MC Fireside Chats – October 16th, 2024

MC Fireside Chats

In the October 16th, 2024 episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl of Insider Perks opens the show with enthusiasm about upcoming changes to the program in 2025, including new topics and a revamped studio. The episode brings together a group of outdoor hospitality professionals, including campground owners and marketing experts, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the industry. Regular guest Greg Emmert joins the conversation, along with special guests Danny Mulcahy, Stephanie Culver, Tim Dea, and Scott Cleveland, each contributing insights from their unique perspectives. Danny Mulcahy, president of USA Camping Company, shares his journey of growing his business from a single park in Florida to managing 13 parks across various states. His approach centers on providing high-quality outdoor experiences, focusing on properties near lakes, rivers, or other natural attractions. Danny discusses the delicate balance between creating a family-friendly atmosphere while managing the financial demands of running a large portfolio of parks. He emphasizes that guest experience is a priority, which guides decisions like investing in amenities such as viewing decks to enhance visitors’ stays. Tim Dea, of Rainbow Valley Campground in Edmonton, Alberta, explains how his campground operates alongside a ski hill, with the two businesses complementing each other seasonally. Tim notes that while the ski hill generates the bulk of his revenue in winter, the campground and summer operations offer significant potential. He shares the challenges of managing both aspects, particularly as summer draws to a close and preparations for the ski season begin. His focus has been on improving guest amenities, including new glamping domes, which reflect a broader trend in the industry towards offering unique experiences. Stephanie Culver, owner of Buzzworthy Property Management, speaks about her own campground ventures, including a groundbreaking ceremony for a new park in Texas. In addition to owning parks, she manages properties for other owners and stresses the importance of community involvement. She highlights how building strong relationships with local authorities and organizations, such as chambers of commerce, can ease regulatory challenges and foster goodwill. Stephanie also shares a personal story of a failed attempt to develop a park in West Virginia, where regulatory hurdles, including a massive infrastructure cost, ultimately led her to abandon the project. Scott Cleveland, director of marketing for USA Camping Company, discusses the importance of digital marketing in the modern campground industry. He explains how the company uses social media to build brand awareness and engage with potential guests. Scott notes that while it can be difficult to directly measure the return on investment from social media, the increase in organic search traffic and positive guest reviews demonstrate its long-term value. He also underscores the need for campgrounds to develop partnerships with local businesses, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that enhances the overall guest experience. The conversation touches on the regulatory challenges that often accompany campground expansion. Danny reflects on his experience in Oregon, where local regulations delayed a project by nearly three years. This led him to be more cautious about investing in highly regulated areas. Stephanie recounts her own struggles with federal requirements for a park in West Virginia, which ultimately became too costly to proceed. Both agree that working with local authorities early in the process is critical to avoid unforeseen obstacles. Another key theme of the discussion is the balance between providing memorable guest experiences and ensuring profitability. Danny shares how USA Camping Company weighs decisions about capital expenditures, often choosing projects that enhance the overall experience even if they don’t immediately generate revenue. Scott adds that guest satisfaction and word-of-mouth referrals can be just as valuable as direct marketing efforts, as they lead to repeat business and positive reviews. Tim also discusses the complexities of balancing different business operations, noting that while the ski hill brings in winter revenue, the campground requires its own attention and planning. He echoes the need for strategic investments that cater to both short-term visitors and long-term guests, drawing on his experience of operating in a highly seasonal environment. The episode concludes with a light-hearted exchange about hockey rivalries and upcoming industry events, including the OHIV show, where several of the guests plan to attend. Despite the challenges they face, all of the participants express optimism about the future of outdoor hospitality and the opportunities for continued growth and innovation. The conversation showcases the unique perspectives of campground owners and managers, highlighting the importance of balancing guest experience, community engagement, and regulatory compliance in a rapidly evolving industry.