• Why You Don’t Have to Go It Alone: Fireside Franchise Explained
    Jul 1 2025

    Welcome back to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast! After a short break, we're back — and today we’re diving deep into something we’re truly passionate about: the Fireside RV Rental franchise opportunity.

    Consistency is the key to success in business, and this episode is all about how showing up consistently — in marketing, customer service, and community — sets you apart. Stacy and Garr share why "falling in love with the action, not the result" is the foundation of building a thriving business.

    We unpack:

    • The journey from renting your own RV to managing an entire fleet using other people's RVs

    • The power of community and why doing business alone holds you back

    • What makes the Fireside franchise different: dedicated support, exclusive partnerships, and industry-leading systems

    • The perks: open office hours, Fireside retreats, RV tech support line, marketing assistance, and even a dedicated swag kit!

    • New and upcoming projects, including AI chatbots, advanced software integrations, and RV tech certifications

    • How Fireside helps entrepreneurs create multiple revenue streams and even work toward generational wealth

    Whether you're an RV dealer, campground owner, military veteran, or a husband-wife team looking for your next adventure, Fireside offers a supportive, faith-driven community to help you thrive.

    👉 Ready to learn more? Watch our free franchise webinar at firesidervrentalfranchise.com/webinar.

    💬 Have an idea for next week’s episode? Leave us a comment or message us — we want to know what would be most valuable for you as we enter peak rental season!

    Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you next week!

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    17 mins
  • How To Multiply Yourself With AI
    May 18 2025

    In this power-packed episode of RV Rental Secrets, co-hosts Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon dive deep into how AI is transforming the way RV rental businesses operate. Broadcasting from a wooded campground with sketchy Starlink service, Stacy shares firsthand how she’s replaced entire roles in her business using AI—saving time, improving customer communication, and increasing efficiency.

    Stacy breaks down practical ways RV rental business owners can leverage tools like ChatGPT, custom-trained chatbots, and the new research mode to automate tasks like customer service, itinerary planning, and market research—without sacrificing the personal touch. Garr shares insights from their internal operations and how embracing AI led to reclaiming hours of manual work. They also recommend starting points for those new to AI, including the AI Prompt Whisperer course and the White Beard Strategies community.

    Whether you're skeptical of AI or ready to dive in, this episode offers a balanced, down-to-earth look at how to use AI ethically, efficiently, and profitably in your RV rental business. Don’t miss these tips on how to multiply yourself, save hours each week, and stay ahead of the competition.

    Mentioned Resources:

    • ChatGPT

    • WhiteBeardStrategies.com

    • Facebook group: AI Prompts for Entrepreneurs

    • AI Prompt Whisperer course (beginner-friendly)

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    13 mins
  • Build Your Brand, Grow Your Bookings: Marketing Tips for RV Rental Business Owners
    Apr 20 2025

    In this episode of RV Rental Secrets, your co-hosts Garr and Stacy dive deep into one of their favorite topics—marketing. Broadcasting from the road (literally!), Garr shares his excitement about a lunch meeting with Jen Cavins, co-founder of Outdoorsy, and how strategic partnerships can amplify your brand’s reach.

    The duo unpacks practical strategies for RV rental business owners looking to grow their visibility and bookings—whether you have one camper or fifty. They discuss the importance of building both your personal and business brand, leveraging video content for emotional connection, and using AI tools like Opus Clip and CapCut to turn everyday moments into marketing magic.

    You’ll learn how to:

    • Capture and repurpose video testimonials and renter experiences

    • Turn simple prep routines into valuable content

    • Use YouTube as a long-term marketing engine (and even monetize it!)

    • Build collaborative relationships with local campgrounds, attractions—and even competitors

    Plus, they share how Garr’s 10-year-old is recording his own podcast series (inspiring proof that anyone can start creating content!) and discuss why “documenting the journey” is often better than overthinking your next marketing move.

    Whether you're just getting started or scaling your RV rental business, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build trust, attract more renters, and have fun doing it.

    👉 Don’t forget to join our RV rental group join the conversation with thousands of other RV renter business owners.

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    14 mins
  • Top Takeways from RVDA Conference
    Apr 13 2025

    In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, your host Stacy Maxon shares her biggest takeaways from the RVDA Conference and MBA Rental School she attended this past November. Whether you’re just starting your RV rental business or you’re a seasoned owner looking to grow and improve, this episode is packed with practical strategies, industry insights, and systems you can implement right away.

    Stacy kicks things off with pricing strategies, explaining how dynamic pricing and tiered "menu pricing" packages can help you maximize income while adding perceived value for renters. She then dives into fleet building tips, emphasizing that having 20+ units—especially under consignment—is often the benchmark for earning a full-time income. She shares actionable ideas for building dealership relationships and how to manage underperforming units to keep your fleet strong.

    Key performance indicators (KPIs) are also a focus, with a breakdown of what to track—like utilization, lead conversion rates, and the importance of creating a pro forma to forecast and measure your success. From there, Stacy talks about the power of niching down and defining your ideal customer, whether it’s families, festival-goers, or long-distance adventurers. She offers advice on how to craft marketing and services around that one specific avatar to stand out in a competitive market.

    Complaints are part of the business, and Stacy outlines smart ways to handle them by implementing policies like cost sheets and future-use credits, rather than emotional or case-by-case decisions. She also explores ways to increase cash flow, from accepting full payments upfront to encouraging rebookings using a customer’s security deposit.

    She touches on current RV rental trends like solar panels, king beds, upgraded mattresses, and entertainment systems that renters are looking for. Stacy also cautions against certain features like Murphy beds or cassette toilets that can lead to more customer complaints and repairs.

    Mitigating risk is a major topic in this episode as well. Stacy shares advice on verifying customer IDs and insurance, using GPS tracking legally, and maintaining strict and consistent policies to avoid discrimination or liability claims. She also covers ADA compliance regarding service animals, tips for documenting maintenance, and legal best practices when working with both motorhomes and towables.

    This episode is full of real-world experience and operational tips that can help you build a profitable, professional RV rental business. Whether you’re managing a few units or aiming to scale, Stacy’s insights will help you avoid costly mistakes and set your business up for long-term success.

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    29 mins
  • Back to Basics: Prepping for Peak Season & Maximizing Profits
    Apr 6 2025

    Welcome back to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast! In this episode, your hosts Stacy Maxon and Garr Russell dive into the essentials of prepping your RV rental business for the busy summer season. Whether you're just starting out or already have a growing fleet, this episode is packed with insights to help you simplify operations, increase profitability, and approach the upcoming season with confidence.

    As the weather warms up, it’s time to go back to basics—like de-winterizing your RVs, inspecting seals and roofs, deep cleaning each unit, and addressing any lingering repairs from last season. Stacy shares her own process, with help from her certified RV tech husband, while Garr emphasizes the importance of mindset and preparation. They also explore a key strategy that many owners overlook: setting higher nightly minimums. Instead of filling your calendar with short, two-night bookings that lead to more work and potential for damage, Stacy and Garr explain why focusing on longer stays can actually reduce your workload and boost your revenue.

    Another big focus of this episode is the creative use of add-ons. From chairs and grills to airport pickups, craft kits, and even extra-clean packages, the possibilities for additional income are endless. The duo shares clever ideas for how to test what renters really want—without overspending or overcomplicating your offerings. Garr even throws in out-of-the-box ideas like offering next year’s booking in exchange for a small gift or bonus, such as a pizza night or letting guests keep the camping chairs they rented.

    Finally, Stacy and Garr remind us that every renter is a potential repeat customer—and your goal should be to create an experience that brings them back year after year. From strategic follow-ups to converting platform customers into direct repeat bookings, they offer simple but powerful ways to think long-term. Plus, they give a special shoutout to Katie Reeder in Las Vegas for building a collaborative RV rental community that’s raising the bar for everyone.

    This episode is full of real-life tips, inspiration, and practical strategies that will set you up for a successful 2025 rental season—and beyond. Don’t forget to leave a review, share with a friend in the industry, and let’s continue to grow this amazing RV rental community together!

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    19 mins
  • Shiny Object Syndrome: Why Focus is Your Secret Weapon in Business
    Mar 30 2025

    Welcome back to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast! After a brief hiatus (thanks to a little shiny object syndrome of our own), Stacy and Russell return with a transparent and timely conversation that every entrepreneur needs to hear. In this episode, they dive into the all-too-common struggle of staying focused in a world overflowing with opportunity, distraction, and constant new ideas.

    From chasing new business ideas to building out partially-finished ventures, they share their own recent detours and how they realigned with their core mission: growing the Fireside RV Rental franchise and helping others succeed in RV rentals. They explore the importance of mastering one thing before moving to the next, the power of building systems and teams, and how automation and AI can free up your time without pulling you off-course.

    Stacy and Russell also discuss how your business vision acts like a GPS—without it, you're prone to drifting. You'll hear practical tips on converting leads quickly, crafting marketing messages that paint a vivid picture of the RV lifestyle, and why boring businesses are often the most profitable. Plus, they touch on the dangers of the sunk cost fallacy, the importance of falling in love with the process, and the power of saying "no" to things that don't align with your greater purpose.

    Whether you're in the RV rental space or running any kind of business, this episode will help you stay grounded, focused, and aligned with the vision that got you started in the first place.

    🎧 Tune in and be reminded to keep the main thing… the main thing

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    19 mins
  • Creating a Vivid Vision & Finding Your Why
    Feb 16 2025

    Welcome to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast! I'm your host, Stacy Maxson, and today I’m sharing a special talk from our recent Fireside Retreat all about Vivid Vision—a powerful method for setting and achieving goals for your RV rental business and life.

    We all face struggles in business and life, but taking the time to reflect on your "why" can help you push through challenges. I walk you through the seven layers deep exercise to uncover the true reasons behind your goals and how getting clear on your motivations can bring more purpose and direction to your business.

    From there, I introduce the concept of Vivid Vision, inspired by Cameron Herold’s book, and how crafting a three-year vision with specific details about your personal and professional life can help you stay focused and motivated. Whether it’s growing your RV rental business, achieving financial freedom, or creating more time for your family, your vivid vision serves as your roadmap to success.

    I also discuss the importance of writing your vision as if it’s already happening, incorporating specifics into different areas of your life (business, family, health, lifestyle, and spiritual growth), and how revisiting your vision daily keeps you aligned with your goals. Plus, I share personal experiences of how creating and refining my own vivid vision has helped shape the life I’m living today.

    So grab a notebook, take some time to reflect, and start crafting your vivid vision for the future. And if you’re feeling inspired, I’d love to hear your vision or your "why"—send me a message!

    Thanks for tuning in to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast. See you next week!

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    12 mins
  • The Power of Community, Pain, and Retreats
    Jan 19 2025

    In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, Stacy Maxson and her co-host Garr Russell delve into the transformative power of community, retreats, and how pain can serve as a catalyst for growth. Recorded live during a Fireside Chat in sunny Florida, Stacy and Garr share insights from their upcoming franchise retreat, emphasizing the importance of stepping away from daily operations to connect, collaborate, and recharge.

    Garr discusses how painful situations often drive meaningful action and shares a real-life example of a franchisee navigating last-minute challenges in the RV rental business. Stacy reflects on the unique role retreats play in fostering personal and professional breakthroughs, highlighting the value of masterminding with like-minded entrepreneurs. Together, they explore the theme of "Faith Over Fear," offering encouragement to take forward steps, even in the face of uncertainty.

    Tune in to hear practical tips, inspiring anecdotes, and the undeniable value of leaning into community and faith to grow your RV rental business. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this episode is packed with actionable advice and motivation to keep you moving forward.

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    12 mins