Another special guest, Brian Linton, contributed to the discussion by providing a perspective from the glamping sector. He explained that glamping sites, which often involve more luxurious accommodations than traditional camping, can be economically viable even with a smaller number of sites. Linton also highlighted the importance of storytelling and creating engaging content to attract guests. Simon Neal, a recurring guest from Europe, offered a different viewpoint, describing the European campground market and its unique characteristics. He noted the prevalence of seasonal travel and the trend towards investing in high-quality amenities to enhance the guest experience. Neal also discussed the concept of organizing campgrounds into distinct “neighborhoods” to cater to diverse preferences. The episode also explored ancillary revenue streams for campgrounds, such as pet-related services. Guests shared ideas for offering pet amenities and products to enhance the customer experience and generate additional income. Furthermore, the panelists considered the potential impact of emerging technologies like VR and AR on the outdoor hospitality industry. While acknowledging that these technologies are unlikely to replace traditional camping experiences, they discussed their potential for marketing and attracting new customers. Finally, Mary Arlington took the opportunity to introduce “Rivers and Rockies,” a new association serving campground owners in several states. She explained its mission to provide localized support and address the specific needs of park owners in the region. Throughout the episode, host Brian Searl guided the discussion and encouraged the guests to share their expertise and insights. The conversation provided valuable information and perspectives for campground owners, operators, and anyone interested in the future of the outdoor hospitality industry.