MC Fireside Chats - May 15th, 2024

MC Fireside Chats

In the recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, guest host Scott Knepp fills in for regular host Brian Searl. Scott is joined by esteemed colleagues in the RV and outdoor hospitality industry: Greg Emmert, Senior Strategist at Camp Strategy; Jon Adams, owner of Sandusky Milan RV Park; and Steven Kramer, founder of Campground Support. Scott kicks off the episode by thanking Brian Searl for taking a well-deserved vacation and sets the tone for a fun and informative discussion with the guests. Greg Emmert opens the conversation, jokingly acknowledging Scott as a smarter and better-looking version of Brian. Greg expresses excitement about the upcoming discussion with Jon Adams and Steven Kramer. Scott introduces Jon Adams, owner of Sandusky Milan RV Park, and Steven Kramer, who manages a campground and founded Campground Support, a company providing remote support for campgrounds. Both guests share their backgrounds and express enthusiasm for the conversation. Scott initiates a discussion on mobile applications that have proven beneficial in campground management. Greg shares his experience with the OnX app, which he uses for hunting and identifying property boundaries, and the Merlin Bird ID app, which uses AI to identify bird songs. Steven introduces ClickUp, a productivity app he uses to manage tasks and schedules efficiently. Jon emphasizes the importance of clean restrooms in attracting and retaining guests at his park. He shares how investing in clean and well-maintained facilities has been a key factor in the success of Sandusky Milan RV Park. Greg and Steven echo this sentiment, highlighting that clean restrooms are crucial in the hospitality industry. Scott asks Jon about managing and prioritizing various projects at his park. Jon explains how he addresses existing infrastructure issues first and plans projects during the off-season to avoid disruptions. He shares his approach to budgeting and making improvements that enhance guest satisfaction. The conversation shifts to common challenges in campground management, particularly staffing and managing guest expectations. Steven discusses how Campground Support helps address these challenges by providing remote support for phone calls and reservations, allowing campground staff to focus on on-site tasks. Greg introduces the concept of revenue management and dynamic pricing, emphasizing the importance of adjusting rates based on demand and occupancy levels. Jon and Steven share their experiences with dynamic pricing and how it has helped increase revenue and optimize occupancy at their respective parks. As Memorial Day approaches, the guests discuss their preparations for the peak season. Jon talks about organizing events like food trucks, cornhole, and karaoke to enhance the guest experience. Steven mentions the importance of having adequate staffing and addressing any technical challenges to ensure a smooth operation during the busy season. The episode concludes with each guest sharing what they are excited about in the near future. Scott looks forward to a family cruise and celebrating a 10/10/10 Good Sam rating for a property in Alabama. Greg is eager to go birdwatching, taking advantage of the peak migration season. Steven and his wife are excited about their upcoming vacation, while Jon is preparing to celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary. Scott wraps up the episode by thanking the guests for their insights and contributions. He invites listeners to stay tuned for more episodes of MC Fireside Chats, promising more valuable discussions on outdoor hospitality and campground management. The episode ends with a reminder to email show suggestions and to visit Modern Campground for the latest industry news.