Episodes

In this episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl is joined by Don Bennett, Jr., owner of Conesus Lake Campground; Melissa Baker, Director of Virginia State Parks; and Louis Thompson, Founder and CEO of Nomadic Resorts. Brian opens by explaining that this episode is unique, allowing for deeper conversations with the guests due to the extra week in the month, which provides an opportunity for a more intimate discussion with fewer guests. Don Bennett discusses his semi-retirement and the operations of his family’s two campgrounds in the Finger Lakes, along with their company, Murch Tourism. They distribute campground brochures and travel guides at consumer shows, with several upcoming events in Allentown, New York, Cleveland, and Hershey. Don also talks about his new role as the Executive Director of the Illinois Campground Association and their legislative goals, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing trends in the RV industry, such as the shift towards smaller units that are easier to manage and place less demand on campground infrastructure. Louis Thompson delves into the potential of 3D printing in building construction, mentioning a project in Texas where the first 3D-printed hotel is being built. He highlights the benefits of 3D printing for creating innovative designs but also expresses concerns about the impact on traditional building trades. Louis describes the trend of van life, where young people retrofit traditional vans into camper vans, and how Nomadic Resorts focuses on creating modular, luxury tented camps that combine comfort with sustainability and mobility. He showcases their innovative designs, including the Looper, a modular, luxury tent that can withstand severe weather conditions. Melissa Baker explains her role as Director of Virginia State Parks, overseeing 42 state parks with various camping accommodations. She discusses the planning process for state parks, which involves public input every ten years to guide the development of camping facilities. Melissa highlights the differences between state and private campgrounds, emphasizing that state parks offer more primitive camping experiences but do have some amenities. She notes the challenges of accommodating larger RVs and the trend towards smaller, more customized units. The conversation shifts to the increasing popularity of smaller RVs and custom-built units. Don confirms this trend, mentioning the customization of Sprinter vans and the conversion of old school buses into mobile tiny homes, known as “schoolies.” He notes that smaller units are easier to manage and place less demand on electricity, which is beneficial for campgrounds and state parks alike. Don also highlights the importance of providing a variety of experiences for campers, emphasizing the need to offer activities and amenities that enhance the outdoor experience. Louis showcases Nomadic Resorts’ innovative designs, including the Looper and the Seed Pod. The Looper is a modular, luxury tent that combines comfort with sustainability and mobility, designed to withstand 140 km/h winds and featuring high-quality materials for longevity. The Seed Pod is a tent suspended from trees, designed for nature reserves and environmentally sensitive areas, offering an immersive nature experience with minimal environmental impact. Louis explains that these designs aim to provide the luxury and comfort of a hotel room while maintaining a strong connection to nature. The discussion touches on the balance between providing unique, high-end accommodations and maintaining a natural camping experience. Don mentions the challenges of zoning and capital investment, especially for campgrounds open only part of the year. He highlights the need for campground owners to be creative and innovative in offering new experiences to attract and retain guests. Louis and Brian agree on the growing demand for unique accommodations and the potential for innovation in the RV and camping industry. Melissa concludes by emphasizing the spectrum of outdoor experiences available to campers and the importance of catering to different preferences. She mentions the role of public input in guiding the development of state parks and the need to adapt to changing trends in the camping industry. Melissa also highlights the importance of collaboration between public and private campgrounds to provide a diverse range of experiences for campers. The episode wraps up with Don and Louis sharing resources and contact information for their respective businesses. Don mentions Murch Tourism and Illinois Go Camping as valuable resources for finding great campgrounds. Louis highlights Nomadic Resorts’ architectural and design services, expressing his interest in continuing the conversation in future episodes. The guests thank Brian for the opportunity to share their insights and look forward to future discussions on the evolving trends in outdoor hospitality and camping.

In a recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, the conversation delved into the intricacies of the outdoor hospitality industry, featuring insights from Jenny McCullough, Director of Brand & Operations at Terramor Outdoor Resort/KOA; Jim Ritchie, CEO and Founder of AEONrv; and Dan and Angela Ugstad, Owners of Cuyuna Range Campground. The discussion spanned a range of topics, from the evolution of camping and glamping experiences to the integration of technology and sustainability in outdoor hospitality. Jenny McCullough shared the vision behind Terramor Outdoor Resort, a venture by KOA aimed at offering an elevated camping experience. She highlighted the importance of connecting people to the outdoors and each other, a mission central to KOA’s ethos. Terramor, embodying the concept of luxury camping, has been successful in attracting both seasoned campers and those new to the outdoor experience, demonstrating the growing appeal of glamping. McCullough emphasized the role of personalized guest experiences and the significance of staff interaction in enhancing the overall stay, underscoring the balance between technology and human touch in creating memorable visits. Jim Ritchie introduced AEONrv, a company focused on redefining the RV experience with high-tech, all-season vehicles designed for off-road and off-grid adventures. Ritchie’s background in Silicon Valley has informed the innovative approach of AEONrv, which aims to cater to a niche market seeking sustainable and durable RV options. He discussed the challenges and opportunities in expanding the RV market, particularly in relation to winter camping, and highlighted the importance of sustainability in the design and operation of RVs. Dan and Angela Ugstad shared their journey of establishing Cuyuna Range Campground, emphasizing their commitment to creating a private and nature-centric camping experience. They discussed the challenges of starting a campground from scratch, including navigating environmental regulations and designing a layout that prioritizes privacy and space. The Ugstads’ approach reflects a growing trend in the industry towards offering more secluded and environmentally integrated camping options, catering to campers seeking a retreat into nature. The conversation also touched on the broader trends in the outdoor hospitality industry, including the rise of winter camping and the increasing demand for sustainable practices. The speakers discussed the potential for campgrounds and RV manufacturers to adapt to these trends, offering insights into how businesses can evolve to meet the changing preferences of campers. The importance of listening to guest feedback and leveraging technology to enhance the camping experience was a recurring theme, highlighting the dynamic nature of the industry and the need for continuous innovation. Sustainability emerged as a key topic, with discussions on how campgrounds and RV companies are incorporating eco-friendly practices into their operations. From planting native trees and supporting local ecosystems to designing energy-efficient RVs, the speakers shared their efforts to minimize the environmental impact of camping and promote conservation. The introduction of honeybee hives at Terramor Outdoor Resort was highlighted as an innovative approach to combining education and conservation, illustrating the potential for campgrounds to contribute to environmental awareness and stewardship. The episode underscored the complexity of balancing technology, sustainability, and personalized guest experiences in the outdoor hospitality industry. The speakers shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in catering to a diverse range of campers, from those seeking luxury and convenience to those desiring a more traditional connection with nature. The discussion reflected the evolving expectations of campers and the ongoing efforts by industry leaders to innovate and adapt to these changes. This episode provided a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of the outdoor hospitality industry. Through the experiences and insights of Jenny McCullough, Jim Ritchie, and Dan and Angela Ugstad, the conversation highlighted the importance of innovation, sustainability, and guest-centric approaches in shaping the future of camping and glamping. As the industry continues to evolve, the commitment to enhancing the outdoor experience while preserving the natural environment remains a central theme, driving the efforts of campgrounds and RV manufacturers alike.

The recent episode of MC Fireside Chats featured a dynamic discussion with several prominent figures in the camping and RV industry for its multisector discussion. Brian Searl, the host, led the conversation with guests Jason Whiting, President of Pentor Recreation; Nicholas Denaro, Owner of The Ridge Campground; and Scott Hubble, CEO of nuCamp RV. The discussion began with Jason Whiting sharing his insights into the current trends and challenges faced by the camping and recreation industry. He highlighted the impact of the pandemic on outdoor recreation and discussed how Pentor Recreation is adapting to the new normal. Nicholas Denaro, who owns The Ridge Campground, shared his experiences in managing a campground during these challenging times. He discussed the importance of creating a safe and enjoyable environment for campers while also addressing the operational challenges posed by the pandemic. Scott Hubble, CEO of nuCamp RV, shared his perspective from the RV manufacturing side of the industry. He discussed the surge in demand for RVs during the pandemic and how nuCamp RV has adjusted its production and operations to meet this demand. He also touched on the challenges faced by RV manufacturers in sourcing materials and components due to supply chain disruptions. Throughout the podcast, the guests shared their thoughts on the future of camping and RV travel. There was a consensus that the popularity of outdoor recreation and RV travel is likely to continue in the post-pandemic world. However, there are challenges that need to be addressed, such as the need for more campgrounds and improved infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of RV travelers. The discussion also touched on the importance of technology in the camping and RV industry. The guests agreed that technology plays a crucial role in improving the camping experience for travelers and in helping campground owners and RV manufacturers to operate more efficiently. Overall, the podcast provided valuable insights into the current state of the camping and RV industry, as well as a look ahead to its future. The guests shared their experiences and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, and offered their thoughts on how campground owners, RV manufacturers, and others in the industry can navigate these challenges and thrive in the post-pandemic world.

On March 29, the latest episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, took a closer look at the outdoor recreation industry, such as the emerging trends in outdoor activities, innovations in the RV industry, and the growing popularity of glamping. This week’s show featured a panel of entrepreneurs from the outdoor recreation industry, including Kay Rodriguez from Outerly, Chandler Cooper from SkillAbove, and Mike and Melissa Crowe from Mitten Getaways Glamping. Kay Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Outerly, shared her company’s mission to help people connect with nature and each other, particularly in underutilized spaces within cities. “75% of people would go outside more frequently if they could easily find someone else to go with,” she said. She said that Outerly addresses this need by offering a platform for users to find outdoor activities and connect with like-minded individuals. Chandler, the founder of SkillAbove, discussed the various tools and consumer products his company has developed to improve the RV experience. Among their innovations is a device that overrides slide-out mechanisms when they get stuck, allowing RV owners to continue their journey. Chandler highlighted that some manufacturers have started to switch to better slide-out mechanisms due to the increase in problems related to them. He also revealed that RvTesters is working on a new slide mechanism to improve RV quality. Mike and Melissa Crowe, founders of Mitten Getaway’s Glamping Company, shared their vision for a year-round glamping resort in Michigan. The resort will feature diverse accommodations and on-site activities, with a focus on meeting specific property criteria such as having a water feature, being secluded, and offering space for on-site activities. The discussion also touched on the integration of technology in the outdoor recreation industry, such as artificial intelligence (AI) for diagnostics and maintenance in RVs. Chandler acknowledged the potential for this technology but emphasized that the RV industry would need to adopt a more unified approach to system communication and diagnostic access, similar to the automotive industry, for this to be feasible. The conversation also explored the possibility of collaboration between the RV rental marketplace Outdoorsy and SkillAbove to offer a “rescue package” for users who rent RVs and may need assistance with maintenance or repairs. This partnership could provide an added layer of support for those venturing into the great outdoors. As people increasingly seek connections with nature and others in the wake of the pandemic, businesses like Outerly, SkillAbove RvTesters, and Mitten Getaways Glamping are poised to lead the way in transforming the outdoor recreation experience. With new technologies and innovative approaches, the future of outdoor adventure promises to be more accessible, enjoyable, and connected than ever before.

In this special episode of MC Fireside Chats, glamping and camping industry experts from all over the world joined us to talk about the challenges they faced in developing their businesses and how they overcame them. This week’s special guests are Olja Nicholl, owner of Serbia’s first-ever glamping resort, Stephanie Bias of Camp Aramoni in Illinois, Italian Architectural Design Manager Giacomo Sanna, and Valentina Kožarić from Croatia. Nicholl shared how they started Lala Vineyard Glamping Resort, Serbia’s first glamping resort. She said she was inspired by United Arab Emirates’ growing glamping industry and decided to bring glamping to Serbia. For Nicholl, bringing glamping to Serbia was not an easy feat. Nestled in a landlocked country, they had to be resourceful and utilize the little natural resources they had to offer unique experiences to guests. Lala Vineyard started small and is now a glamping resort based on sustainability, local experiences, and wine production. She highlighted that developing not just a glamping business but a community that continuously explores tries local, and collaborates with local suppliers is essential. Sanna, an architectural design manager and architecture and parametric design consultant, talked about the struggles of bureaucracy affecting the glamping industry in Italy and how they develop new solutions that can help glamping businesses in the country. Kožarić, a front office manager for a camping and glamping resort in Croatia offering pitches for campers and mobile homes, said the camping and glamping industry in Croatia is growing. Since the company’s inception, they had to offer something different each year. Bias of Camp Aramoni shared how they struggled to define their identity. From glamping to luxury camping and now boutique camping. When asked what the future holds for them, Bias said they aim to create better, unique experiences, add more accommodations, and open year-round.

This week on MC Fireside Chats, presented by Modern Campground, we broadcast a special fifth episode for the month of June. Anything and everything were up for discussion. Plus, we were joined by special guests: Neil Demosthenous and Demos Demosthenous, the founders of SkyWeb gave us some guidance on wireless services and infrastructure at campgrounds. Plus, we welcomed Sandra Fraser, Parks Promotion & Development Officer, Province of Nova Scotia who discussed Camping Nova Scotia’s provincial parks. MC Fireside Chats is a weekly show focused on the latest news, trends, and commentary from the Outdoor Hospitality Industry with hosts Brian Searl and Cara Csizmadia.

In this episode of MC Fireside Chats, presented by Modern Campground, we discussed the then-upcoming fall conferences in the United States and Canada. Lori Severson from the brand new Campground Owners Expo – COE joined us, along with Joss Penny from British Columbia to talk about their respective conferences. Plus, we heard from Joe Duemig, a supplier from App My Community, about vendor interest in these shows, as well as discussed ARVC, KOA, Jellystone, and state conferences like New York and Pennsylvania.