On the previous episode of MC Fireside Chats last July 19 presented by Modern Campground host Brian Searl was joined by recurring guests Nate Thompson from KCN Campgrounds and Scott Knepp from IVEE Group and special guests Justin Hogatt and Adam Lendi from Beyonder Camp, Mark Lemoine from St. Joseph KOA Holiday and Shannon Connolly of Roamstead.

The conversation begins with Shannon discussing her experience of acquiring a park and the challenges she faced in the process. She mentions the difficulties of dealing with weather-related delays and other issues such as plumbing and septic problems. She also expresses her envy of the more favorable weather conditions in Tennessee and Michigan for construction.

Mark shares his experience of managing a successful seasonal park. He talks about the work involved in maintaining the park, including physical work, marketing, and financial management. He also mentions how his life situation has changed over time, with his children growing up and leaving home, which has allowed him and his wife to travel and enjoy their time.

Adam and Justin discuss their approach to acquiring parks and managing properties. They mention that they started with cash-flowing properties that would generate income from day one. They also talk about their interest in properties that have potential for expansion and development. They mention that they are now starting to get into the ground-up development space.

The participants discuss the different types of clientele they encounter, from mom-and-pop folks looking to sell or maintain their parks, to institutional investors with large hotel portfolios. They also mention the importance of high-end reporting and sophisticated property management system capabilities for attracting sophisticated clients.

The conversation shifts to the topic of pricing and the balance between raising prices to match the quality of services and amenities provided, and keeping prices affordable for long-time guests. Mark mentions that as the quality of their park improved, they were able to raise prices, and most guests were willing to pay more for the improved experience.

The participants discuss the competition from state and federal parks, which offer amenities similar to those of private parks but at lower prices. They also discuss the demand for high-end amenities and experiences, and the importance of understanding their demographic and the market they want to target.

The video ends with the participants expressing their appreciation for the discussion and looking forward to future events and discussions. They also mention the importance of providing a high-quality experience for their guests, who often stay for several days, and the opportunities and challenges that come with managing a park.