On the March 15th edition of MC Fireside Chats, a panel of industry experts convened to share their experiences and insights. 

The episode, sponsored by Firefly Reservations, featured recurring guests Joe Duemig of App My Community and Scott Knepp of IVEE Group, alongside special guests Thomas Bales and Jake Schmitz, co-founders of Lagos Collective and owners of Swan Lake Resort & Campground.

Host Brian Searl led the discussion with Tom and Jake from Lagos Collective, a group of five young entrepreneurs who unexpectedly found themselves in the campground business after initially planning to build a workshop and cabins on a private plot of land in Minnesota. 

Instead, they purchased Swan Lake Resort and Campground, embracing the challenge of honoring the existing culture and expectations of long-time guests while adapting their original vision to run the campground effectively.

The group candidly shared their journey, emphasizing the importance of due diligence when purchasing a campground, as well as meeting code and regulations to avoid future problems. 

Scott Knepp advised potential campground buyers to pay the right people to do the right things, as expertise is invaluable during the acquisition process.

Reflecting on their growth as campground owners, Tom and Jake expressed their gratitude for the tight-knit community of resort owners and the wealth of resources available. 

Joe Duemig highlighted the value of vendors in providing information and training for their products. At the same time, Scott Knepp stressed the benefits of being part of a portfolio with a third-party manager for access to a shared knowledge base and weekly management calls.

The panel also touched upon the role of technology in the outdoor hospitality industry, particularly the potential benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence. 

While AI can create high-quality content and help users navigate complex systems more easily, the panel acknowledged the potential dangers of AI, such as the spread of fake news or misinformation. The group also explored the evolving landscape of SEO and how it may change over time.

Lastly, the podcast introduced a new initiative called MC Masterclass, aimed at providing free courses and resources for campground owners and operators. This highlights the growing interest in using audio formats like podcasts to share information and learn from industry peers.

With a focus on networking, relationship-building, and technology as a tool to enhance the guest experience, the panel on MC Fireside Chats offered valuable insights for both new and seasoned campground owners.